|
|
All Designers
|
Individuality, beauty, imagination and quality define each lovingly crafted Agatha&Me piece. Nature’s art is our freedom…exquisite, seductive, timeless and evolving. Its diversity inspires us, its colors, forms and textures energize our spirit. Agatha&Me is proudly 100% Australian owned, designed and handcrafted featuring Australia’s finest quality leathers and luxurious fabrics. Striking barramundi, sensual kangaroo, bold crocodile, arresting emu and elegant merino wool, reinvented into objects of style and ultimate desire.
|
|
|
|
|
A onetime dancer with the Paris Opera, Alexandra Neel worked for Celine, Balenciaga and Nina Ricci before launching her own collection in the Spring 2001. Neel showed up on the international radar with her very first collection- particularly a seductive, somewhat kinky pump with corset lacing up the heel.
The glamorous mood of the moment is very apparent in Neel’s Fall collection, which she describes as inspired by “women’s curves, low-cut bodices, and suggestive, see-through underwear.”
“I like the women who wear my shoes to be strong-minded, very feminine and very attractive, like the character of Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct,” says the designer.
Rather than being influenced by one designer, Neel cites her fellow dancers as a constant inspiration. “They bring out the emotions and feelings of their public while working in silence to try to attain perfection,” she says. And all in toe shoes no less.
|
|
|
| | |
|
The Aquatalia group was established in 1989, with offices in Montreal, New York and Milan. With over 35 years of industry experience, Marvin K. oversees the family run company and its design and production teams. Aquatalia uses the best of soft, supple Italian leathers and materials and is manufactured using the highest quality standards. Aquatalia
footwear successfully combines the most advanced technology available today with a distinct urban sophistication. The footwear is engineered
to perform in a variety of conditions, at home, at play or while traveling around the world.
|
|
|
|
|
In 1847 Carl Franz Bally and his brother take over their father’s elastic ribbon and suspender manufacture.
In 1850 Carl Franz Bally leaves for a business trip to Paris where he is seduced by a pair of subtly decorated slippers. Snapping up several styles for his wife, he returns to Switzerland, calls in local cobblers and begins pioneering the techniques of early shoe manufacturing.
In 1851 Carl together with his brother founds “Bally & Co.”, in the Swill hamlet of Schonenwerd he employs German shoemakers who work in the basement of his own home, the “Haus zum Felsgarten”. The first shoes are still entirely handmade but their manufacture is based on the division of labor.
In 1907 Bally becomes a publicly held company- C.F. Bally Co. Ltd.- with a majority stake still in family hands.
The First World War does not even halt Bally’s growth as business relations are kept with both warfaring and neutral countries. Bally delivers military shoes to the French, German and Swiss armies.
The Bally family’s love of shoes and their feeling for quality and tradition led them to begin collecting shoes in the 19th century. In 1942 C.F. Bally’s home “zum Felsgarten” is transformed into the Bally Shoe Museum. It holds one of the largest collections of its kind in the world, documenting the social and cultural history of footwear from antiquity to the present day.
In 2001 Bally celebrates its 150th anniversary.
Today Bally is centralized at the company’s Caslano-based headquarters on Switzerland’s Lake Lugano, close to Milan. Bally’s new CEO Marco Franchini assembles an international design team to completely redefine the company’s image and product offering.
|
|
|
|
|
“As a designer whose strength is minimal architectural classic lines- my response to the purity of the intrinsic beauty of braided stainless steel was immediate and total. Standards for excellence include achieving total comfort while maintaining exquisite craftsmanship. The finished result is both timeless and maintenance free.”
|
|
|
|
|
Mark Badgley and James Mischka have been hailed by Vogue as one of the "Top 10 American Designers" and as the darlings of the Hollywood set. The design duo has made their mark over the past two decades with glamorous, stylish and wearable evening wear and accessories.
Mark and James joined forces in 1988 and since the beginning Badgley Mischka has captivated the fashion press and prominent retailers around the world with their sophisticated style that caters to a younger, more modern couture customer, without forsaking women of any age. They have remained true to this design philosophy and the consistent integrity of their collections have pushed them to the forefront of fashion. Their timeless designs appeal to a range of fashionable women, including celebrities Madonna, Catherine Zeta Jones, Jennifer Lopez, Sharon Stone, Jennifer Garner, Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet, Sarah Jessica Parker and Ashley Judd.
"Our style harks back to the glamorous Hollywood of the Forties" say Mischka. “The Badgley Mischka signature style is simple, streamlined and thoroughly elegant. Their designs are constructed of the finest fabrics and superior craftsmanship. Always, there is an element of interest, either in the silhouette or with luxurious detail.”
"One zip and you're glamorous!" say Badgley. “We like to keep things effortless.
It's fabulous if you can spend hours getting ready, but a woman should also be able to bring a dress to work and change there for an evening out."
There is a unique synergy between the talented duo, who met while studying at Parsons School of Design in New York. They share a similar aesthetic about clothes and the way people dress. Both men spent time designing for leading names - Badgley for Donna Karan; Mischka, the men's collection for WilliWear WilliSmith- before starting their own line.
In 1993, after a quick rise to fashion fame, Badgley Mischka sought financial support to elevate their company to the next level. Escada joined forces with the then up-and-coming design team. With solid financial backing, Badgley Mischka built a successful global business and expanded into new areas.
In October 2004, Candies, Inc., now, Iconix Brand Group, Inc., acquired the Badgley Mischka brand from its parent company, Escada. With Iconix’s financial and marketing support, the Badgley Mischka label has flourished to the next level and become a true lifestyle brand.
|
|
|
| |
|
“My shoes are like Hitchcock Blondes. Like Kim Novak and Grace Kelly, they have a distinct look that is mysterious and beautiful. Each one tells a story.”
With a collection of vintage designer shoes that once exceeded 500 pairs, Bettye Muller is what you might call a connoisseur-though, she didn’t always realize footwear was her specialty. Instead, the New York native spent her early years as a competitive ice skater and ice skating instructor, graphic designer, shoe model and soap opera actress before she created her first small collection of shoes while living in London in the 1980s.
When she returned to the States, Bettye designed shoes for labels including L’Emporio, Henri Bendel, Marc Jacobs for Perry Ellis and Linda Allard for Ellen Tracy before taking her professional pursuits to Miami, Florida. She eventually returned home to New York City and in 1998 started her own label with just a handful of styles.
Today, her 60-piece collection is informed by her love of luxurious fabrics as well as experiences living abroad in England and Italy and travels to the Far East, and Central and South America. In styles that range from 50s modern to 20s and earlier, Bettye Muller shoes are vivid, pretty and as colorful as the designer’s own eclectic tastes. Inspired by vintage fabrics and intense colors such as Bordeaux, granny apple and tangerine, her collections create a sense of fantasy for women.
Since they’re unique, her shoes aren’t for just anyone. Attracting modern-day blondes from Katie Couric to Cameron Diaz, the artist says that women who wear her pieces must have a great sense of self and a distinct style. “They’re a statement, so the women who wear them must be very confident,” she says.
|
|
|
|
|
For thirty years I have owned my own company designing fabulous shoes for fabulous women. I understand women because I am a woman. Women love shoes and I love to make women happy. My shoes have done so well over the years because I know what women want and what men dream about.
I was born in a very small, conservative New England town and I always thought, ‘if I looked the same as everyone else, what young man would ever notice me?’ I use this same thinking for my shoes and handbags. I design to attract attention with color, style and always just a touch of leopard- for a bit of wildness in all of us.
Men appreciate me more than I do them. And the men I appreciate the most are the ones that work for me. Of course, being spoiled with extravagance always elicits a positive reaction. I believe in women being spoiled, but it is usually less costly emotionally when we spoil ourselves.
I live happily in Spain, in another very small town, although I am a real New Yorker at heart. In Spain, I am ten minutes from the Meditteranean, but I never see I as I design 1500 shoes and handbags every year which keeps me busy. I have been designing so long, you can find me under ‘Vintage’ on Ebay, and so have recently begun to create my own museum of Beverly Feldman shoes. This way, when I am 120 years old, I can auction off my shoe collection with my jewelry-and start all over again.
You will find me to be a Fashion Victim First Class, shamelessly indulging in endless compulsion to buy lipstick, always in pursuit of the perfect color. I love dancing and shopping, but most of all, I love dressing up to be noticed. I believe women over 50 years should not be married. The circle of life is to get married, get divorced, and then have a great time with younger lovers That is how to stay young and gorgeous.
|
|
|
| |
|
Brian Atwood created his eponymous shoe label in 2001, and has since developed a devoted, cult like following for his brazenly sexy footwear. The most elaborate skins, the longest fringe, the most glittering jewels go into his fantasy footwear, which brilliantly illustrates that over the top truly begins at the bottom.
The designer’s love affair with fashion began at an early age, growing up in a suburb outside of Chicago where he spent hours as a boy gazing at his mother’s impeccable wardrobe. That early aesthetic flair was developed at Southern Illinois University where he studied art and architecture, and eventually led him to New York where he studied clothing design at FIT. Right after graduating, he hopped on a plane and began a fruitful modeling career on the catwalks of Europe, but all the while, he was filling the margins of his notebooks with doodles of four inch stilettos- a clear indication of his career to come.
In 1996, Atwood became the first American to be hired by Gianni Versace in Milan. Starting with designing the company’s Versus line, he was soon promoted to chief designer for women’s accessories, where he mastered the intricacies of shoe design and high quality production and succeeded in creating an incredible brand identity for the accessories division.
In 2001, Atwood finally took the plunge and created his own label dedicated to stop and stare, drop-dead-gorgeous shoes made from the best manufacture in Italy. Atwood, clearly an ally for all females, is singularly devoted to making women’s bottom halves look long, lean and fabulously sexy-and he does it all without killing their feet.
|
|
|
| |
|
The Casadei label is synonymous with an all-Italian success story, marked by the milestones achieved thanks to great passion and self-sacrafice. The brand can trace its origins back to 1958, when Quinto and Flora Casadei founded the first embroyo of what was to grow into a company of international reach.
And we have to admit that the instinct of Quinto Casadei-currently at the helm of the footwear and leather facilities of S. Mauro Pascoli in the province of Cesena-proved strong and true when he decided to expand his small crafts laboratory, in which he had already started to produce dream footwear of sophisticated workmanship for a select female clientele. This entrepreneurial and pioneering spirit enabled Casadei to go beyond Italy’s borders in long-ago 1964, already revealing the chief talent of the men of this company: a vocation for anticipating styles and trends. Today, Cesare is the driver and creative spirit of Casadei, in addition to refereeing its commercial outcomes, while his cousin Fabrizio manages the maisons financial affairs. Season after season, Cesare is the sharp and sensitive interpreter of a tenacious and unflagging impulse to continuously renew and reinvent the family company’s DNA, crafting shoes for women who the creative and business mind defines as original, self-confident and alternative, yet always and inevitably the stars of the galaxy in which they live.
|
|
|
|
|
Paris based Cecile & Jeanne has been in existence for over 15 years and has become an international leader in the costume jewelry market. Headquartered in the heart of Paris in one of the few remaining traditional French jewelry workshops, our collections are sold in over 20 boutiques in prime locations around the world: Paris, US, Israel and Japan, as well as in several Parisian department stores.
Cecile & Jeanne began as an inspiration of jewelry designer Jeanne and her brother Elie, created to honor their mother, Cecile—hence, the name Cecile & Jeanne.
Jeanne, our designer and co-founder, is an exceptional creative talent who liberally chooses the materials she works with, including metal, stones, enamel, resin and leather in crafting her wonderfully diverse collections. Cecile & Jeanne blends fashion with tradition, thus achieving a striking harmony between today’s fashions and fabrics with the French touch.
|
|
|
| | | |
|
Always an imaginative sketcher, Claudia was fascinated by the world of style. Coming from a family that has for decades produced shoes for various levels, it was inevitable that she could find herself involved in the creation of footwear. It was not a surprise when, at nineteen, Claudia enrolled into the Fashion Institute of Design in Florence and started working in her father’s factory. She spent sometime learning the meaning of high quality, craftmenship and the importance of searching and using the finest materials.
She began traveling the fashion capitals of the world to open new markets and new customers. Thank to the experienced marketing management of Roberto Angiolucci, who later became her husband, the line was placed in the best stores and department stores in Japan,Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan and the finest boutiques in the Far East. By the time the product was established in Asia, Claudia and Roberto started working on their biggest challenge, The American Market.
After numerous seasons of Hotel fairs in the United States, Claudia and Roberto decide to open a permanent showroom in the fashionable 57th street in New York. In a relatively short period of time, given the originality and variety of delayers and fabrication, the Claudia Ciuti line has reached substantial market recognition in the fashion footwear industry.
|
|
|
|
|
“I design the shoes to meet the hidden urges of strong women with particular tastes and extraordinary desires,” says Claudio Merazzi, Owner and creative director behind the luxury Italian shoe line CLAUDIO MERAZZI srl based in Milan, Italy. “A world traveler who collects the things that offers inspiration whether implied within the material or simply hosts an exotic appeal. His discriminating style transforms the female of his vision into a very desirable woman, “With a sensual fusion, the feet are hugged by his shoes, like a lover to a soul mate. It is all about seduction.”
After concluding his artistic studies at the University in 1980 he spent his early years collaborating with the globally known footwear designers Bruno Magli and Casadei. He was closely followed by the leading international journalist for his unique approach to the construction and use of shapes with an unusual combination of colors and materials. He launched his own company in 1988 already garnishing global attention and establishing his signature of one of kind accessories. The world of footwear took instant notice and since then he has been the Creative Director of the most globally prestigious brands such as Gruppo Escada, Oscar de la Renta and Cesare Paciotti to name just a few.
These contemporary designs are assembled by time honored workmanship and make each piece unique, modern, elegant and timeless. Each piece is individually handcrafted and sewn by small teams of artisans whose expertise and experience is unsurpassed. No detail is overlooked in the creation of these footwear collections. The insides are finished with the same care taken over the exterior, the collections are truly exclusive and luxurious pieces that one must wear to fully appreciate. The collections are produced exclusively in Italy.
|
|
|
|
|
Illinois native Cynthia Rowley was seven when she constructed her first dress, and as a senior at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, she sold her first collection of eight pieces to a number of New York’s most prominent stores. Over the years, Cynthia Rowley Collection has grown to included women’s wear, shoes, handbags, eyewear, belts, dishes, baby gear, leg wear, umbrella, color cosmetics and signature fragrance.
A broad range of targeted media has aided Cynthia Rowley in reaching a large national and international audience. She has been featured on Entertainment Tonight”, “access Hollywood, MTV, VH1 and E! Cynthia has also appeared on “The Late Show with David Letterman”, “OPRAH”, and “Good Morning America”, “Today” and “The View”. Editorial coverage consists of features in print media such as Vogue, Elle, W, Harpers Bazaar, Glamour, and The New York Times. In addition, publications such as In Style, Elle Décor, French Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and The New York Times frequently showcase the unique interior of her homes.
|
|
|
| |
|
For over eight decades, Delman has appealed to women who appreciate chic, luxurious shoes that are timeless, yet innovative. Stories and anecdotes about Delman shoes are passed down from generation to generation, providing memorable fashion moments for women of all ages. Numerous twentieth century style icons including Katherine Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Marlene Dietrich and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis all donned Delman shoes. Continuing this legacy, new generations of women, including some of today’s top trendsetters, are wearing Delman shoes for their fit, exceptional quality and fashion forward designs. Delman presents a wide range of styles, including an array of toe characters,colors,shapes, and heel heights, ensuring that their is a variation of shoes for every type of women Delman presents sleek silhouettes that are ornately finished and can be found everywhere from Park Avenue to Palm Beach. Traditional and classic styles are updated with contemporary flair and crafted in the finest Italian leathers-soft, supple patents, and refined suede’s and kidskins. From elegant flats to the sexiest sandals, Delman shoes are guaranteed to make women feel fabulous.
|
|
|
| |
|
Double Happiness was started in August 2001, by Stephanie Wells and her Sister, Alisa Rottenberg.
The literal meaning of “Double Happiness” is marriage in Chinese culture. In our world, it’s a type of karmic chain reaction. It also represents the two sisters that started the line.
All Double Happiness jewelry pieces are designed by Stephanie Wells, and manufactured by hand in her Southern California studio. Inspired by her travels abroad, aesthetics from past time periods, her daily life, etc…every season she finds new inspirations for her line. Although the inspiration and collections change, her style and technique remain
distinctly her own.
Double Happiness’s PR office comes out of New York City. It is here that the company stays on target with trend reports, editorial needs, and the New York fashion scene.
What began with a pair of sisters working out of a garage has grown into a wonderful studio/office with a magnificent team of women as unique and well crafted as the jewelry they make.
Through beautiful aesthetics combined with the insider’s knowledge to the fashion industry, Double Happiness continues to grow and evolve into an important player in today’s design world.
Enjoy the collections!
|
|
|
|
|
After building brand images for some of the world’s most successful companies, Elizabeth Brady is passionate about building another brand-her own. With a crystal clear vision of how beautiful shoes move the emotions of women, Elizabeth uses her experience and her innate creative talents and inventions to launch her premiere line of couture women’s shoes.
As the latest in three generations of shoe artisans, entering the world of footwear was Elizabeth Brady’s destiny. Elizabeth describes her style as expressive, exuberant and rhythmic; with a design philosophy to take clean modern shapes and add softly executed details to make the overall shoe and expression of creativity and spirit.
Elizabeth Brady shoes are handmade in Italy using only the finest Italian leathers fashioned in soft nappa and suede’s, along with textural reptiles and sleek patents.
|
|
|
| |
|
Monica Favela George launched the Gigi Favela footwear brand in August 2006, debuting the collection at WSA. She is inspired by American pop sorbet, travel, fashion, amazing materials from all over the world and the challenge of mixing the right elements to create delectable shoes with an edge. A woman designing for women, Favela George takes the wear ability factor and seriously; her shoes feature extra padding in the ball of the foot and sexy yet manageable heel heights. Her daughter, Gigi, is her biggest fan.
|
|
|
|
|
It is the 1980’s. Giuseppe Zanotti, in its early twenties, treasuring the time-honored and deep-rooted shoemaking tradition of his native town, San Mauro Pascoli, starts his career as a fashion designer and collaborates with internationally renowned companies for several years. His initial focuses are line, style and research.
In mid-nineties, eager to fully express his ideas and not to have to come to terms with his talent, starts a project called Vicini. Together, with his wife Cinzia, he takes over a company that can manufacture the shoes of his dreams, a company that might be defined as an “expanded style office,” because he would make style, research, creativity its beating heart. Giuseppe Zanotti has been the first actor of this story, a grown-up young man who followed his dream and has never stops, and never stops looking for something more.
|
|
|
| | | |
|
HOLLYWOULD Creative Director, Holly Dunlap, began her career in fashion at the young age of 17 as an intern for New York socialite designer Carolyne Roehm. Although Holly was not paid a salary during her time with Carolyne, she was paid in the next best thing: Manolo Blahnik Shoes. From her first pair of Manolos, Holly realized that there were shoes and there were shoes.
From New York, Holly attended design school in Paris and landed her dream job working for Christian Lacroix upon graduation. Next, Holly moved to London to work for her long-time fashion idol, Vivienne Westwood. Although Holly loved working for Vivienne, she missed the beaches of sunny Los Angeles and headed back to the states to work as a celebrity stylist.
After a year in LA, Holly was ready to move back to the design side of fashion and took the position of Head Designer for Lilly Pulitzer. Having grown up in head-to-toe Lilly, Holly jumped at the chance to revitalize the line, which had been defunct for almost 15 years. She revamped the entire line of Lilly silhouettes and the classic Lilly prints. Her modern, preppy designs made Lilly Pulitzer a household name once again and, after a few years at Lilly, Holly felt she was ready to start her own line.
Though Holly’s experience was in print and apparel design, her love for shoes make them the obvious choice for her own label. She named her brand “HOLLYWOULD” because she knew her main source of inspiration would come from the glamorous lifestyle of Hollywood, CA. Holly currently splits her time between her apartment and office in New York City and her design studio in Florence, Italy.
|
|
|
| | | |
|
Well-traveled, culturally and artistically inclined, Fiona Kotur Marin often finds inspiration from exotic lands with rich histories of textile and ornament. She first introduced a limited edition of brocade clutches under her maiden name, KOTUR, in 2004, inspired by the remarkable discovery of a trove of vintage brocades that was originally woven for European Couture houses in 1960s and 1970s.
The Collection has since expanded to include chic, sought-after minaudieres, evening clutches and day handbags, and is characterized by refined and timeless design, and infused with unique and unexpected details- Mandarin locks, art deco references, rich embellishment and exotic skins-Italian python, Ayers Snakeskin, Shagreen and Tortoise penshell finishes.
Fiona often names the bags after her muses-her friends as inspirations: accomplished, bright, worldly and chic: women just like her, full of passion, vitality, and individuality. The bags have become favorites among Hollywood celebrities like Sienna Miller, Mischa Barton, Drew Barrymore, Gwyneth Paltrow to name a few.
|
|
|
| |
|
Lambertson Truex, the American accessories house is known for its contemporary vision of classic luxury. Founded seven years ago by Richard Lambertson and John Truex; the company has quickly established itself as one of fashion’s most original and authentic new voices. Its innovative designs, exquisite materials, and commitment to fine craftsmanship, have won a loyal following in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Following the success of its bags, Lambertson Truex launched a women’s shoe line; followed by small leather goods, gloves, and belts for women. Due in part to the success of the women’s line, the company then launched the same assortment of accessories for men.
|
|
|
| |
|
Lily Holt comes from the exploration of different cultures and natural materials. It is the mixture of exotic elements and contemporary design that makes our creations unique. Lily Holt is rare and distinguished; she is part of the spirit of the time.
|
|
|
|
|
At Loeffler Randall, we have set out to create the perfect lifestyle assortment for the chic, modern girl-from the ultimate ballerina flat to the perfect luxury satchel- and starting this season- to the most beautiful winter coat. When we began in, our idea was to design the kind of shoes that we wanted to wear but couldn’t find- shoes that possess an understated elegance, are well cute and undeniably feminine. Handbags were added to the assortment for fall 2006. The Loeffler Randall brand embodies luxury and downtown elegance and has been enthusiastically embraced by the fashion press and the finest retailers in the world.
|
|
|
|
|
Laurie Kaufmann’s passion for accessories started long before she began Lorelei Design, at age 3, Laurie’s grandmother observed her fierce determination to carry abound several bags at once and nicknamed her-prophetically, as it turns out- the “bag lady”. While growing up in Rye, New York, and studying at Princeton, Laurie worked in boutiques but her career in fashion started at Calvin Klein. Inspired by her introduction to the industry, Laurie started to make a few bags that were an instant hit; Lorelei had begun before she knew what happened.
After spending a year at the Fashion Institute of Technology studying Accessories Design, Laurie’s final collection inspired by Janis Joplin, won the award for “best handbag design” in the student design contest sponsored by Elle magazine and the accessories council and was featured on Macy’s jumbo tron in a FIT promotion.
The name Lorelei- the siren- captures the essence of her philosophy: fashion can make you ridiculous; style, which is yours to control individuality, can make you attractive, a near siren, as eloquently put by poet Marianne Moore. Accessories are the exclamation points distinguishing and punctuating personal style; they can capture the spirit or mood of a moment, express an attitude or confidence in your personality, and communicate the details that might otherwise be left unsaid.
Inspired by the strong stylish women that surround her and the dynamic rhythms of New York City, Laurie creates collections that combine smart sophisticated shapes and striking prints and leathers. From beach totes to hobos to evening clutches, Laurie’s distinctive sense of design, craft, and human touches every piece in the Lorelei collection.
|
|
|
|
|
Luciano Padovan which is located in the historically important shoe making area just outside Milan has achieved in the last few years a significant international following for its shoes and handbags. This is in large part due to its capacity to always offer products with a strong fashion identity in line with the times, and also due to the workmanship and creative drive of being entirely made in Italy. It is fundamental for the company to be constantly evolving, always giving new reasons to the consumer to remain faithful to the brand and to our most prestigious and demanding clients, offering the highest quality by mixing tradition, research and innovation with a strong attention to detail like the use of the most refined and exclusive material. Next to the shoes are the handbags, which as an important compliment to the clothing, and seeing the growing demand from its clients, Luciano Padovan will be making further investments into the handbag production capacity.
|
|
|
|
|
It was 1880 when Sam Lucchese Sr. and his brothers came to America. Although he was just 17 years old, the young Lucchese had a vision for a career in bootmaking, and just three years later, the Lucchese Boot Company was established in San Antonio, Texas. The family’s dedication to its craft and to its customers kept the business alive, but wasn’t until the early 1960’s that the founder’s grandson and namesake decided to rethink the art of bootmaking. The world has never known a finer, more knowledgeable craftsman than Sam Lucchese Jr. His fascination with and comprehensive understanding of the human foot inspired him to create a boot design that fits like no other and although Lucchese’s one-of-a-kind boot last design required more skill and time, the result was a boot that quickly gained national recognition for its extraordinary comfort, quality, and fit.
|
|
|
|
|
Lulu Guinness famous for exquisite, witty handbags and accessories launched her company in 1989 and instantly became a must in every fashion aficionado’s international address book. Wild praise in the fashion media paved the way for the world of Lulu Guinness. Her unique creations are sold in department and specialty stores worldwide.
Despite her success Lulu has never had any formal design training apart from her year’s foundation course at art school and long standing passion for design and fashion. In 1989, she left her job in video production to start her own business from the basement of her house in west London. Lulu’s strong personal style and her original ideas have played a huge part in her success in her design inspiration springing partly from retro glamour and partly from modern chic.
In 2001 a shoe collection was launched to compliment the handbags range. Produced in collaboration with the British shoes company Lambert Howarth they are, like the handbags, both stylish and famine but with an element of humor. For Lulu this development satisfied a long time ambition, “I have always wanted to design shoes. For years people have been asking me when they could get a pair of Lulu Guiness shoes”: The range includes glamorous high heels, flats and boots.
|
|
|
|
|
A native of southern California, Marnie Cooper’s family is comprised of a balanced combination entrepreneurs as well as artists. Having grown up in the beauty business, Marnie often refers to herself as a beauty brat. After studying design in San Diego, Marnie went on to work in sales for her parent’s hair care distribution company. Eventually, she became a valued independent manufacturer’s rep for other lines.
After moving to Texas, the openness and natural beauty of the hill voluntary allowed generations of creativity to emerge. Needing a cute bag to carry her products in to a fashion show, Marnie decided to try her hand at sewing. She found a ladybug ribbon that she used as a label to give it a designer look, and the first Marnie Bug was born. The end result was rave reviews and enough orders to convince her to give up the beauty industry and focus on fashion instead.
When it comes to her deigns, Marnie feels it’s important that they not only be beautiful and high quality, but also functional and wearable. She aspires to offer something unique and versatile that will last beyond one season.
|
|
|
| |
M Z WALLACE was founded in January 2000 by Monica Zwirner and Lucy Wallace Eustice.
The line includes bags, luggage and accessories for women and men. Innovative yet classic, M Z WALLACE appeals to a multitude of personal styles. Its goal is to create a quality product whose style endures.
Women's Wear Daily hailed M Z WALLACE's debut, calling the collection "fashionable and refined." Harper's Bazaar wrote, "Lucy Wallace Eustice and Monica Zwirner design handbags with a studied simplicity." Wallpaper proclaimed of the collection, "they're the sort of pieces that say, I have arrived," rather than "I am running to catch up." In short, the line is classic with a twist.
|
|
|
| |
|
Olivia Morris, graduated from legendary cobbling school, Cordwainers College, London in 1996. Just a couple of years later, while still freelancing for companies such as DKNY, Morris set up her own label. She launched her first collection for Autumn/Winter 2000, which was immediately coveted by both press and buyers. Tattooed and pierced designs in nude leather were unlike anything shoe lovers had dreamed of; they were beautifully crafted, imaginative, sexy and clever. Olivia was responsible for giving women’s feet their own identity.
Olivia’s work has lead to collaborations with leading fashion designers, including Preen, Matthew Williamson, Aquascutum and Duro Olowu as well as diffusion lines for high-street style meccas, Topshop and now Faith shoes. Her imaginative designs gained her nomination for ‘Accessories Designer of the Year’ in 2004 and 2005 by Glamour magazine. Morris opened her own shop in 2002 on Portobello Road in Notting Hill, and her shoes are sold in boutiques and department stores around the world.
“I design shoes for the modern contemporary woman who loves fashion,” says Olivia, “but doesn’t take it too seriously.” Indeed, Morris has inspired stylish women to dress from the feet up.
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying a bag that has great style is fun. Carrying a bag that has great style and functional is even more fun! I have had a variety of jobs, and with the jobs came the need for handbags and travel bags that were well designed and fun. Whether it was for work, travel or to carry everyday, I always wanted to carry a bag that was unique and functional. There are a lot of hand bags around, however there are not a lot of bags that are unique statement and and are not outrageously expensive, pallie bags hits that market. Driven by the continued and never waning support of my family, each Pallie bag is named for one of them. There is an awesome weekend tote, Logan named after my aunt. The fabulous Honee tote, named after my mother, and the Paxton purse for my niece. Defined by classic lines, quality and function, every pallie bag is chic and always fun to carry.
|
|
|
|
|
Born in 1914 to one of Florence’s oldest noble families, Emilio Pucci became a fashion phenomenon in the 1950’s. It all began when he created a streamlined ski outfit, photographed for Harper’s Bazaar and his trailblazing vision continues to reverberate today.
Emilio Pucci, in 1967, naturally embodied the post war, jet set glamour which captivated a new group of modern, active women. The Pucci family palace, in the heart of Florence, becase the ideal location for his young couture fashion house, where he set up his tellers in the rooms on the ground floor of the palace, and restored the grand gallery, baroque ballroom and adjoining rooms to show his collection and received fascinated press and clients. Nowadays, the palace still holds the offices for Emilio Pucci Headquarters.
In the 1950’s Pucci began developing his signature prints-graphic, abstract designs, which swirled in a kaleidoscope of colour.
|
|
|
| |
|
The Rodo story began in 1956 with the dream of young Romualdo Dori. Central to the story was a symbol of fashion and elegance of the early twentieth century; the typical Florentine straw hat. This was the specialty of the Dori family, created for many generations in their Tuscan workshop, one of the most acclaimed in the area. Romulado, using the techniques of the family factory, designed a handbag inspired by Dutch shopping baskets. Interesting enough, in order to find funding for the plan to produce his first bags, he employed the financial backing of his family housekeeper. And thus was born the first Rodo collection and the brand name which would define new craze for the wicker handbag. Rodo, the name formed by combining the first two letters of Romualdo’s names, would come to be known as one of the foremost in handbags artesian in Italy. Designing the collections over the years with his wife Daira, Mr.Dori has created a family of designers and craftsmen, eventually passing on the passion and creativity of the brand to his son Maurizio Dori Rodo’s current designer. Since 1975, Rodo has presented a shoe collection to coordinate with its handbags, in recent years the Rodo shoe line has come to referent half of its global business has elevated the brand to one of the most sought after boutique collections in the world. Both the shoes and bag collections are designed and produced in house creating a spirit unique to the brand. The Rodo image is linked to its elegant yet simple even regal look; it has long been admired and collected by royal fashion icons, such as the empress of Japan, Soraya empress of Persia and Caroline of Monaco. The Rodo aesthetic is defined by a graceful attention to subtly and detail. These small objects of beauty, crafted for almost 50 years by the Dori family’s passion, creativity and joy, are simply treasures.
|
|
|
|
|
Rupert Sanderson formed his company in August 2001 and has produced a new shoe collection every season since. He spends 4 months of the year in Italy refining each shoe with the artisans in and around Bologna, where he designed for Sergio Rossi and Bruno Magli after perfecting his art at the Cordwainers College in East London. In July 2006 Rupert Sanderson bought a controlling interest in the factory he had been working with from his first collection which ensures every pair of shoes are the best they can be. Rupert Sanderson’s design philosophy is simple; less is more. He concentrates on perfecting the line, volume and material of the showed. Every Rupert Sanderson shoe is named after a variety of Daffodil.
|
|
|
| |
|
Since November 2004 Edmundo Castillo has teamed up with the Italian luxury brand Sergio Rossi, joining as Senior Designer for the women’s footwear line.
He presented his first entire personal collection last February 2006 (Fall / Winter 2006-07).
Born in Puerto Rico, Edmundo Castillo started having a fascination with shoes since he was a teenager.
Castillo began to actively pursue a career in design and entered the Altos de Chavon School of Design in the Dominican Republic.
One year later, Castillo moved to New York City and started working in established shoe stores where shoes became a true passion. Shortly thereafter, he began his formal training in shoe making working at Donna Karan Collection, women’s and men’s footwear. After eight years at Donna Karan, Castillo joined Polo Ralph Lauren as Senior Director for one year, and then was appointed designer for Donna Karan and DKNY men’s shoes.
In 1999, Castillo took his first steps toward creating his own line of shoes for women. “I realized that I wanted to continue to create beautiful, high quality shoes that women not only wanted to wear, but collect” said Castillo. “The beauty of a shoe is in how it transforms the leg and graces it, instead of just covering the feet. I am focusing on creating feminine, sexy shoes that would be made of only the finest materials and design along classic shapes with a modern edge”.
In June 2001, the Council of Fashion Designers of America awarded Castillo with the Perry Ellis Award for Best Accessories Designer.
Today as the Creative Director, Castillo has perfectly encapsulated Sergio Rossi’s strong heritage and excels in re-interpreting the essence of the brand extending it on the international scene.
|
|
|
| |
|
Tory Burch is a lifestyle collection of shoes, sportswear and accessories for women, which embodies the personal style and spirit of it founder and creative director, Tory Burch. Perceiving a void into the market for a sophisticated American aesthetic at an accessible price point, Ms. Burch wanted to create stylish yet wearable shoes, clothing and accessories for women of all ages. Tory Burch was launched in February of 2004 with the opening of a flagship store in New York City.
Tory Burch blends timeless and classic design elements and modern fashion sensibilities. Ms.Burch achieves this by drawing on her understanding of vintage clothing, fashion history and tailoring, and by accenting it with bohemian and ethnic details. Particularly significant to this diverse mix are bold and geographic prints in colors that convey the spirit of each collection. The Tory Burch collection provides an original look for the style-conscious women who might be aware of the trends but does not rely on them.
Tory Burch was born in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania and currently resides in New York City. Ms. Burch has spent her entire career in fashion with experiences at Zoran, Harpers Bazaar, Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang and Loewe.
|
|
|
| | |
|