Fairy Tale Shoes of Sophia Webster

Forget Cinderella. Sophia Webster’s shoes are already a cult favorite for those who dare to dream. Her angel winged shoes look like someone robbed Hermes of his prized footwear and made them sexy. Her collection only launched in 2013, but it has already made fans of celebrities like Scarlett Johansson and Carey Mulligan.

I saw these shoes in the Starworks PR showroom and they immediately pulled me in. The shapes and color lines are dazzling. They have a quirky, whimsical quality, but they are exquisitely produced as great British design always seems to be. Besides “shoe designer” Sophia Webster also lists herself as “Flamingo enthusiast” on her social media profiles. She loves unicorns, even posting a care guide on Facebook.

She was a former protégée of shoe legend Nicholas Kirkwood before breaking out with her own collection with a bang. She has already won numerous British Fashion Council awards in her first year.  She caught the eye of J. Crew creative director Jenna Lyons and landed a collaboration this season.

Sophia Webster is quickly becoming the IT-shoe designer that the stylish set will covet. No one will be foolish enough to leave one of these behind at the ball.

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FAB Exclusive: Interview with Fashion Television's Jeanne Beker

She is an international fashion icon, but Jeanne Beker was special to me being a hometown girl in Toronto.  My high school years were spent watching Fashion Television on Saturday night.   Since I left Toronto 20 years ago, Jeanne has turned Fashion Television into a 24/7 television channel, writes in depth fashion editorials for the Toronto Star, created her own clothing line and now launched an exclusive footwear collection with The Shoe Company over Toronto fashion week.

Jeanne Beker's program inspired me to enter the fashion industry. (My parents were nice enough to tape the show on VHS and mail the tapes to me at Parsons.  It was a treat to have a chance to chat about shoe design, shopping and a cause that really matters to her:

Ms. Fabulous: Having interviewed the most accomplished fashion icons over the years, what were the most valuable tips you learned from them when it came time to build fashion ventures of your own?

Jeanne Beker: I learned about the importance of having a distinctive point of view, and a strong consideration for the customer.  Most of the people I interviewed during my years on Fashion Television were designers, of course. But very few  seemed overly concerned all with the business of the business.  That's because the most successful ones were aligned with sharp business managers, and therefore  didn't have to worry about those particular nuts and bolts. So, in a sense, I guess you could say that I learned how important it is to  really stick to what you know. I'm an editor, and a creative director, but certainly not a designer. In building my own fashion brand, I try to make sure that I'm surrounded by people who really respect and understand what my brand stands for.  I make sure I have the right design talent to work with, and the right business partners who can share my vision and help me materialize my dreams. It's all a very symbiotic relationship, and at the end of the day, success depends on the right synergies. 

Ms. F: Who are your personal favorites of shoe designers?  Did they inspire you in this collaboration?

J. B.: I adore theatrics, and dramatic fashion. And of course, I love Christian Louboutin, Gianvito Rossi, and Rupert Sanderson.... I've also indulged in my fair share of Jimmy Choos and those from Alexander McQueen!  And I  appreciate the charm and whimsy of Charlotte Olympia. In the past, I've lusted over shoes from   Prada's, Tom Ford's, and YSL's  collections. But for this collaboration, I had to keep some of those passions and the extravagance in check and think about what my customer would really want--shoes that would not only appeal, but be practical for her. I wanted to present her with a kind of capsule collection of a variety of shoe styles that would really take her though the different paces of her life throughout the season--a shoe for every occasion.  We came up with nine disparate styles. 

Ms. F: How much involvement did you have in the actual design process?  

J. B.: I acted as an editor, as I do with my apparel line (EDIT by Jeanne Beker). We had conversations about the kinds of shoes I wanted in the collection, and then a variety of style samples were presented to me.  I tweaked them, and together, we worked on coming up with great shoes that we felt would have mass appeal--but only shoes that I myself would want to wear, of course!

Ms. F: How were the styles in this collection chosen?  Did they represent specific lifestyle needs or outfits to be paired with?

J. B.: I thought about going on a week-long trip, with a variety of occasions to dress for, both work and pleasure.  And I thought about the different outfits I'd want to take, and the different sorts of shoes I'd need to carry me through my time away!  These are the shoes I'd pack in my suitcase.... 

Ms. F: How was Dress for Success chosen as the organization to benefit from the red pump?  Why is it important for people to support them?

J. B.: When it comes to  supporting a cause, especially through my fashion and shoe lines, Dress for Success is a natural for me: The organization is about empowerment through fashion, about putting one's best foot forward, and about fashion's ability to transform.  It's such a good feeling to know that by purchasing a particular pair of shoes, less fortunate women will be helped to get back on track, and make something of their lives. Dress for Success stands for the spirit of sisterhood, and I think it's wonderful that fashion can not only bring women together, but actually be a conduit for enabling them to help each other.  

Ms. F: Thank you Jeanne!

Jeanne Beker's collection for The Shoe Company is available across stores all over Canada.  

Photos by David TW Leung

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Christian Louboutin - 20 Years of Design, Artistry and Magic

Do you ever dream of being in a gorgeous art deco building surrounded by Christian Louboutin shoes?  The Design Exchange in Toronto has an epic exhibit celebrating 20 Years of Design, Artistry and Magic from legendary shoe designer Christian Louboutin.

The show is divided into sections highlighting his atelier and design studio, travel, shoe construction, boots, fetish and the central showpiece, a stage featuring his most flamboyant designs, hologram of Dita Von Teese performing striptease in honor of his shoes and velvet lounge all in the shape of his signature red sole.

This was one of the sexiest exhibits I have ever seen.  The lighting was low with a red glow.  The plush couch in front of the stage had an intimate illicit vibe.  The shoe silhouettes themselves were provocative.  The fetish themed room was encased in black velvet curtains with large, black and white erotica images to accompany the not-for-every day wear themed shoes.

Besides the spectacle, I was thrilled to learn more about the man and his inspiration.  The first spark of his shoe obsession came when he viewed a warning sign in front of the Museum of Oceanic and African Art that was of a stiletto heel with a bright red mark crossing it out.  It was to caution against high heels leaving scuff marks on a parquet floor, but it was the first hint of the forbidden nature of a sexy shoe.

The designer grew up watching classic Hollywood icons like Marlene Dietrich and Marilyn Monroe.  His love of theatricality really blossomed after watching showgirls perform in towering heels from the wings of the Folies Bergere.  

Louboutin's sense of humor definitely shows through in many of his designs, like an animal paw styled shoe or whimsical materials and motifs.  There was a wall of amazing one-of-a-kind shoes from materials like fish skin or beer cans.  Architecture played a great deal in inspiring the construction of other shoes.

Key moments were noted like his collaboration with Yves Saint-Laurent, which was the first time the couturier offered a collection that named a co-designer.  His most popular shoe, the Pigalle is already an icon and Louboutin offers thoughts on why he thinks it succeeded.  He realizes that it's simplicity makes it possible for any woman to adopt the style into her own to elevate whatever outfit she is wearing.  In another part of the exhibit, he had notes on what he learned from women about the low shape of the throat of his shoes.  Women had complained it exposed too much of the foot, which he didn't understand, as women wore sandals and thongs.  He came to realize that the shape made wearers feel like they were exposing cleavage in the same vein as their behind or decollete in a psychological sense.

You could examine his creative process in seeing his swatch books, catalogs, sketches and a room dedicated to the different stages of how a shoe is put together.  The design included the initial sketch, patterns, shoe last and stitching.

Which Louboutin design is your favorite? What does your fantasy shoe style look like?

The exhibit runs until September 15, 2013.  If you can't make the show, check out more images here.

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Rose by Vanessa Jean

The Simmons family is busy.  Head guy Russell Simmons has an empire of music and fashion, ex-wife Kimora has her own fashion projects.  The family has a reality show, and now Vanessa Jean Simmons has a swimwear collection called Rose.

The Rose by Vanessa Jean presentation at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Miami was a clusterf**k to attend.  Like any fashion event where hip hop gets mixed in, every wannabe, family stalker and freeloader somehow thought they were entitled to be the front of the line.

Thankfully, smarter heads at IMG got the media and photographers, who actually had a professional reason to be there to ascend to the presentation first and get some photos.   The small collection was clearly made to be one-offs.  Fashions that were "custom" meaning they would never be put into production or have further business purposes beyond the person they were made for,.

The pieces were elaborately embellished and sexy.  I was pleased to see a plus sized model included and looking just as hot as any model I saw that week.  More interesting, were the encrusted sculptures of shoes on the models.  These were sequined, jeweled, painted, collaged, and I loved them.  These could be marketed as art even if they would never see the inside of any department store.

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Custo Barcelona Spring 2013

Barcelona is the land of complex prints, at least according to designers/brother Custo and David Dalmau.  The label's New York Fashion Week show had a terrific palette of bright purples, greens, red, yellow, well, a bit of everything.  There were interesting fabric treatments and embroideries as the label is known for, including one leather, gladiator-type mini dress.  Feather and fringe gave movement to the embellishments.

In the shoe department they took chunky and platform heels to new heights.  Dainty they were not, echoing prints and colors from the clothing.  The best accessory for this season though were LEGS.  Legs were shown off in short skirts, high/low hems, leggings and skinny pants.

The mythology of the brand is that the brothers conceived the collection on a motorcycle trip.  The Southern California vibe and their psychedelic colors are a huge hit overseas, more so than stateside.  Maybe all of us uptight Yankees need to get on whatever "trip" they did...

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Event Invitation: Meet the Blogger Party!

 

The hottest Shoe Boutique in NYC will host three top fashion bloggers Thursday night:

Fashion Addict Diary

Ms. FABulous

New York Fashion Hunter

For an Exclusive "Meet the Blogger" Evening!

YOU ARE INVITED!

Thursday March 22nd, 2012

6.30 -9 pm

Soho boutique location (sent upon confirmation)

Enjoy wine, chocolates, gift certificates to shoes, spas and more!

Limited invitations available, so RSVP as soon as possible 

(does not guarantee admittance unless confirmed)

E-mail mariana@msfabulous.com 

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Naturalizer Fall Collection & Shoe Giveaway

Not your mother's shoes...That was the message that the Naturalizer team set out to show shoppers last week.  My younger sister wouldn't let my own mother walk into a Naturalizer store for years to ween her away from frumpy but ultra-comfortable shoes.  

Angelique Joseph, the brand's director of product design has overhauled the look and direction for today's fashionistas.  The chic designer set out with distinctive trends to design around this fall.  My favorite, the ultra-hip "Mad Men" influenced retro-style.  This included vintage details like suede pleats and demure bows.  These were updated with stacked heels with platforms and stitched color blocked panels.  

Another direction was the Americana-inspired shearling collection. Rugged suede and warm shearling, faux fur were interpreted into trend-right platform boots.  

Naturalizer is not about style without substance.  The new design direction does not pull the brand away from its roots.  The team invited guests of their Fall fashion event to try out the actual shoes.  They are offered across a wide range of sizes and widths.  The pleasant surprise was stacked platform heels, prim pointed heels were actually very flexible and comfortable.  Their signature wearability was not lost in the stylistic revamp, and their price point stayed friendly too.

So...Are you inspired?  What if I told you that we're giving away a pair of these shoes for you to try yourself?  Check out their website and tell us which style is YOUR favorite in the comments section and we'll pick a winner at random.  (Winner chosen on October 31st).

UPDATE 11/1/11: Congratulations Eva Jiang!

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Melissa Shoe Launch with Lorenzo Martone and Michelle Levy

It wasn't all bikinis and babes in Miami. Stylish, swim-friendly footwear was served up as well.  PR maven Lorenzo Martone and creative director Michelle Levy hosted an al fresco brunch to present the upcoming season of Melissa Shoes. Formal waiters served a multi-course "meal" of shoes on silver trays.  They were a high-fashion update to the jelly shoes of yesteryear.

Ms. Fab spoke to Lorenzo Martone and asked about the design advantages of plastic over leather.  The dapper Martone explained that intricate open lace patterns would never be possible in leather the way they are in plastic.  Colors and finishes are limitless in plastics, but the same is not true of leathers.

The plastics are also highly recyclable and wearers are definitely encouraged to do so with their footwear.  At the presentation itself, an artistic re-purposing of Melissa Shoes was demonstrated in the tribal masks made from shoe parts from a local artist.  The company makes sustainability a high priority in its business and campaigns.

Lorenzo also spoke about past designer collaborations as well as upcoming projects with designer Jason Wu.  Previous partners include Vivienne Westwood and Paco Rabanne.  

The heat was almost unbearable that day at noon, but it made me realize the most practical aspect of Melissa Shoes.  They are perfect for running straight into the pool.

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Fergie Presides Over FN's Next Shoe Star

Have you discovered the next shoe design star?  Brown Shoes ramped up its web series competition by adding some celebrity star power.  Six shoe design students from the Fashion Institute of Technology are competing to be the next shoe star as judged by Lucky Magazine Editor Brandon Holley and VP of Macy's Tony Pelle.  

The Black Eyed Peas Fergie was a guest judge for the challenge where the designers competed to design a shoe for the Fergie Fall 2011 collection.  Besides the actual shoe, the challenge consisted of creating a presentation on what they believed the Fergie buyer would want next season.  Their vision ranged from sparkles to studs to fur.  The game stakes?  A full time design position as a designer at Brown.

Click here to watch clips from the show: 

Photos courtesy of FN Shoe Star

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Fratelli Rossetti 2011 Illustrated by Rebecca Moses

MsFABulous was invited for an intimate preview of the Fratelli Rosetti's 2011 Autumn/Winter collection, hosted by  the renowned designer and illustrator, Rebecca Moses.   Rebecca told us the theme for her illustrations for the shoe collection was the "old mother goose who lived in a shoe" a classic English nursery tale. Rebecca's illustrated girls are gorgeous, leap tall buildings in boots, play and well, do it all.

Ms. Moses' created her world illustrations by associating a footwear piece with each city.  The fur boot was perfect for the cold mountains of China.  The green shoe was developed in her honor by the brand and represents her home city of New York...

Our sneak peek into the Fall season made us covet everything from soft fur high heel boots to the classic equestrian style riding boots with practical convertible pieces.  You can wear the same pair of boots as short ankle boots and add the calf piece to make it into classic riding boots. I loved this idea especially when shoe closet space is at a premium in tiny New York  apartments.

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Vivienne Westwood Baby Shoes

It simply isn't fair.  In bad weather, I have already coveted these ladybug boots that are only available in children's sizes.  Then came these stylin' Mary Jane socks that are not sold in adult sizes either.  

Now Vivienne Westwood adds insult to injury with this collection of "Mini Melissa" shoes.  They have graphic over-sized hearts or bows in triplicate.  They are the younger version of the "Melissa" line.  The back strapped heels are cushioned for comfort.  I can't even use my nephew as an excuse to buy them.  

With shoes like these, there is absolutely no excuse for those toddler-torture heels that Mrs. Tom Cruise favors for daughter Suri.  On the other hand, maybe I just have disproportionately immature taste in footwear.  

How will your toes ring in the new year?

Photo from Childmode.com

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Circumpolar Shoe Fetish - Arctic Style and Function

Two days ago, I posted a roundup of warm boots for sale for those stuck in the blizzards.  Today, I bring you a few selections native to polar regions around the world.  The Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto celebrates the style and function of footwear.  The following boots are from their collection:

 

This is a pair of boots from the Saami people of Finland.   Made of white reindeer hide, the curled up toes are a signature detail for Saami footwear.   This pair was made in Finland by Helena Naakkaalaajaarvi.  White reindeer is considered rare.  Boots like these, while cozy would also be worn for important ceremonies and weddings.

These boots are from the Russian Nanai people.  They were made and intricately appliquéd by Anna Michailovna Beldi of Sakhalin Island - which is just between Japan and mainland Russia.  The boots are lightweight and waterproof.  The soles are made of fish skin.

These Kamik boots from Injivik, Canada were made of furry seal skin.  Seal skin was used by the Inuit people for its warmth and waterproof quality.  The triangle motifs indicate that the footwear was made for a female wearer.  


It seems no matter how far up north you go, there is someone perfectly capable of keeping you toasty and stylish... Are we ready for an igloo runway show yet?
Photos from Bata Shoe Museum Blog

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ShoeFete Vegan Shoe Party!

 A few weeks ago, I made a pilgrimage to one of my favorite shrines, Bergdorf Goodman.  After I had gone through the entire Men’s Store, I made my way across the street to the main store.  Inevitably, I found myself in the shoe department drooling over the latest Chanels, Louboutins, Choos and Manolos.  I have no practical purpose for them, so it isn’t a question of buying them.  For me, it is more like going to a gallery and appreciating a fine piece of art.  I guess I have a bit of Carrie Bradshaw in my DNA.
Imagine if you could shop for shoes in your own home or in the home of a friend in a relaxed party setting?  You could try them on, get feed back from friends, sip a nice glass of wine and just play!  Well, if you live in Southern California you can do just that with ShoeFete.  Created by mother daughter team Caryn and Ali Shaye, ShoeFete brings the shoes to you through shoe parties. Shoefete offers a line of super trendy shoes and purses at amazing prices.  These shoes and bags are not only sexy, but they are Vegan!!  As a connoisseur of fine shoes, all I can say is that these are top notch.

You can host a shoe party in your home or business and they will bring the shoes and purses to you.  The host automatically gets a pair of shoes of her choice and the more her guests spend, the more free shoes she gets.  Sounds like a win-win situation to me.

If you are lucky enough to live in Southern California, check out ShoeFete and become a host!  And, while I won’t buy the shoes for obvious reasons, invite me too so I can appreciate the artistry of the shoes over a glass of wine. ;-)

-Reported by Mdivani Monroe of Ladies Who Lunch Travel

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Cougar Boots Fall Fashion Update

Winter is coming and I had the pleasure of reconnecting with a brand from my childhood.  I received a fabulous package of Cougar Boots, a Canadian brand that I had not seen since the second grade.

I remember they were always practical, warm and popular with every other little munchkin in my class.  What I don’t remember was that they were fashionable. 

Flash forward to the class of 2010… During a particularly bad slush-filled blizzard day during NY Fashion Week, I realized I had absolutely nothing appropriate to wear on my feet.  I had either lambskin stiletto heels or ugly, but waterproof hiking boots.  The slush was above my ankles.  There was no way to venture out and look stylish AND have dry feet…

The tall, furry Ringo Star boots I just received would have solved all my dilemmas that day.  They look edgy in slick black.  The fur topped edges mirror the trends of this fall season.  They look great with leggings and my favorite jackets.  For once, I couldn’t wait for cooler weather.  (Be careful what you wish for…the next morning, New Yorkers were attacked with gusty winds and hail).

Photo editor Fab Ritika was in need of new rubber boots.  Her last pair met some inexplicable demise (apparently it was a melting mishap that she doesn’t want to talk about).  Our girl loves bright colors and prints.  She took a shining to the Tibet style from Cougar.  The bright red rubber with ribbed stripe knit were clearly suited her palette perfectly.  The style isn’t earth-shattering, but they work with a fashion forward look.

I’m not usually a fan of class reunions, but Cougar totally made the trip worthwhile! 


Like the boots?  Answer their survey! 

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Manolo Blahnik Sketches Shoes

The legendary shoe designer was in town to sign his new book, Manolo's New Shoes.  The gorgeous tome showcases the designer's sketches.  The illustrations remind you how a shoe can be a work of art.  The new collection of Manolo Blahnik's shoes were also debuted on the Bergdorf Goodman floor that evening.  It was nice to see the sketch and final product next to each other.

Ladies who lunch with a shoe fetish sipped champagne as they lined up to meet the designer.  Vogue editor Andre Leon Talley camped himself in a corner to bellow out instructions to the department store staff.  He also bullied Mr. Blahnik into putting on a pair of his own designs to pose with his book for a photo op.  

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