In Conversation with Christian Louboutin

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Autumn is making its way to the city. All around town, the leaves are changing gorgeous rust and golden colors. Nothing says autumn like a brisk stroll through a sun-strewn Central Park. Nothing that is, except The New Yorker Festival. I love that the readers’ diverse interests shape the magazine’s festival. There were so many events that I wanted to attend, if only there was more time… I ended up spending the afternoon with Lauren Collins and Christian Louboutin.

It goes without saying, that I adore a great shoe. When it comes to shoes, it’s difficult for me to pick favorites, but any list would have to include Mr. Louboutins’. While I generally favor discretion, Louboutins suit me. The lasts are shorter (from toe to heel), the arch is higher and the width is narrower across the foot- all things that work for those with narrow feet. Mr. Louboutin was unapologetic when it came to the fact that his shoes are designed with a narrow foot in mind.

Courtesy of Christian Louboutin 

I’ve always loved the openness of the Louboutin atelier- a highly specialized workshop, where all types of Louboutins are made to measure and customized in every way imaginable. I’ve also had the pleasure of seeing a few Christian Louboutin exhibitions that have forced me to question beauty and the notion of adornment. The Ballerina Fetish Shoe comes to mind.

That being said, I was very curious to hear Mr. Louboutin speak, in his own words, in an intimate setting. Mr. Louboutin was incredibly considerate, humble and demure with a great sense of humor. I loved when Christian Louboutin spoke of the drawing that inspired him to begin obsessively drawing shoes as a child. When he speaks about shoes, his energy and passion are palpable. Mr. Louboutin’s business is predicated on that passion.  

Courtesy of Christian Louboutin 

Mr. Louboutin was decidedly clear that he designs shoes for women because, women purchase shoes for themselves. “I’m working as someone who loves women,” the designer exclaimed. Mr. Louboutin spoke of taking a balanced approach in order to design shoes that men, but more importantly, women love. Mr. Louboutin explained that he likes his shoes to be worn, not simply because it keeps him in business. “Life is on the people. A shoe should be living its life rather than just being.” A few lovely care and maintenance tips were provided, which I will share in an upcoming post.

Every element of Mr. Louboutin’s designs is carefully considered. Even subtitles like “the musicality of a shoe.’’ One of my pet peeves is the sound of a poorly constructed shoe. For Mr. Louboutin, the sound a shoe makes is pure evocation. A Louboutin shoe commences with a sketch. Summer collections are dreamed up while floating down the Nile on his traditional Egyptian sailboat (in better times) or in Brazil. Winter collections are conceived in cold locales. The way people walk; conversations, movement, dance, architecture, fine art, objects (and pieces of objects), textiles and travel are all sources of inspiration. 

Once the sketches are completed, the team at Louboutin’s factory in Milan turns the sketches into prototypes. Shoe design is a matter of proportion. A well-made heel works with the center of gravity. For someone who loves the design process, it was a pleasure to hear about the process of seeing the prototype, women in the studio trying it on, tailoring and cutting the shoe. It’s truly a gift when someone can share with you, their passion for what they do. 

A few lovely bits---

On his biggest pleasure- “To design.”

On Minimalism- “Sometimes people talk about minimalism, but it isn’t minimalist. It’s just boring.”

On Men and their shoes- “Men are very proud to have their shoes for a long time.”

On designers he prefers to see his shoes paired with- “I never think of clothing when designing. There are no designers I prefer. I like to be surprised and to see shoes in a different way. I like to see women appropriate themselves to the shoe."

What makes an elegant woman? - “It comes from the heart.”

A word of advice- “ I was lucky to have a passion and work from that. It’s still a passion. I never had a plan, which made me enjoy every moment of the journey. What makes you happy is going to make you successful.”

Summer Thoughts

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“In summer, the song sings itself.” – William Carlos Williams 

A few months ago, I picked up another pair of K. Jacques. When I find something that speaks to me aesthetically and fits- I keep going back to it. I smile every time I steal a glimpse of these sandals in my closet. 

We all know how much I love a well-made and gorgeous pair of shoes, but it’s not the sandals themselves that make me smile. It’s the idea of throwing caution to the wind and enjoying life’s beautiful little moments. Perhaps, I long to be a bit more carefree- to be; instead of constantly doing.

Sandals that are waiting to be worn to perfection are a reminder to leave the office before sunset (it never happens, but I can dream) or to linger over dinner alfresco on a terrace or rooftop. They’re the subtle nudge to head out to the Hamptons for the change of pace at the end of a long week.

Currently, I’m pairing my sandals with dresses in breathable fabrics- my version of casual perfection on days away from the office. The beautiful navy color (I can’t get enough of all things navy) compliments my wardrobe and is a nice alternative to the tan leather and gold handmade sandals that I’ve been living in. 

One thing that I cannot say enough, is to fill your wardrobe with things that you love and enjoy wearing. Pieces that you feel good spending your money on... Whether it’s a piece of jewelry that has been passed along to me, or a newer treasure- I genuinely enjoy the wardrobe I'm building.

Style Essentials- The Black Patent Pump

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Hope you all had a lovely weekend. We had a nice reprieve from the scorching heat and humidity in the form of nice crisp breezes. 

The word that comes to mind when it comes to my wardrobe is CONTENTMENT. I take pleasure (and a bit of pride) in only adding items that will meld seamlessly with my wardrobe. Oftentimes, finding these items is an exercise in patience. One such item is the black patent leather pump. 

The black patent pump is an essential in my wardrobe- it’s elegant, graceful and chic. Perfect for every occasion- it transitions easily from day to night. I keep a pair of black patent pumps at the office. For a while, I’ve been looking for a pump to replace a pair of black patent pumps that had seen better days. Since patent leather is easy to maintain, I kept breathing new life into my pumps.

The black patent pump is an investment piece in many professional wardrobes and yet elusive. My criteria for the “perfect black patent pump” includes-

• A subtle pointed/almond toe to balance a sturdy heel
• 4 inch heel
• Quality leather lining, sole and uppers
• A single piece of leather lining the instep from the tip of the toe to the heel. (This speaks to the craftsmanship and quality. The alternative is when the heel is attached separately. The sole of the shoe is sturdier when a single piece of leather lines the instep.)
• A timeless shape (Not dated or overly trendy.)
• Discretion- No red soles

When I spotted these on sale at Bergdorf (Bergdorf does a great shoe sale) I scooped them up. The Manolo Blahnik Tuccio pumps met all of my criteria. Very little caught my eye in the sales. Due to the distribution size curve in which buyers purchase items, I rarely find the items that I covet early in the season on sale in my size. The Manolo Blahnik Tuccio pumps were a pleasant surprise and have quickly become a wardrobe essential that I’ve been living in.

Have you indulged in the sales?

Style Essentials- The Handmade Sandal

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Growing up, I always looked forward to our annual trip to the old-fashioned shoe store for sandals. Sandals symbolized the anticipation of summer with its’ long days. I didn’t wear sandals to school, so they were solely associated with all of the wonderful things that childhood summers are comprised of-afternoons by the pool, days spent on the beach, getting lost in books, popsicles…

Today, sandals still epitomize the carefree days of summer. I can’t wear sandals to work, but when the days warm up they’re one of the first things I reach for off-duty. Perfect for evening soirees, days spent in the Hamptons or just running errands. The sandal can go effortlessly from polished casual to evening. 

Sandals like scarves are one of my favorite items to bring back from my travels. There’s nothing like discovering a well-made item with a great story behind it or taking home the lasting memory of an artisan perfecting his or her craft. I fall hard for great craftsmanship and items that are handmade. 

Here are a few of my favorite handmade sandals that I've been wearing for years.

Jack Rodgers Navajo Sandal

Courtesy of Jack Rodgers

The iconic Navajo Sandal originated in Capri and was popularized in America by First Lady Jackie Kennedy as elegant resort footwear. Initially, independent cobblers in Palm Beach produced the sandals, until Jack Rodgers expanded production in 1961. 

Today, the Jack Rodgers Navajo sandals continue to be made by hand in Palm Beach. They’re a timeless classic. 

The rich upper leather on mine has gotten better over time and the signature stitching has remained intact. I love that they quickly mold to the shape of your feet. They also work really well for those of us with narrow feet. 

Every time I put them on I’m reminded of journeys and escapes. 

Jack Rodgers 

1198 Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10128

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Rondini

Courtesy of Garance Dore

I have a fondness for Sandales Tropeziennes and the Rondini family has been working as sandal cobblers (they were the first sandal cobbler in Saint-Tropez) for over eighty years. Rondini sandals are made by hand in a small workshop behind the boutique. I could spend all day in the workshop observing how each piece is put together.

There is an enormous amount of pride and care put into each aspect of the process. 

The sandals come in a multitude of colors and leathers- including snakeskin and croc. These sandals are thick-soled, comfortable and last forever.

Rondini

16 Rue Georges Clemenceau

St. Tropez 

France 83990 
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K. Jacques 

K. Jacques (pictured in the first photo) are another one of my favorite Sandales Tropeziennes. The craftsmanship is impeccable. K. Jacques has remained family-owned despite successful collaborations with Karl Lagerfeld, Balenciaga and Givenchy to name a few. 

Handmade by trained artisans in Saint-Tropez, many of the styles offered are the original styles from the bespoke business the family cultivated in the 1930s with a few new styles added each year. At their store in Le Marais (and online) you can choose the style, color and leather and have your sandals arrive in NYC within ten days. 

I wore my K. Jacques all last summer- they only get better as I wear in the footbed and the leather straps.

K. Jacques 
25 Rue Allard 
Saint-Tropez, France 83990

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Melissinos Art 

Courtesy of Melissinos

Melissinos Art is a gem of a shop. From their website, “My hand-crafted sandals as products of love and personal joy combined with quality are not mass-produced for speedy delivery to customers. I do not feel satisfied unless I see the footwear I create perfectly fitted to your feet, but since people's feet are so different, I often have to get your measurements and re-adjust the sandal straps for a perfect fit, right on the spot.” What a refreshing point of view...

These sandals are chic and cheap, but fit the foot perfectly. Here’s a great read on the shop.

Melissinos Art
2 Aghias Theklas Street
Athens, Greece 

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Thank you for reading. Sandal weather always makes me excited for my classic OPI red pedicure. What is your footwear of choice for warm weather?

Keeping It Simple

Idra Trench Coat, Cotélac Sweater, J Crew Matchstick Cropped Jeans and Corso Como Pumps

“Style is how you see the world and how the world sees you. It isn’t today and it isn’t tomorrow; it isn’t a dress or a car or a shoe or a comment—it’s the cut of your sail as you cross this crazy, uncharted sea. Far ahead, legions of boats have already made the crossing—some grander, some more sleek—and still newer boats are always coming up behind you. Style is the manner in which you navigate your one remarkable voyage.” - Carol Edgarian

Hope you all had a lovely weekend. The weather was absolutely gorgeous. Here are a few pictures taken in between meeting with my tailors and running a few errands before I head out of town later today. I spent Saturday morning reviewing inspiration images, working up sketches, pouring over fabrics, discussing fit and style- ultimately coming up with my vision for the “perfect” shirt. Both tailors pointed out that I looked exactly the same, but we still took plenty of measurements to ensure a perfect fit. Now, I just have to wait patiently over the next few months.

This is my version of a weekend uniform that’s suitable for errands and appointments during the warmer months. Thank goodness for uniforms! Especially when uniforms allow you to look polished and pulled together when you’re feeling anything but. I’ve been on antibiotics since the weekend due to a very resistant office bug, but managed somehow to pull it together.

I adore trench coats (I have such a thing for coats) and always look forward to the weather warming up enough to wear my bracelet and ¾ length sleeve coats. I have a few classic trenches, so this coat is a nice change. 

The Corso Como pumps are deserving of a post of their own. I’m discerning when it comes to shoes, but Corso Como does a comfortable, well-crafted shoe at a very reasonable price- proving that quality doesn’t have to be expensive. Most importantly, there’s a consciousness with regards to the manufacturing process and the treatment of employees that is important to me. 

Running In Heels

“Why yes boys, I run in heels.” 

Recently, while running to an unexpected and quickly called meeting, my shoes were called into question. How would I, in heels, ever keep up with the boys? All eyes quickly scanned to my Manolo Blahnik clad feet. For beautiful, well-crafted footwear that’s professional, I constantly turn to Manolo Blahnik. He knows how to make a gorgeous shoe that’s comfortable for long hectic days. It’s quicker to walk, when headed over to the east side in the middle of the day. Without going into further detail, I can only say that it’s difficult to believe that in the year 2012 a conversation was being had about my footwear. My response, “why yes, I run in heels.”

I love a beautiful heel, but movement and comfort are paramount. To be frank, I don’t have trouble running around in heels. I never have. In my opinion, there’s nothing worse then a woman struggling to walk in heels. A four-inch heel just feels manageable to me. Let it be known that I equally love flats.

I picked up these two pairs of shoes, from the Manolo Blahnik boutique, a couple of days before Fashion Week. I believe in investing in quality footwear. I always look forward to shopping at the Manolo Blahnik boutique- it’s an intimate space with a lovely terrace. The boutique is across the street from MOMA, which is always a wonderful way to while away an afternoon. The helpful staff makes a point to get to know your wardrobe and style. Growing up, my dad always said,  “you should feel good about how and where you spend your money,” which is such wonderful advice. 

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The gray flannel pumps are exactly what I’ve been looking for, to punch up black. The leather piping adds an unexpected touch. As for the suede boots, my narrow feet and small calf muscles, make boot shopping arduous. There was just something about the fit and the asymmetrical fold at the top that won me over. I was slow to warm to chocolate brown, but sometimes (in the same vain as navy) it just looks a bit more luxurious and richer than black. In the age of the  “it shoe” I appreciate that Manolo Blahnik makes a beautiful shoe that’s timeless. 

Interestingly enough, news of a Manolo Blahnik/J.Crew collaboration dominated Fashion Week. Last month in this insightful interview* Manolo Blahnik made it clear that he wouldn’t do a mass-market product, if it meant polluting the brand. This particular collaboration seems a bit different. Manolo Blahnik’s iconic Bebe heel will be sold at J.Crew in exclusive prints and colors. Only time will tell, but I love what he’s doing with Lane Crawford here. Collaborating with brands that share his love of craftsmanship and artistry in an innovative and unique way.

*This interview is worth reading for the designer’s perspective on style. I find that I have very similar views in many aspects. 

** I will put together a post on shoe care and maintenance. For those who have asked about caring for Repettos, I have some tips here. 

You Had Me At Hello

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Hope you're all having a good start to the week. Here's a peek at one of two pairs of Yves Saint Laurent shoes that were a birthday gift to myself. Is there a better way to celebrate a birthday? These shoes had me at hello. I'm fastidious when it comes to purchases and often come back to the items that first caught my eye. I LOVE a patent leather pump. The rich teal color is unexpected, but works seamlessly with my fall color palette. Sometimes I like to balance a simple outfit with a bold shoe. 

I wasn't convinced on the stacked heel loafer prior to trying these on, but surprisingly they flatter my feet. I love how versatile these shoes are. I've already worn them with a several of my tailored dresses and they look just as polished with my off duty uniform. 

Have you been pleasantly surprised by any recent additions to your wardrobe?

Ballerines

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Burgundy! Burgundy! Burgundy! I've been searching for something burgundy to add to my wardrobe. Burgundy is such a luxe jewel tone for fall. It pairs well with winter white, navy, black and gray. When I spotted these flats I knew they were the perfect way to bring burgundy into my wardrobe. Admittedly, I'm not a girl who opts for flats. We all know I love my heels, even when walking or standing is required. I use my ballerines almost exclusively as a commuting shoe. They're perfect for dashing around town. 

When my favorite pair of ballerines gave way, I decided to replace them with this bright pair. I already have a few black ballerines, so color in a luxurious suede is a perky change. For a girl who lives in heels it may sound strange to say that I often find ballet flats uncomfortable. Too often the leather is stiff with little give. If I'm wearing flats I want them to be just as comfortable as the ballet slippers I grew up wearing. I have trouble finding ballerines that fit my narrow feet. The handcrafted Repettos are paramount when it comes to craftsmanship and comfort. 

Hand sewn with inside-out seams, Repettos appear extremely delicate, but are made from the highest quality materials. Natural deeply dyed leathers are softened to ensure suppleness. There's something comforting in relying on a brand that I wore during childhood. The workable drawstrings enables the shoe to be pulled for a tighter fit, like a true ballet slipper. The option of making the shoes fit snugger is perfect for my narrow feet. 

I can't wait to start the workday in my new ballerines, but first there are a few preemptive care measures that need to be taken. I have always found Repettos to be far more durable than they look, but here are a few care and maintenance tips:

* Prior to wearing, apply a water and stain repellent product. Trusted cobblers have constantly recommended this one. It's great to spray on from time to time. It dries clear and quickly without changing the natural aspects of the suede.

* I can't stand when drawstrings fray or unravel. A tiny drop of liquid sealant prevents the drawstrings from unraveling. The best brands dry clear. 

* Once I've worn my Repettos, I use a suede eraser and a brush to gently remove dirt. 

* After breaking them in I take my ballerines to my cobbler to have the soles resoled. I tend to get so excited to wear my shoes that I put this step off. Having a leather sole put on isn't very expensive but it really extends the shoe's longevity.

*** There are additional care tips here.