If you follow me on Twitter you may have seen some back and forth conversation between my favorite Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star and me. A few of you emailed to ask what was going on. What secret were were sharing?
Well, I'm super excited to announce that Adrienne Maloof and I are working on her very own line of shoes!! Adrienne Maloof by Charles Jourdan to be precise! She's teaming up with myself (representing Titan Industries of course) and isaay.com to bring you a collection of shoes where "love is in the details".
How exciting is that!?
I can't even tell you guys how much fun she is to work with. I feel like I've met a long lost girl friend and I'm so glad. She's sweet, charming, incredibly down to earth, and best of all, sassy! She also happens to have a killer collection of shoes, which was our starting off point.
Adrienne and I raided her closet where she picked out her favorites and expertly explained what it was about each one that caught her attention. I was pleasantly surprised to hear her using design terms like 'last' 'construction' and 'pitch', and from our first meeting I knew that Adrienne knew shoes. She understood that although she and I may love high heels, a lot of women want to look sexy AND have a comfortable shoe. She wanted to make sure we covered the bases for all kinds of glamorous women- from working moms to fashionistas walking red carpets.
We quickly found that we have very similar taste and even have several of the same shoes, though her collection is far bigger ;) She and I joked that we are sole sisters- we have the same love of sky-high heels, "The higher the better"! We also share a love for "bling". She loved the gem I have on my tooth and said that I had found a place to put bling that she hadn't thought of!
Overall I was incredibly excited to get started. It's really great when you get to collaborate with someone who really has a passion for what they're doing. I can tell that Adrienne puts 100% into everything she does and that's in part, how her family business is so successful. She wanted to make sure that she was involved with every step of the process, from sketching to prototypes to actual samples. It's a collaboration in the truest sense of the word.
We're in full swing and the line of shoes that Adrienne and I designed together are currently being shown to buyers in New York! It's all so exciting :) I can't show you any images yet, but I'll be sure to keep you all posted. You can follow Adrienne on twitter HERE and get all the inside scoop from her ;)
Here is an excerpt from her interview with Footwear News. You can check it out in it's entirety here:
WWD article- Inside Adrienne Maloof's Closet
Also, an article from WWD here:
Isaay Goes Glam With Adrienne Maloof
Brands owned: Alaïa, Brian Atwood, Chanel, Charles Jourdan, Christian Louboutin, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Jimmy Choo, Miu Miu, New Balance, Prada, Skechers, Yves Saint Laurent
Organizational strategy: Maloof keeps her everyday shoes in one section of her closet and evening looks in another. “From there, I try to coordinate by color.”
Personal shoe style: Classic with an edge. “I like [my shoes] to be a little more trendy and fashion-forward.”
All-time favorite: Tall Prada boots on a 1-inch heel. “They’re easy to run around in and are classic, chic and stylish. I wear them so often. I know I’ve gotten my money’s worth.”
Most stylish shoe: Yves Saint Laurent nude platform pumps. “They elongate the leg and go with everything. They have the height and are very sexy.”
Last pair purchased: Jimmy Choo strappy sandals embellished with Swarovski crystals
Style I’d never be caught wearing: Anything with a rounded toe. “And I don’t do ballet flats. I know they are comfortable [and] stylish, but they’re not for me.”
If you could raid the closet of any other “housewife": Bravo producer and host of “Watch What Happens” Andy Cohen. “We call him our honorary housewife, and he’s an incredibly sharp dresser. He has a great eye for what works.”
Biggest splurge: About $4,000 on a pair of cocktail shoes with a gold heel and completely detailed in crystal
Pair I’ll never throw out: The strappy, light-blue, crystal-embellished sandals by Vera Wang worn during her wedding to Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Paul Nassif
Favorite shopping city: Las Vegas. “There’s just about every shop you can imagine, and it’s so close. A 45-minute airplane ride is easy and quick.”
Best qualities in a sales associate: Personality. “They have to put a smile on their face, and they have to know what’s going to be in fashion for the next season.”
Top shops in Beverly Hills: Barneys, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and boutiques such as Chanel, Prada and Yves Saint Laurent
No. 1 shoe mistake: Short, chunky heels with a square toe. “I had a pair that I gave away. [The look] does not work for me and doesn’t do anything for the legs.”
All-time favorite shoe brand: Yves Saint Laurent. “Their classic basic pumps are just gorgeous.”
Favorite style on your husband and sons: “As a doctor, Paul is very conservative all day, so I love to see him in a more relaxed state. I’m a fan of men in casual, masculine clothing, and he looks great in a rugged boot. My boys are huge fans of the whole skateboarding culture, so they love hip sneakers.”
Best workout shoe: A lifelong tennis player, Maloof turns to New Balance when she hits the courts. “I’ve been playing since I was four.”
Trend you wish would go away: Mid-calf boots. “It’s the worst height and hard for [any] woman to wear.”
Style icons: “Madonna is constantly switching up her fashion and reinventing herself. She’s a strong woman. Coco Chanel also dared women to celebrate fashion and was so ahead of her time.”
Highest heels I could bear: “The sky is the limit on that one. The higher, the better.”
Dream closet: Plans to expand her wardrobe are under way. “It will be huge and well lit, with lots of space to try things on. I’d love to truly display my shoes as the art form they are. I’ve been trying to bribe Paul to move his closet down the hall and let me have his, too, but so far, no luck. I’m open to bribery.”
Strategy for getting rid of shoes: Maloof turns to charity when she needs to clear space in her closet. “I donate to charities that help women getting into business and who need [professional shoes] to wear to interviews.”
Here's a little video I found of the housewives at a charity event and Adrienne talking about the upcoming line...
xox
Showing posts with label shoe design. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shoe design. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Bring on the Bling!
Labels:
adrienne maloof,
celebrities,
footwear news,
shoe closet,
shoe design,
wwd
Monday, May 23, 2011
Stars and Stripes
I saw these Jeffrey Campbell american flag shoes in Hong Kong (and then again on my homegirl's blog) and they reminded me of something... Hmmm... what was it?
Oh yea! They remind me of the American flag booties I made for Betsey Johnson!
God bless America!
Oh yea! They remind me of the American flag booties I made for Betsey Johnson!
God bless America!
Labels:
america,
funny,
jeffery campbell,
shoe design
Cece L'amour
Did you guys hear?? I finally have the name of my shoe line :)
Why Cece L'amour? Well, to be honest, it wasn't my first choice. My original name was actually Vie in Rose, which translates to "Life in Pink", but our lawyer found a lingerie company in Canada with the name La Vie in Rose and he thought it was too close, SO... it was on to finding a new name.
My friends call me Cece, or Cece the Bunny so I thought- Ooh! Cece Lapin (Cece Bunny in French) but that's way too close to Fifi Lapin. Another name fail. I was pretty set on incorporating French into the name since it's my dad's native tongue and it was my first language. (Betcha didnt know that!) I needed something personal, but with character. I liked the Cece part but thought Cece Ouaknine was too difficult and Cece Soto was too boring...
Then I thought, L'amour! My last name isn't L'amour but I do love love. ;) Cece L'amour would be my new name! And you know, I actually like it more than my first choice.
Next came the look. I wanted my logo to be super girly and fun, and luckily, I'm married to the most talented logo designer I know. hehe. He came up with this...
You like? I love! Next up? We've got to design a super cute box to hold these babies!
I'm super excited to get started on the shoes and to share my ideas and designs with you :) I can't wait to hear your feedback. Thank you all for your loving support, it really means the world to me.
Why Cece L'amour? Well, to be honest, it wasn't my first choice. My original name was actually Vie in Rose, which translates to "Life in Pink", but our lawyer found a lingerie company in Canada with the name La Vie in Rose and he thought it was too close, SO... it was on to finding a new name.
My friends call me Cece, or Cece the Bunny so I thought- Ooh! Cece Lapin (Cece Bunny in French) but that's way too close to Fifi Lapin. Another name fail. I was pretty set on incorporating French into the name since it's my dad's native tongue and it was my first language. (Betcha didnt know that!) I needed something personal, but with character. I liked the Cece part but thought Cece Ouaknine was too difficult and Cece Soto was too boring...
Then I thought, L'amour! My last name isn't L'amour but I do love love. ;) Cece L'amour would be my new name! And you know, I actually like it more than my first choice.
Next came the look. I wanted my logo to be super girly and fun, and luckily, I'm married to the most talented logo designer I know. hehe. He came up with this...
And here it is in a prototype shoe...
I'm super excited to get started on the shoes and to share my ideas and designs with you :) I can't wait to hear your feedback. Thank you all for your loving support, it really means the world to me.
xoxo,
Labels:
Cece L'amour,
shoe design,
shoe designer
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Off to Europe!
Anyway- I'll try to keep you updated as much as possible. I went back and forth on whether or not I was going to bring my laptop (and therefore, my blog) but I decided to pack the extra 5.6 Lbs ;)
LOVE YOU GUYS!!
While I'm in London, Paris, Milan, Florence, and Morocco is there anything you'd like to see? I'm officially taking requests now so let me know!
xox
Labels:
europe trip,
shoe design,
shoe shopping,
travel,
vacation
Friday, February 18, 2011
Bebe Fall 2011 Runway Show
I don't really do runway coverage since I figure you guys can go to one of the big blogs for that... UNLESS it's a show that I designed the shoes for! Like this one :)
These runway shoes are part of my first collection for bebe. They picked this pointy toe pump in lots of bright colors. Cobalt, Red, Fuchsia, Yellow and Black- all with silver metal heels and toe caps.
It's hard to tell from the photos but the pumps are cut super low on the inside... SO sexy! What do you think about pointy silhouettes making a big comeback??
This dress is so cool...
I love how feminine and flirty the bebe collection looks. With that perfect edge of rocker chic. I'm excited to be working with them and am loving their direction!
The boot below is my favorite shoe in the whole collection! I wish there were better photos of the shoes :( I'll try to get some asap...
Labels:
bebe,
bebe footwear,
fashion week,
runway,
shoe design
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Spring? Is That You?
The California sun seems to think it's time for Spring. It's so bright and sunny out, yet not warm enough for shorts, skirts, and shoes like these...

Unfortunately these ones were never made for the masses due to the buy-out :( Lame, I know.
Not to worry! We'll soon have shoes like this in my new and still yet to be named line! Thank you guys for all your suggestions BTW. You're awesome. I'll let you know what we're going with as soon as we clear it with the lawyers.
Stella LOVES shoes, like her mama.
(Shoes I designed for Betsey Johnson)
Unfortunately these ones were never made for the masses due to the buy-out :( Lame, I know.
Not to worry! We'll soon have shoes like this in my new and still yet to be named line! Thank you guys for all your suggestions BTW. You're awesome. I'll let you know what we're going with as soon as we clear it with the lawyers.
Stella LOVES shoes, like her mama.
Labels:
betsey johnson,
cute shoes,
puppies,
shoe design,
spring
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
What's Going On??
"Where has she disappeared to this time?" you may be asking yourself. Well, there's a few things, first being my laptop was stolen and I lost ALL of my photos files and info.
"But you must have a backup!?" well, no. No I don't.
So new laptop, new start I suppose. Such a bummer. But on to the good news that I'm finally allowed to share!! I hinted to a new line with a super mega celeb a few months ago and I still can't reveal who she is (dangit!!) but I ended up passing on that project anyway. Why? Well for what may be the most exciting project in my career!!
"Better than working with Betsey Johnson?" Kinda.
"Better than working with Gwen!!??" Sorta.
Drumroll please..............
My very own line! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited!!!! Can you believe it!? So I'm obviously very preoccupied with that and with getting it started and whatnot, but I'd really like to share the process with you guys. From concepts to sketches to samples- everything! I obviously have to do it on a bit of a delay so ideas aren't copied and stuff but I can't wait to show you what I'm working on!!
Until then, I do have one favor. I need a name! Now I've asked some friends and they of course said "name it The Shoe Girl" but I don't think that really makes sense for a brand name... What do you guys think?? I'd love suggestions and if you come up with a name that I love you'll forever have bragging rights that YOU came up with the brand name. ;)
Think girly and fun and not too junior sounding. I know that it looks like a food company from my images up there but I want it to have that felling of delicious treats for your feet. I don't know about you but when I see the right pair of shoes I crave it, just like sweets.
I should remind you that I can't use my own name because Celine is already taken and is a well established French high end line. Bummer.
Yippee!! I can't wait for this next adventure!
LOVE YOU GUYS!!
xox
"But you must have a backup!?" well, no. No I don't.
So new laptop, new start I suppose. Such a bummer. But on to the good news that I'm finally allowed to share!! I hinted to a new line with a super mega celeb a few months ago and I still can't reveal who she is (dangit!!) but I ended up passing on that project anyway. Why? Well for what may be the most exciting project in my career!!
"Better than working with Betsey Johnson?" Kinda.
"Better than working with Gwen!!??" Sorta.
Drumroll please..............
My very own line! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited!!!! Can you believe it!? So I'm obviously very preoccupied with that and with getting it started and whatnot, but I'd really like to share the process with you guys. From concepts to sketches to samples- everything! I obviously have to do it on a bit of a delay so ideas aren't copied and stuff but I can't wait to show you what I'm working on!!
Until then, I do have one favor. I need a name! Now I've asked some friends and they of course said "name it The Shoe Girl" but I don't think that really makes sense for a brand name... What do you guys think?? I'd love suggestions and if you come up with a name that I love you'll forever have bragging rights that YOU came up with the brand name. ;)
Think girly and fun and not too junior sounding. I know that it looks like a food company from my images up there but I want it to have that felling of delicious treats for your feet. I don't know about you but when I see the right pair of shoes I crave it, just like sweets.
I should remind you that I can't use my own name because Celine is already taken and is a well established French high end line. Bummer.
Yippee!! I can't wait for this next adventure!
LOVE YOU GUYS!!
xox
Labels:
fashion,
help meh,
Project,
shoe design,
shoe designer,
the shoe girl
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Hello 2011!
Well, it's already the 5th day of the new year and I'm finally making a post. Not a great start for the blog, but I've had a really great start to the year! I have a potential project coming up that could change everything so stay tuned!!
I'm leaving for China in the morning and I'll be there for a week working on Bebe and Rock&Republic and hammering out the details of this "potential project"... I'm super excited. :)
What are YOU excited about for 2011? According to some people it's going to be the last year of human existence so we better make it count! haha.
I want to make some changes to the blog this year. I'd like to add a store to sell my shoes and my friends shoes (who are hopefully different sizes than me) to give everyone a chance to get some great previously loved shoes. I also have some Shoe Girl shirts that some of you may be interested in!!
In 2011 all the Betsey Johnson shoes you'll see will be Steve Madden's Betsey Johnson shoes. There will be a noticeable difference... here are a few of my favorite shoes from the last collection I did that you may or may not see since we had to stop shipping in December. :( Boo hoo hoo.
Anyway, here's to a new year and exciting possibilities, and to your health and happiness!
Let me know if there's something you'd like to see more of this year. What are your favorite kinds of posts? Suggestions? I'd love to hear it.
xox
I'm leaving for China in the morning and I'll be there for a week working on Bebe and Rock&Republic and hammering out the details of this "potential project"... I'm super excited. :)
What are YOU excited about for 2011? According to some people it's going to be the last year of human existence so we better make it count! haha.
I want to make some changes to the blog this year. I'd like to add a store to sell my shoes and my friends shoes (who are hopefully different sizes than me) to give everyone a chance to get some great previously loved shoes. I also have some Shoe Girl shirts that some of you may be interested in!!
In 2011 all the Betsey Johnson shoes you'll see will be Steve Madden's Betsey Johnson shoes. There will be a noticeable difference... here are a few of my favorite shoes from the last collection I did that you may or may not see since we had to stop shipping in December. :( Boo hoo hoo.
Anyway, here's to a new year and exciting possibilities, and to your health and happiness!
Let me know if there's something you'd like to see more of this year. What are your favorite kinds of posts? Suggestions? I'd love to hear it.
xox
Labels:
betsey johnson,
shoe design
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Q and A
There were a lot of good questions about my last post so I just want to take a minute to answer them...
Angela said...
Now, is this the design process for all shoes? Or just better made shoes? Because I've wondered why there's such a discrepancy in fit. I'm sure each company has their own way to come up with the right last, but I wonder why some leave way too much room between the shoe and my toes and others are perfect.
Murderanda said...
What are some of your inspirations when it comes to designing? Do you have.. an 'inspiration board' of some sort or something?
I do make inspiration boards and I can't wait to share them with you guys. I haven't been able to yet because we design so far in advance that the inspiration board and sketches I have are just now coming out in stores. I'm not allowed to show sketches for shoes that aren't out yet ;)
Jessica Alice said...
What are the heel and outsole made of and how are they shaped?
For the sample process the heel is usually hand carved out of wood. We (designers) sketch out an idea of what we want and usually go through a few tries before getting exactly what we wanted. After the wooden heel is confirmed, a mold is opened and it is made in plastic. About 90% of all shoes have plastic heels, the exception being chunkier wood heels and wood wedges. Wooden heels are unstable and can break easily, especially on super thin, high heels. Plastic is more durable and way more cost effective.
william said...
When it comes to heel shapes do they simply carve a proto and then make a mold of the final result? I'm always curious with high fashion shoes that don't have acrylic heels, do they have to carve each heel individually? And how do stacked leather heels work.. is there a steel rod down the center for support? I'm always baffled by super skinny stacked leather stilettos because I don't know how such a skinny heel could support weight without added structure.
(a shot of past samples in our sample room)
Now, is this the design process for all shoes? Or just better made shoes? Because I've wondered why there's such a discrepancy in fit. I'm sure each company has their own way to come up with the right last, but I wonder why some leave way too much room between the shoe and my toes and others are perfect.
This is the process for all shoes. There's really no way around it. The difference in high quality shoes and less expensive shoes is not the sample process but the actual production of the shoes. Meaning, after department stores and boutiques have seen the samples and placed their orders it's time to mass produce them in order to fill the orders. Better quality shoe companies have stricter rules and standards do they usually fit and feel better. Also, notice how good quality leather feels on your feet as opposed to man made leather that most lower priced shoes are made of. Check the lining because that's what your feet are actually feeling. If the outside is leather and the inside is faux, you'll definitely feel the difference.
What are some of your inspirations when it comes to designing? Do you have.. an 'inspiration board' of some sort or something?
I do make inspiration boards and I can't wait to share them with you guys. I haven't been able to yet because we design so far in advance that the inspiration board and sketches I have are just now coming out in stores. I'm not allowed to show sketches for shoes that aren't out yet ;)
What are the heel and outsole made of and how are they shaped?
For the sample process the heel is usually hand carved out of wood. We (designers) sketch out an idea of what we want and usually go through a few tries before getting exactly what we wanted. After the wooden heel is confirmed, a mold is opened and it is made in plastic. About 90% of all shoes have plastic heels, the exception being chunkier wood heels and wood wedges. Wooden heels are unstable and can break easily, especially on super thin, high heels. Plastic is more durable and way more cost effective.
Outsoles are cut from thick but pliable leather, based on the last and heel shape. Less expensive shoes may use rubber, plastic, or reconstituted leather to save on price or make the shoe more durable.
holly in heels said...
...I personally would like to hear how a shoe gets NAMED--what creative elements/what team ideas go into naming a brand's shoe style.
...I personally would like to hear how a shoe gets NAMED--what creative elements/what team ideas go into naming a brand's shoe style.
Every company is different, I'm sure. Smaller companies or Luxury brands can probably name their shoes anything they want but when you're dealing with mass production and distribution, you have to have a system. I can only speak for myself and the company I work for, but we can't repeat names within a 3 year period (so there is no confusion in department stores' systems) and we use one starting letter per season to help our customer service reps to know what shoe a customer is referring to. For example, let's say we're using "C" this season for Betsey Johnson. We'd have a Cassy, Carrissa, Courtney, etc. Usually a baby names book is involved. ;)
BobHH said...
The designer sketch you show is exaggerated in the shape. How is the actual last shape determined? Are there lots of lasts or just one for each heel height? Are they modeled from someone's feet?
The designer sketch you show is exaggerated in the shape. How is the actual last shape determined? Are there lots of lasts or just one for each heel height? Are they modeled from someone's feet?
I actually visited a last factory this past trip and was super bummed that I didn't have my camera. I'll try to go back again!
The last shape is usually taken by a standard measurement and then adjusted accordingly. It can be a long process to get the last exactly the way you envisioned. The sketch in the picture was made by a European designer which typically means the drawing is more stylized and exaggerated. In my opinion, more beautiful- but everyone has their own style. My sketches are more straightforward but kind of boring ;)
There are thousands of lasts in our factory. I was trying to find the last room but they may have moved it off site. Every different shoe shape has it's own last. If there is a slight change from another style, it's a different last.
Here are some examples of how different designers sketch completely differently:
(photo: Footwear News)
When it comes to heel shapes do they simply carve a proto and then make a mold of the final result? I'm always curious with high fashion shoes that don't have acrylic heels, do they have to carve each heel individually? And how do stacked leather heels work.. is there a steel rod down the center for support? I'm always baffled by super skinny stacked leather stilettos because I don't know how such a skinny heel could support weight without added structure.
Ok, great questions!
1- Yes
2- Most high fashion shoes DO have plastic heels but for the rare times they don't, I'd imagine that they'd be hand carved though I can't say for sure.
3- Stacked leather heels are simply plastic heels wrapped in a thin piece of stacked leather, like this...
4- Most heels do have metal rods in them for added support- especially the super thin ones!
I hope this gives you guys some insight into what I do :)
Labels:
answers,
China,
questions,
shoe design,
the shoe girl
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Behind the Scenes of Shoe Design...
I brought my camera with me to China to take some photos and show you a little bit of what goes on behind the scenes of shoe making.
These are shoe lasts... They are essentially shoe molds. These determine the shape of the shoe, the heel height, and the size.
There are a few different methods of pattern making when it comes to shoes. One involves taping the last as shown here. The pattern maker covers the last in masking tape and then makes a 3D version of the designer's sketch onto the tape.
The paper pattern is then laid onto the leathers or fabrics to be used for the shoe. The leather/fabric is cut and sewn and then "lasted".
This is an example of a lasted shoe. It is carefully pulled and stretched onto the last and heated to fit onto it perfectly.
Some tools of the trade...
Here is an upper sewn and ready to go on its last
And here it is after it has been lasted and had the outsole and heel attached
This...
Becomes this!
Pretty cool, huh? I'll have some more for you in my next post :)
I'm going back to China next month and though I already asked this, few of you answered so I'll ask again... Is there anything specific you guys want to know about the whole design process? Anything about working in China you want to hear about?
Let me know :)
Labels:
China,
shoe design,
shoe designer,
travel


























