I seriously love shoes! Like….Alot! And Yes,I am aware that I am not the only female on this earth who feels this way. I find it amazing how a pair of shoes can quite dramatically change an outfit, and even more fascinating is how it can make women feel more confident. I personally think that a staple in every woman’s wardrobe should be a great pair of killer stilettos. And if you are after a seriously HOT pair of shoes, you need look no further than Melbourne based label Lauren Marinis.
The label was launched earlier last year by my stylish friend & designer Lauren Marinis. Lauren has injected her impeccable taste and extreme love of high heels to create what is, in my opinion, an incredibly drool-worthy collection of classic styles, (stilettos, ankle boots and knee boots) in an array of modern colours and patterns. What I love about her shoes is the real thought and detail that has been put into the silhouettes. They are really quite stunning shapes and the heel on the pumps are serious “not-messing-around-12.5cm heels” that make you feel pretty damn amazing once you’ve got them on.
I’ve already started my love affair with the label and purchased the amazing Gilda Leopard Pump, and Scarlet Ankle Boot, with a few more on the wish-list. You can check out the website and purchase here
Lauren invited me into her home, to have dinner, play with mountains of stilettos and talk all things shoes:
Q&A With Lauren Marinis
What made you start your own shoe label? Being fortunate enough to travel around the world for past jobs I loved being able to source the globe for the next shoe my wardrobe had to have (not me, my wardrobe!) and I always felt sad that I couldn’t find what I wanted in Australia, my home town. So I thought what better way to put all my industry knowledge to and start my own label. Give people the opportunity to get a great shape, interesting, all leather pump here in Melbourne.
How would you describe your style? 2 years ago I could have summed it up in one word Black. Now my style changes from day to day, depending on my mood, from floating girly dresses to sharp tailored layering, really depends on what side of bed I wake up on!
Why do you think that we as women are so obsessed with shoes? Personally, I think it’s the one thing we put on that we wear for ourselves. Everyone notices the outfit, face, body shape but shoes don’t judge you.
What do YOU love about shoes? We have a love/ hate relationship me and my shoes. Their kept all safe and loved in their boxes but by the end of a night out their flung across my bedroom floor being cursed at!
What inspires your shoe design and creative decisions? It all starts with the leathers, I travel to the most amazing leather markets and I go around with my scissors cutting off swatches that interest me. From there a range is created. Designing the shape of the shoe is the technical side, it’s all about the finer details so it might be going back a forth with the maker and changing the point or heel shape by millimeters. It’s a process that evolves and can sometime create something very different to what you begun with.
What is your favourite part of the design and production process as a shoe designer? Receiving the stock! After all the hard work it’s the best feeling to unpack boxes and boxes of shoes and seeing what you have created.
What do you think is the must have item in a woman’s shoe closet? A classic black suede pump?? Next question!
Who is your favourite shoe designer? Nicholas Kirkwood and Costume National their attention to detail, having a pair of their shoes is like a work of art.
Which is your favorite shoe from your collection? Winter’s coming so I am loving the burgundy suede pumps, they are a staple in my wardrobe and add a touch of colour to a winter outfit.
How many pairs of shoes do you own? Hahaha nope, lips are sealed!
What next for the label? Lots of exciting things this year which I can’t reveal yet but the focus will be on taking the brand overseas and expanding the range.
Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to start his or her own shoe label? I hate saying it but save, save, save…money makes things a whole lot easier and being open to failure when you do it makes it a whole lot less painful…oh and get a good accountant!
