Stuart Weitzman, Founder and Designer of Stuart Weitzman Shoes
The red carpet is about to achieve its brightest hue, as the 83rd Annual Academy Awards shines its spotlight this Sunday. As a stiletto intellectual, my eyes will be zeroing in to see what shoes will be peeking from underneath the exquisite gowns. And while red carpet hosts rarely ask the actresses who shoed them, the Oscars is the one awards show where shoes receive heightened awareness, thanks to one shoe designer.
Stuart Weitzman, Founder and Designer of Stuart Weitzman Shoes, operates 31 stores in the U.S. and distributes his brand in fine stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Harrods. With 30 branded stores outside of the U.S., Weitzman footwear is also sold in more than 70 countries.
This global presence clearly explains why Weitzman is revered as the coveted red carpet shoe designer since 2002, when a pair of his shoes graced the Oscars and created Cinderella envy around the world.
BonBons Ruby Satin Sandal, from the Stuart Weitzman 2011 Red Carpet Collection
For this year's Academy Awards, Weitzman is wowing us again (after a two-year absence) with the launch of an exclusive Red Carpet Collection, featuring over 35 elegant styles for celebrities and their stylists to choose from.
With the hot trends of lace, platforms, peep toes, and sparkle, Stuart Weitzman heels will be poised to take center stage this Sunday! And for those of us who will not be on the red carpet, select styles from the collection will be available for purchase at the Rodeo Drive & New York boutiques.
I was head over heels when I received an invitation to attend the preview and exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the 2011 Red Carpet Collection at the Rodeo Drive boutique. Although I had to decline due to the short notice and location, I was granted the following interview with the talented designer:
TWHS: What was the inspiration in designing your first $1 million Oscar shoe in 2002 for Laura Elena Herring?
Weitzman: I needed a way for people to pay attention to shoes. For years we noticed that it was always about the dress and jewels, and I felt that shoes deserved their red carpet moment.
So, I partnered with Kwiat to create a pair of gorgeous silver sandals adorned with $1 million worth of diamonds and platinum. It was a game changer, as they say, and made quite an impact on red carpet fashion history.
From that moment on, people have paid more attention to shoes on the red carpet.
TWHS: Your shoe designs are synonymous with glamour. How did the collaboration with Yasmin Aga Kahn - daughter of Rita Hayworth - to create the Rita Hayworth shoe (worn by 2006 Oscar-nominee Kathleen "Bird" York to the Academy Awards) come to be?
Weitzman: By 2006, we were known for choosing one lucky lady to wear a one-of-a-kind, jeweled shoe to the Academy Awards. When we were approached by Rita Hayworth's family, we thought this was a great way to honor her legacy - she was a real Hollywood glamour icon.
TWHS: Did you have the choice of which pair of earrings from the Hayworth estate to design from, or was it the decision of Yasmin?
Weitzman: We used those earrings because they were Yasmin's favorite.
TWHS: Every woman has had her "Cinderella shoe"; the one pair that made her feel like a million bucks. What style of shoe should be in every woman's shoe closet?
Weitzman: Well, I think it's really two styles. The perfect black pump, be it pointy or round, mid-heel or high. And the perfect strappy evening sandal that makes a woman feel beautiful but that will also allow her to dance comfortably all night.
TWHS: If you had the opportunity to design for a late, great movie siren, who would it be? What would the shoe design consist of?
Weitzman: Marilyn Monroe. Certainly something very high and sexy.
Naughty Ivory Crystal Stiletto, from the Stuart Weitzman 2011 Red Carpet Collection
TWHS: Another fantasy footwear women covet from you is the quintessential bridal shoe. What story of a bride's dream day has touched you most?
Weitzman: I hear there has not been one divorce for the women who have been married in my shoes. It's amazing!
The wonderful thing about bridal shoes is that women become very attached to them. They are maybe the most significant pair of shoes she will ever wear.
I once received a note from a bride who told me she had called every single store that she knew of to find a pair of our lace shoes for her wedding. She couldn't find even one pair. She said to me, "Mr. Weitzman, I cannot get married unless I am wearing those shoes! Do you want that to be on your conscience?" Well, of course I didn't, so I helped her find them.
TWHS: Wow! I know she's one satisfied customer!
Now that the economy is on the upswing, what is the one detail the Stuart Weitzman woman can kick up her heels and achieve her own "red carpet" look with this coming season?
Weitzman: Anything with a little sparkle.
Lute Black Mini Glitter Peep-Toe, from the Stuart Weitzman 2011 Red Carpet Collection
Make sure to watch the 83rd Annual Academy Awards red carpet festivities this Sunday. I can't wait to see which lucky actresses will become well-heeled Cinderellas in Stuart Weitzman's Oscar shoes!
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