New York- born Stuart Weitzman is a world-renowned shoe designer who has continuously satisfied women’s elegant footwear needs, from teenagers to celebrities. Inheriting his father’s talent, he began a larger than life adventure in the footwear design world, sticking to a perfectionistic-driven initiative to “make a woman smile”. Armed with endless passion and absolute precision, the famed shoe designer embarked on a global quest to merge fashion and function, eventually reaching out to A-list celebrities and becoming a household name.
You graduated from the prestigious Wharton School. What made you shift to footwear design?
I originally had planned to conquer Wall Street right out of school, but unexpected circumstances led me to join the family business to help out and I have never looked back.
Do you think the red carpet appearances harboring your designs had a big impact on your legacy?
Celebrities can deliver a strong message, mainly because they make a statement just by choosing to wear one of my designs amongst all those vying for her attention. This is important as it drives brand awareness within pop culture.
What inspires you to come up with collection names?
Really the design … like the Nudist a simple bare sandal or 5050 boot is half stretch and half nappa.
What inspires you when designing new shoes?
I am inspired by everything around me …. I believe creativity can be sparked by the simplest details. Some forms of past, present and future inspiration for me have been things I have seen on the sidewalks of New York City, the Spanish countryside, a favorite old movie and the changes in nature within each seasons.
You are extremely devoted to the “ovarian cancer” cause. How did this health-driven initiative affect your career?
Because I design women’s shoes, women’s health issues are something I like to support, plus the cancer research and work of Dr. Marsha Moses and her team is awe-inspiring, you cannot help but want to be involved.
We heard you recently created the Middle Eastern Pave shoes. Could you tell us more about them?
I really wanted to celebrate the Nudist design, while at the same time adding that extra element of “glam”… what better way to do that than with Swarovski crystals.
Where did you draw inspiration from for these new dashing designs?
Bold simple patterns which really sparkle with the crystals.
Which one of these new designs would account as your absolute favorite?
Impossible would be like choosing a favorite child … but I do have a fondness for the camouflage design.
When designing this special collection, did a certain type of woman come to mind?
The fashionista and the bride – these are fabulous wedding shoes.
What’s next on your agenda?
Fall 2016 collection … boots, boots & more boots.
