For years, men have enjoyed designing women’s shoes and still continue to do so with the same degree of passion that one anticipates from a creative genius. However, there is a big shift going on which, I think, was really called for.

It relates to an ever more growing trend that now luckily is ubiquitous — which is to say that a number of women shoe designers have cropped up designing elegant shoes and mind it they are giving a hell of a tough competition to their male rivals in the game.

This contrasting picture must be seen in the right context and no one can question the fact that women’s needs could be better understood by women themselves. Maybe it’s the emotional connection they share with one another. Whatever it is, the designs being cooked up under their tutelage are just striking and refreshing drawing the attention of celebrities and fashionistas in large numbers who are supposedly excited about trying on their shoes. So they are equally designing powerful, alluring collections that are eye-catching and therefore are in huge demand everywhere. And those in the know are fully supportive of what they are doing.

It’s no surprise they seem to have made a stronghold in their endeavors to shape the footwear industry today.

Charlotte Olympia Dellal, an internationally renowned British shoe and accessories designer with a distinctive edge, is turning the page in full gear and catching everybody’s attention as she keeps designing one great collection after another.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, she talks through what led her to take a shot at making shoes and where she sees her brand in the coming years.

What drew you to start designing shoes in the first place? How did the journey begin?

I always knew I wanted to be a fashion designer. As a child I enjoyed watching old movies with my mother and I especially loved the movie stars from the silver screen who made me fall in love with glamor from a young age. The essence of my brand comes from my love of old Hollywood; I love the glamor from the 40’s and the playfulness of the 50’s. It was during my foundation course at London College of Fashion that I came to discover that I wanted to specialize in shoes and went on to do a footwear degree at Cordwainers College.

What does your brand stand for?

I create classic designs with a modern silhouette and would describe my aesthetic as feminine and glamorous with a touch of humor.

Did you attend any design school to develop your craft?

Yes, I did a BA in product design and development at Cordwainers, the world-renowned college for footwear and accessories in London. Here I was able to explore my interests alongside technical training in the craftsmanship of beautiful shoes.

Did you work with any male footwear stalwarts in the industry before launching your own label?

No but I interned with Giambattista Valli when he was creative director at Ungaro and then when he started his own brand. Being exposed to a big fashion house and Giambattista’s talent gave me some insight into what goes into building a luxury brand.

How self-assured were you about seeing your designed creations create a stir in the market? Did you have any kind of doubt regarding it all?

From the beginning it was very important for me to establish a brand aesthetic and to have a strong identity. This, I think, made it easier for me to go ahead without harboring any sort of negativity in my mind.

Where do you get your inspirations from?

So many things inspire me; from places, people, art, movies to fabrics, textures and colors. I like to give my collections a soul and a story. I love collecting beautiful things and I translate this by transforming everyday objects into something wearable.

I’m constantly collecting ideas whether it’s for a current collection or saving them to develop for future projects. I especially love movie stars and pin ups from the 40’s and 50’s, Rita Hayworth is my favorite.

Who has been your role model?

My grandmother was a very elegant and glamorous woman, she looked like she could have been a movie star and came from that era I love. Her hair was always perfectly set and she never went anywhere without lipstick which inspired me to do the same.

How important is the color factor you choose for your collections?

I love color and it’s a very important factor in my designs as well as materials and texture. I rarely design in black.

What about the comfort factor? How much does it count according to you?

I enjoy making beautiful pieces that look good on and off the foot. However, I don’t design with a ‘form over function’ mentality; being a female designer I have the advantage of being able to try on all my designs throughout the sampling process to make sure they walk well. It’s very important to me that they can be worn throughout the day and into the night.

What’s the secret behind your increasingly popular brand it has become today?

I’m very lucky that I absolutely love what I do, but it takes a lot of hard work, passion and dedication. When I started Charlotte Olympia, it was important for me to create a brand aesthetic and have an identity. This came from staying true to my design philosophy and creating what have now become signature silhouettes for the brand. It’s also important to have a business plan and grow organically by introducing products at the right time, but at the same time seizing opportunities that come my way. I have learnt that surrounding myself with a great team who understand and believe in the brand is vital and that hiring the best people when possible to help grow the business is a key factor.

Which signature line of yours has remained on top since they first came out?

My ‘Encore’ collection consists of signature shoes including Dolly, a classic platform court shoe with a modern silhouette and the Kitty, a feline feminine flat with a sense of humor. They are essentials that I believe every woman should have in her wardrobe.

To what extent do celebrities wearing your shoes matter?

It’s great seeing different women wearing my shoes, whether it’s on the street or on the red carpet.

What’s your take on so many fantastic women shoe designers popping up everywhere?

It’s great to see more interest in footwear today. Several years ago, there were only a handful of women shoe designers. I’m optimistic that more women will chip in.

How vital do you think it is when it comes to women taking a lead role in society as a whole?

It’s important to have a balance; society should recognize that it needs both men and women in leading positions.

What’s your own style statement?

Dress from the feet up!

When did it occur to you that you should get into designing other accessories products like bags?

I designed my first bag, the transparent Pandora clutch box, because I wanted a clutch to match my shoe designs. Being transparent it’s the perfect clutch to go with any outfit. To this day I always take it with me when I travel. My bag collection developed from there organically, to also include more elaborate and playful designs. Last year, I launched my first collection of leather handbags called ‘Handbags for the Leading Lady’ — again it was the right time for the brand to introduce leather goods.

Is the concept of coming up with your own clothing line one day on your mind?

At the moment — I’m focusing on expanding my range of products and expanding the retail footprint of the business. But I can’t rule out this possibility if it has to happen.

How supportive has your family been in terms of establishing your global empire today?

I’ve taken an organic approach to growing my business, but my father taught me the importance of a business plan and to think ‘big’. I’ve a fantastic team in my studio and I try to surround myself with the best people to help grow the brand. I’m also lucky that my husband is incredibly supportive and often helps me with my business when I need his advice.

What are your future plans for the brand?

I would like to continue to open standalone stores in key locations around the world and broaden my range of products. In the last year alone, we have opened four new stores and launched leather handbags and SLGs, sneakers and we are about to expand the “Incy” collection for children with some exclusive styles for boys.

Which are your favorite holiday destinations?

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (where my mother is from)…Rio is my home away from home. The first and last thing I do when I arrive is have a run up and down Ipanema beach followed by a fresh coconut and admire one of the most beautiful views in the world. It’s simply a relaxing feeling.

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