What you choose to wear on your feet and how comfortable you feel afterward will determine what you are looking for. After all, you don’t want your toes to ache. This is exactly what two Iranian-born Los Angeles-based sisters Maryam and Marjan Malakpour experienced during their heyday working as celeb stylists whose magic touch turned them into larger than life personas in the public eye. But when it came to revealing their liking for shoes, they simply had no names in mind that could have delivered what they really wanted. Sounds surprising and yet it’s true!

Although they have been working in a world of glitz and glamor for years and continue to do so, there was still something that they felt their heart and soul were missing. “We were missing a very chic yet cool flat that wasn’t just a ballet slipper but a bit more rock & roll which could be folded and pressed into a carrying pouch and taken out whenever needed,” says Marjan. “It led us to come up with the Classic Foldable NewbarK shoes that fit in with all occasions. The name itself comes from the saying “My dogs are barking” which means my feet are in pain!”

Initially, they launched one style of shoe but in many different colors plus experimented with lots of material variations. Their debut collection received an astounding response from the buyers. “It was pretty incredible. We were launched by Net-a-Porter (our first vendor). Their first order was 500 pairs which were sold out in two weeks. We were amazed to see our 500 pairs of shoes in one room,” they said.

“Our direct and focused concept attracted Natalie Massenet, founder of Net-a-Porter who loved the fact that we had such a crystal clear concept,” Maryam told us.

As the creative director she spends much of her time dealing with the issues of designing, creating and conceptualizing the details for the shoots.

Asked what makes NewbarK shoes different from other brands, Marjan replied: “NewbarK creations are for chic women and men on the go who love their luxury pieces, but for whom comfort and practicality are top priority. Every piece is designed precisely and we use minimal hardware.”

Their shoe products are so easy and chic to wear that one can wear them to entertain at home or for yoga practice or for casual wear. “So, they’re primarily aimed at a woman of leisure,” she said.

Adding her own thoughts, Maryam said: “I think what makes NewbarK different is the sense of practicality and simplicity in the design. We try not to be trendy but want to appeal to men and women of all ages and styles who could mix-match the shoes with anything in their wardrobe.”

The two sisters complement each other perfectly. Being stylists and working with clients they know how difficult it is for people to put their ensembles together. NewbarK has the added advantage of a built-in style which can go with any kind of attire whether it is casual or formal.

New concepts spawn in the mind first and then get dissected step by step to bring to completion. “Our styles are inspired from life’s experiences,” they said, adding that they listen to their clients and guage what they need or what they need to leave out. “You need to keep your eyes and ears open all the time,” the duo said.

Asked about when they decided to make their shoes weatherproof, Marjan said: “From the second season, we brought in the split sole first and the hard soles later which enabled people to feel more confident about wearing the shoes outdoors. We still have all three soles and it is interesting to see that certain countries or clients only like certain soles,” she explained.

NewbarK has attracted the attention of Hollywood celebrities as well. “Heidi Klum, Courteney Cox, Halle Berry, Angelina Jolie, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen just love our shoes. They are highly appreciative of what we have given them in the form of a smart option,” said Maryam.

On the other hand, Marjan enjoys good rapport with their clientele such as Shirley Manson, Lisa Marie Presley, Cher, and Kesha who are huge fans of NewbarK. “Some will only perform in their Joey boots on stage,” she says.

Their SS14 and Resort 2015 collections remind one of wood, sand and go back to the early 70’s satchel bags and bucket bags. In addition, they are introducing a high Helle wedge clog and mid-heel chunky boot for customers to wear with the large trousers and the slouchy looks that are on the runway.

“So where are all the products manufactured?” They say proudly: “They are all handmade in Los Angeles.”

Besides, there is one more thing that NewbarK works upon to give an iridescent look to their creations. It concerns the color shades of their various products including bags and belts. “Maryam has a particular eye for that and ensures that all our customers go away satisfied,” Marjan emphasizes.

Coming back to their fashion statement, they both have a defined style of their own. For Marjan, it’s about being chic and classic with a bit of edge and effortless whereas for Maryam, it implies Rock & Roll. Even when she wears very clean chic collections like The Row, something has to break it and make it look Rock & Roll for her.

Shedding light on future plans for NewbarK in the offing, each came up with their own idea. Marjan said, “We are working on launching the men’s line and maybe a NewbarK store in the future.”

As for Maryam, it’s nothing but a NewbarK lifestyle place where they can really share all their visions. “I am really into home design and I love integrating NewbarK materials and making other things for home, pillows and throws etc,” she says.

It has been an exciting journey for both thus far.

“It’s good to know that NewbarK has become such an amazing line with great followers since its birth in 2009. We are so thankful for all the inspiration, the growth, the changes…some challenges but we always seem to pass and come out great!”

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