Walk A Mile In her Shoes...


Mariette Valsan













How did you get into Modelling?

I was discovered by Indian designer James Ferreira, who not only spotted me, but also mentored me and pushed me into modelling. I started with fashion week, and then competed in the Kingfisher Calendar Girl Hunt, which is based on Next Top Model.  I was scouted immediately after and have never looked back since.


The best thing about being model?
I think it is great to satisfy my curiosity of how different I can look in different get-ups. It kinda is like playing dress-up, but with the best in the business supporting you. Another thing I realised through the course of my time as a model, is that it is really the best place to meet passionate, creative individuals. I am yet to meet someone complaining about working too much. Everyone looks forward to work the next day. It is a refreshing attitude.

The worst thing about being a model?

Work is not regular, and having worked at a desk job for a while, I was used to the idea of getting up and going to work everyday. It took a while to get used to it, but now I value the free time I get. 


You're a model which means you have great fashion sense but can you think of any footwear crimes you have committed in the past?
Haha. Footwear crimes! Love it! I'd say when I was in college and had to deal with the rain, I bought a pair of floaters or sandals which were absolutely ghastly. But so convenient for the torrential rain that we face in Bombay.  Otherwise, I've always played it kind of safe, with very classic styles : sneakers and stilettos. 


Describe your footwear style in 1 sentence?

Comfort casual


What’s the most memorable pair of shoes you can remember shooting in?

Actually more than shooting, I remember walking in a Shane and Falguni Peacock fashion runway show with these amazing , intimidating, sky high boots! I had a heart attack when I saw them, but they were so well made, (and we had to kind of march while we walked) that it worked out perfectly.  


Sneakers or ballet pumps when you’re not on model duties?

Sneakers any day


Plain or pattern?

Plain. Classic is what I gravitate towards.


Stone wash or tie-dye?

Stone wash


The most expensive pair of shoes you own?

A beautiful pair of blue and black striped pumps from Aldo.


Sneakers or heels?

Sneakers always win


Stiletto or Wedges?

Stiletto


Lipstick or lip-gloss? 

Gloss. Maybe with a tint of colour


Cats or dogs?

Animals! Both


You’re on a day of castings - what shoes do you travel in and what heels do you change into?

I travel in either my Adidas sneakers or my Converse. And change into a pair of black heels that usually go with anything. 


What's the one pair of shoes you can't live without?

Sneakers for sure., Being a traveller, they are the most practical and comfortable shoes one can find. And they look good too!


What's on your iPod right now? 

Have not actually had the chance to sit and listen to music in ages. Been catching up on all my movies instead. Just watched green mile and Drishyam. 


What makes you go to sleep? 

A good day of work ending with a peaceful evening with my two adopted cats. 


If you could time warp yourself to any point in history when would it be and who would you hang out with?

I would warp myself to the roaring 20s and hang out with the who's who of society and maybe inspire Fitzgerald a bit too!


What is the most precious thing in your wardrobe? 

A gold necklace with two pendants that my parents gifted me. The first one, a cross, was made when I was born, and the second is a diamond and gold "M" which was gifted to me when I turned 21. 


If Ryan Gosling came over to you right now, what would you say to him?

I would ask him if he had tips/ advice on making it in Hollywood.


Your best friends plan a last minute night out - what pair of shoes do you grab first?

My brogues. Classy and comfortable for a night out on the town. 


Its your birthday - do you plan your shoes around your outfit? or your outfit around your shoes?

Shoes around my outfit. 


Suede or patent?

Patent


Favourite place to shoe shop?

A.K.A Bespoke


Best shoe bargains?

My new Adidas originals. Got them 60% off.


Your favourite footwear designer of the moment?

A.K.A bespoke in India. Owned by Karan Berry, he custom makes shoes. I love the brogues he made for me. 


What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done?

I spent a few hours speaking to and auditioning for a film role with this gentleman, who took me through a great audition. After we were done, he left and I asked the casting fellow who I was coordinating with, whether the director of movie would be in at any point and if I could meet him. He gave me a funny look and then asked, " Who do you think was auditioning you all this while? " And this is one of the biggest directors in Bollywood, and I spent a good amount of time with him giving an audition and I had no idea. My feet couldn't carry me out of there fast enough. 


What's the biggest shopping mistake you've ever made?

Bought this super cute, short dress, that now I look at and role my eyes because I feel it is too school-girl-ish


What's your biggest inspiration?

Movies.

Caterina Belluardo







In the theme of flat shoes this week East London based luxury footwear brand Caterina Belluardo is one to look out for. She has built a unique A-gender business; seamlessly designing footwear that suits both female and male tastes. Knitted detailing and beautiful leathers feature heavily in her designs which explore traditional leisure-wear styles. Bespoke footwear is another element Bellauardo has to offer with her online shopping experience, you're able to change the colour combinations of a certain style which are then hand made in her East London Studio. (which I'm totally loving) Interning at I Can Make Shoes has allowed me to understand the craft and discipline involved in hand making shoes so this a super appealing feature for someone who might want something a little more unique and individual. With the Winter wardrobe preparation in mind (more like on standby with the weather we've had recently) Belluardo's footwear is perfect  - full of character to brighten up the coming months.







SinderellaShoes.com






'Milan' - £14.99







'Las Vegas' - £16.99






'Dubai' - 18.99

The best kind of package arrived at my door last week - a package with 3 pairs of cute ballet pumps from Sinderella (thank you so much Sinderella!). As you know I'm always on the look out for new brands - Sinderella launched this year  to bridge the gap between super pricey shoes and comfort. They couldn't have come at a better time, the temperamental London weather we've had the last few weeks makes it difficult to decide on footwear; sneakers or sandals?!? is always my first question when I get ready every morning. Ballet pumps offer you a perfect alternative, they keep your feet dry from the spells of rain but still keep you stylish for the summer. The Sinderella ballet pumps are super comfy and come with their own little bag so you can fold up the pumps and pop them into your handbag. Now its no secret that ladies like to change from their work shoes to cute ballet pumps for their commute and why not do it in comfort all for the bargain price of £14.99!! yes you read that right, there are 8 styles of ballet pumps available, where the priciest pair is only 22.99 - which in my books is great value for money. I have teamed my Sinderella ballet pumps up with skinny jeans. I just love them - I'm actually looking forward to my daily commute just so I can wear my new pumps!

W - www.sinderellashoes.com (there's a really great deal on at the moment)
Shoe of the Week

Louis Vuitton : Tribal Collection S/S '09









I know the 'Shoe of the Week' posts have featured a fair few tribal themed shoes but what can I say? I LOVE a statement shoe, and statement pieces best describe me, tribal prints have a special place in my heart, they fit perfectly for the summer (even though we've had a terrible summer) and jazz up any outfit. So thats why this week I have chosen this Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2009 shoe. Bold and beautiful is where we are going with this shoe and why not? Life is for living - do it in amazing shoes is my motto.
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes....

Ginellè Wilson










How did you get into Modelling?
Well I use to model as a child and as I was getting older I kept getting scouted in lots of different places like the post office, walking down the street any where really than I was scouted in Mc Donald's by IMG models who I signed too.

The best thing about being model? 
The best thing about being a model is traveling to different places and meeting new people all the time. 

The worst thing about being a model?
The long hours and early call times and sometimes not being fed on jobs.

You're a model which means you have great fashion sense but can you think of any footwear crimes you have committed in the past? 
Yes at shoots and shows wearing shoes that are too small or to big.


Describe your footwear style in 1 sentence?
My style is unique, fashionable, contemporary and Modern.

What’s the most memorable pair of shoes you can remember shooting in?
I say Dsquared shoes the one's with the pad locks on them. I love their style and their run way shows are always fun, I would love to walk on their run way one day.

Sneakers or ballet pumps when you’re not on model duties?
Definitely sneakers; easy to get around London when running around especially fashion week.

Plain or pattern?
It depends on what style mood I'm in but I would say plain just to be safe.

Stone wash or tie-dye?
Stone wash; it's easy to go with other things.

The most expensive pair of shoes you own?
It's my Roccobarocco pair I bought in Italy.

Sneakers or heels?
I like heels and would like to wear them all the time if I was lucky enough to be driven everywhere so it has to be sneakers as I walk everywhere.

Stileto or Wedge?
Definitely stilettos for me not a big fan of wedges.

Lipstick or lip-gloss? 
Lipstick 

Cats or dogs?
Cats I have two and a snake.

You’re on a day of castings - what shoes do you travel in and what heels do you change into?
I travel in flats if the weather is bad then boots and summer any kind of flats sandals, sneakers etc. Then at the casting I would change into my highest high heels which is normally a stiletto heel.

What's the one pair of shoes you can't live without? 
Right now it's my sneakers from Adidas there for running but I wear them all the time and there so comfy 

What's on your iPod right now? 
A mixture of house music and hip hop but my favourite playlist that I'm listening to right now is I love house by ministry of sound.

What makes you go to sleep? 
I like listening to mediation music to fall asleep.

 If you could time warp yourself to any point in history when would it be and who would you hang out with?
It would be the ancient Egyptians times, when they built the pyramids and had queens and pharaohs

 What is the most precious thing in your wardrobe? 
I would have to say all my clothes lol but there a lot of things I like, like my Zara real leather jacket I got in the sale for really cheap.

If Ryan Gosling came over to you right now, what would you say to him?
Hey how about we talk about me having a show like the Kim K one lol joking. Hmm I dunno probably just hi and then walk off 

Your best friends plan a last minute night out - what pair of shoes do you grab first?
What ever pair of heels stand out to me at the time, but I have so many shoes right now it's really just what ever I see first Lol.

It's your birthday - do you plan your shoes around your outfit? or your outfit around your shoes?
I'd say if I bought a really nice new pair of shoes then I would plan my outfit around my shoes but if I bought my outfit first then I would find shoes to match them.

Suede or patent?
Suede

Favourite place to shoe shop?
I like to shop in different countries to get my clothes and shoes as I feel I get the best deals.

Best shoe bargains?
I have a lot as I like a bargain. So nearly all my shoes and clothes are a bargain because I know where to shop lol.

Your favourite footwear designer of the moment?
Dsquared and Giuseppe Zanotti

What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done?
Haha I walked around with a slip in my trousers right at the bottom part. Embarrassing! 

What's the biggest shopping mistake you've ever made?
Buying small clothes hoping to fit into them at some point 

What's your biggest inspiration?
I like the old super models like tyra and Naomi and Iman but I also like anyone that's doing well in what they want to achieve, it's inspiration for me to do what I want and reach the top. I aspire to be a super model like Iman, Tyra and the Victoria Secret angel Jasmine Tookes maybe I'll be an angel soon too haha Smirking face













I - Ginellè Wilson

Fashionary

Shoe Design - A Handbook for Footwear Designers





So a couple weeks ago, Fashionary the go to for fashion designer sketch books released a Shoe Design handbook which goes in depth about the anatomy of a shoe including design details, footwear styles and pattern making - basically everything under the sun about footwear. It takes 3 days to get to you (all the way from Hong kong) and its a hardback book, A4 in size so its fully packed with information and help on designing. Definitely a must for budding footwear designers!

£26 - not including delivery charges

Shoe of the Week

'Hangisi' heels



Manolo Blahniks 'Hangisi' heel has been crowned Shoe of the Week. Its  royal blue silk upper and the embellishment make these an all time classic shoe. Carrie Bradshaw (from SATC) wore them for her on screen wedding to Big and off screen Olivia Palermo got married in them too. They can be worn for an evening outfit and look dressed up  and dressed down with a pair of boyfriend fit jeans or even skinnys, giving you any reason to wear them!

Walk A Mile In Her Shoes...


Shivani Persad





How did you get into Modelling?

People had always asked me if I did it, and I was brought up to think it wasn’t a real career, so I never looked into it. I then got scouted while on a trip to Canadian Idol with my dance team, and once I realized someone in the entertainment industry thought I could do it, then I started to believe in myself. Then I started meeting with agencies and the rest is history. 


The best thing about being model?

Hands down the best thing about modelling is travelling and getting to work with different people everyday. Not many jobs can offer you that. 


The worst thing about being a model?

Instability. I never know where I’m going to be next week or even tomorrow. One call from my mother agency and I gotta hop on a plane somewhere. It causes a lot of anxiety, and it’s hard because you can’t really make any concrete plans.


You're a model which means you have great fashion sense but can you think of any footwear crimes you have committed in the past? 

I used to to buy really colorful shoes and end up making my outfits look off. Now I realize neutral is way more my style and looks more put together.


Describe your footwear style in 1 sentence?

Comfortable but also chic. 


What’s the most memorable pair of shoes you can remember shooting in?

My first big shoot I got to wear the classic spikey Louboutins. They were super uncomfortable, but it was the first time I'd ever worn designer shoes. 


Sneakers or ballet pumps when you’re not on model duties?

Sneakers 100%


Plain or pattern?

Always plain!


Stone wash or tie-dye?

Neither.


The most expensive pair of shoes you own?

I don't own a pair over $120. But I did win a pair once that was $300 something.


Sneakers or heels?

Sneakers all day err day.


Stileto or Wedge?

Stileto, wedges scream resort wear to me.


Lipstick or lip-gloss? 

Lipstick = Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Bansar is my fave


Cats or dogs?

Dogs, but I do love me a cute kitty


You’re on a day of castings - what shoes do you travel in and what heels do you change into?

Always my nikes and I'd cange into my Schutz heels.


What's the one pair of shoes you can't live without? 

My Nikes 


What's on your iPod right now? 

I love all music, I have soca, country, hip hop, r&b, pop, old school


What makes you go to sleep? 

- A long day's work


If you could time warp yourself to any point in history when would it be, who would you hang out with?

Hmmm, that’s a good one. I’m not sure. I wouldn’t mind chilling with the Dalai Lama though. Or Nelson Mandela. Maybe India in the 1930s.


What is the most precious thing in your wardrobe? 

My Oasis skinny jeans.


If Ryan Gosling came over to you right now, what would you say to him?

Why did you have a baby with Eva Mendez and not me? No, I’m totally kidding. How do you keep your life so private?


Your best friends plan a last minute night out - what pair of shoes do you grab first?

Probably my Schutz or a pair of pleather Washingtons I have.


Its your birthday - do you plan your shoes around your outfit? or your outfit around your shoes?

Outfit around shoes.


Suede or patent?

Suede


Favourite place to shoe shop?

Online or Aldo.


Best shoe bargains?

ONLINE!!


Your favourite footwear designer of the moment?

Schutz 


What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done?

So much. All the time. I just did a presentation for Vogue Fashion Fund and tripped on a clothing rack in front of everyone RIGHT BEFORE I walked out to see Anna Wintour and Diane Von Furstenburg. I was limping the rest of the show. LOL!


What's the biggest shopping mistake you've ever made?

I always forget to buy basics!


What's your biggest inspiration?

My parents.



I - @liveshiv
T - @liveshiv