TheShoeGoddess.comThe Shoe Goddess

As part of our fabulous new redesign, we are adding in designer interviews regularly, so that all of you can get to know your favorite shoe designers from a different perspective. First up, we have one of my personal favorites, Nicole Brundage, whose shoes are truly breathtaking, totally refined and ultimately elegant. She is not only an amazing designer, but a great person, and it was so much fun to interview her. So fellow shoe goddesses, meet Nicole Brundage!

The Shoe Goddess: When did you first become interested in shoes?

Nicole Brundage: My fascination goes way back to when I used to try on all my mom’s shoes and prance around in the house like a vixen at so tender an age as 6/7… she had an amazing pair of lilac pumps with black suede embroidery and a long lace that tied around the ankle…very burlesque. So after completing my internship with Zac Posen, I decided to bring back to all womankind the joy that comes in those happy hours of childhood.

TSG: Who or what inspires you most?

NB: When I was growing up, I would watch old movies with my father. Movies such as My Fair Lady, Pride & Prejudice, Irma Ladouce, Auntie Mame, Gigi, The Red Shoe, Daddy Long Legs and the list goes on and on, and then I would watch them repeatedly on my own… and I have a feeling that is where I absorbed all this passion for old feminine beauty and style. My mother and grandmother were also avid collectors of beautiful clothes, so this of course molded a passion for ‘hunting for’ and discovering that special look.

TSG: Can a woman ever have too many shoes?

NB: I guess my response is a very expected one, Blasphemy! For me a look starts and finishes with the shoes! It is close to impossible to encompass all the looks that can be in the world in just one shoe closet, also because fashion is constantly evolving and because it is important to constantly evolve in one’s personal style as well!

TSG: Talk about the inspiration for your latest line.

NB: For the Nicole Brundage line for S/S10, I wanted to give the collection a somewhat romantic androgynous feel. I was drawn to ideas of eccentricity surrealism and experimentation. I play with bold forms and a contrast of synthetic with luxury materials. Bandaging and volume are a main feature. Looking back at the collection completed there seems to be something of an Alice in Wonderland feel to it, from the colors to Cheshire cat stripes to the Queen’s painted red roses… I took a new liking to the color red – classic and burlesque. I’m also launching my new line, Acrobats of God, for S/S10 which is a line exclusively based on elastic. It has more of a sportier ideology, refined and unquestionably edgy.

TSG: What shoe must every woman have in her closet?

NB: A nude pump and a minimal nude sandal that goes with everything for those over-the-top outfits or just for a simple, yet very sensual elegant look.

TSG: If you could bring only one pair of shoes on your next trip, what would they be?

NB: Definitely, a pair of nude pumps from my S/S 10 collection or a pair of nude stretch sandals from my new line, Acrobats of God. I’m very much into nude right now.

TSG: What shoes are you wearing now?

NB: A pair of black gladiator sandals I designed for the S/S 09 collection. I feel as though I could run a marathon in them they are so comfortable….perfect for a work day on the go.

TSG: Which shoe designer has inspired you the most?

NB: Jan Jansen’s shoes from the 60s through the 90s were always ahead of their time and by far Martin Margiela, whose shoes stand on their own and are never overly trendy. Both are very innovative and experimental with a spice of humor.

TSG: A word to our readers—anything you would like to add?

NB: Oscar Wilde once said, “Either be a work of art or wear a work of art.”

Now, I must say, not only are this designer’s shoes fabulous, but she is absolutely amazing herself. She is definitely a designer to watch. Nicole is very creative, intelligent and totally sweet! Can’t wait to see more from her next collections! And check out www.nicolebrundage.com for more information.