Photo by Reed Ingram Weir
Quebec born shoe designer Jerome Rousseau found his inspiration at an early age
while watching a Deee-Lite music video. The retro-influenced footwear and styling caught his eye and he began sketching shoes.
After studying at Cordwainer's College in London and designing in Los Angeles, Rousseau
began his eponymous line in Fall of 2008. Instantly loved by celebrities and fashionistas all over the globe, Rousseau has been seen on famous feet from Charlize Theron to Miranda Kerr and Olivia Wilde.
Rousseau's creations are truly pieces of art, portraying an array of looks that go from ultra chic to classic to fun and bold. Rousseau is not afraid to play with color and shape, and treats each
design like an architectural blueprint.
We are thrilled to offer his collection and look forward to meeting the designer in person
at our March 28th Meet and Greet.
See below for an exclusive interview with Jerome and a link to
his mini documentary.
MM: What is your biggest inspiration right now for your designs?
JR: I'm usually inspired by art, music, nature, design and many other
things. At the moment I'm heavily into postmodern art and it has
inspired a large part of my Spring 2013 collection. I'm also inspired
by unexpected elements in nature, such as surprisingly colored plants,
minerals and birds of paradise.
MM: What is the most beautiful thing about a woman to you? What type of woman do you design for?
JR: I
have a huge crush on the young French actress Roxane Mesquida. She has
been the muse of my label for a few years now. She captures the
essence of the kind of woman I design for. She's stunningly beautiful
and talented, effortlessly chic and has an innate sensuality. I think
those qualities are the most beautiful things a woman can possess.
MM: What is your favorite vacation destination?
JR: Sometimes a vacation in my own home is my favourite destination! That
being said, I love the Nordic European countries. I love Sweden for its
culture, music and people. It's also a great destination for design
inspiration.
MM: What is your design process?
JR: I start the design process by focusing on the inspiration and themes,
and researching them further. Then I put aside some quality time to
sketch and explore the silhouettes I have in mind for the season.
Sometimes I will design something with a specific material in mind, and
other times I will source or develop the material later. I tend to
focus on the general shapes and constructions first. I guess it's the
architectural nature of footwear that attracted me to shoe design.
MM: What is your favorite spring trend for this year?
JR: Adios
platforms! Spring 2013 marks a clear return to single sole sandals. I
love the lighter silhouette it creates. Go for a high stiletto heel and
an intricate strappy design. And dance.
***
Click the link below to watch a mini documentary on the designer.
xo
McMullen
single sole sandals? No thanks, bring on the platforms.
ReplyDeleteAnd are we done with anklebooties yet? Please?