POP 309 Weekend 5-6 June 2010

Today’s POP is Sarah, the cracking Sarah.

It all began with a blow out sale at Bergdorf Goodman: aka the only time that fashion stylists, assistants and writers can actually afford to buy the designer shoes that they are paid to know inside and out.  I came across the hottest Tabitha Simmmons black booties that I immediately recognized from several fashion editorials and mentions in “best picks” lists by every magazine editor.  I instantly fell in love with them and, although I had recently come to the realisation that I can’t walk in high heels, decided to buy them. They are spectacularly stunning and stylish and at the same time I can actually stroll down the sidewalk without my normal trembling and twitching.  I must admit that the age-old fashion adage – that wearing high heels makes a woman feel more powerful and confident – is 100 percent true. In Simmons’s stamped and stylish shoes, I felt more surefooted than ever before. I was determined to meet the woman, designer and fashion stylist, behind the shoe that changed my life.

Growing up, did anyone in your life friend, teacher, family member, mentor inspire your love and curiosity of fashion and if so who and how?
I was always inspired by fashion. I think the singer Adam Ant was the one who inspired me the first. I loved his sense of style and music and I always tried to dress like him.

What was your first fashion love, clothing or shoes?
I think it was clothing first.

What is your earliest memory of getting a new pair of shoes that you adored?
I remember my first pair of Boy London shoes with a studded cross on the front with beatle crusher soles and spikes coming out of the top.

You also worked as a model. How did you become involved in modeling and why did you transfer into a styling position?
I worked at Joseph as a Saturday Girl while I was at college and got discovered in the shop. I soon realised that I was a rubbish model and I found styling to be more interesting.

I read that when you were styling, you frequently visited the East Village Shoe Repair and commissioned them to design a pair of platform boots for Kate Moss for a W spread. Did you experiment with shoe design at that time?
Yes, all the time! I would make rocking horse shoes out of wood or painter stilts shoes or cut out paper stars and stick them on the front. When I started, I never was given interesting shoes, so I had to improvise.

What ideas, philosophies, or personal mottos helped to prepare you for launching your own footwear?
Don’t follow trends and stay true to what you believe in!!!!

What’s most important, look, fit or comfort?
All of the above as the shoes can look great but if you can’t wear them then there doesn't seem much point.

What makes your shoes different different from other high-end shoe brands?
I suppose they are quite quirky but feminine.

Can you explain the power and importance of the right shoe?
You can feel so many things with the right shoe: sexy with a stiletto, cool with the right boots…shoes finish off your outfit. I believe in the quote You can tell a lot about a person by their shoes.

Can you tell me which is your favorite style from your collections and which shoe you cannot live without?
My Sally boot from my first collection, and I am back into kitten heels again.

When it comes to footwear what is a Tabitha “Fashion Don’t”?
Crocs. I just can’t bear them!