Hello Again, Shoe Lovers! I guess you're wonderin' where I've been"...
I know it's been a while since my last post. I'd been pondering my approach to this blog. This year, I'm doing some new things, and I decided to change the SoleSavvy format a little bit to include projects I'm working on, sketches, as well as my thoughts and feelings about the design process.
So... I'd been working on a little-known shoe project. Shoe lovers have heard of iconic brand Charles Jourdan, which was at its hottest in the '70's and '80's. Other really savvy shoe lovers may have heard last year that the brand was being revived in Europe by French dancer-turned-designer Alexandra Neel. But what you may not have heard is that Charles Jourdan USA was being designed by yours truly! I wanted to share some of the enjoyable moments of the process; see below. You can order the finished product at Lord & Taylor.com , Endless.com , or see the widget at the right to order from AMAZON.COM...
This was the first correct prototype I received: I thought it was beautiful; like sculpture.
More first prototypes and materials I used. The yellow style in the center became the most popular, called "Amari"; my sketch of it can be seen in the first photo...
...and here's the finished style. I think white's the most popular: and we girls know it's hard to find a good white shoe! Below is another style called "Amelia" (below L); and the flat version, which was the original sketch I did for this concept. Below right is the finished version of the 1st proto above.
Originally I had added an ankle strap, but the company wanted to simplify it. I'm not sure if my beautiful first proto made it in the final cut though...K
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5 comments:
Yummy, yummy, yum yum. I love everything!!
my blog: ♥La Stylin Girraffe♥
If you ever need a shoe model for a show. Call Me! ;)
Candase
OH WHY, OH WHY, OOOOOHHHHH WWHHHYYYY!!!! Girl this is soooooooooooo GOSH DARN AMAZING!!!!!!! Oh my goodness how blessed are you to be doing what you are doing and doing and doing it WELL! Very Well. More like completely AWESOME! I can't stand it! Please forgive me for yelling!! I do understand it' s just morning, but I am a shoe (you know what) Yup that!!!! Proud to be one too. I remember my first pair of Charles Jourdan. My mom got them from the Jewish Woman's Thrift Shop. They were cream 5" high heels that I kept for many years. I adore these shoes. My mom loved these shoes as well. She was my pimp for shoes. Now it's my husband who constantly ask, " Why does a woman need so many pairs of shoes?". LOL!!!! I just love shoes. They are awesome! Books and shoes do it for me! Thanks so much for sharing these fabulous designs and shoes. You ROCK WOMAN! You really, really do!
Blessing on you always
Oh thanks for stopping by too. I love seeing your pretty face there he he he he! Have a good one!
This shoe design is very very sexy. Bravo! You know that I'm a fan of your work.
Hi Karen,
Just a note complimenting your inspired work and lovely illustration. I've been collection vintage Jourdan for thirty years -along with many other designers. check out my Charles Jourdan shrine on blogger when you have a moment. Can you tell me where one can find the CJ line in the USA? would love to pick up a pair of the wedges.
Again congratulations on your beautiful work~
Regards,
Herb Greenwood
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