Anna Dello Russo
What are you looking for in the entries? New blood for us, old vampires.
What excites you about shoes? They can completely change your attitude.
Can you run in heels? Yes I can!
Is a shoe the first or the last part of your outfit? It’s the first important part of the outfit, ugly shoes can ruin the best outfit.
Any words of advice for participants? GO BOLD!
Rubina Guardiani
What are you looking for in the entries? A shoe that somehow brings a smile, that makes you stop when you see it in a street window or online.
What excites you about shoes? The fact that it is a small piece in a woman’s outfit but one that tells a lot about the woman who walks in them.
Can you run in heels? I really can’t but I often rush, so I am trying to learn. I am a power walker more than a runner.
Is a shoe the first or the last part of your outfit? Shoes first.
Any words of advice for participants? Keep your mind open. Designing a shoe is very challenging. You need to literally walk in them. The design makes the difference, but the functional aspect is no less important. Women are always busier day by day, they need a shoe that walks with them, not against them.
Terry Jones
What are you looking for in the entries? For this competition I’m looking for inspired designs with a sense of humour and novelty.
What interests you about shoes? Shoes can make an entrance, quiet or spectacular. I like quiet.
What are the most outrageous shoes that you’ve ever owned? I used to wear Cuban heel winkle pickers when I was a student and would ride to college on my push bike. I was 2.5 inches taller before I met Tricia.
Is a shoe the first or the last part of your outfit? The last part, I’ve worn the same pair of leather hi-top Converse for years now, so I don’t have to think about it.
Any words of advice for the participants? Dream big.
Georgina Goodman
What are you looking for in the entries? Something I haven’t seen before. A creative and original point of view. I’m hoping to be amazed by a new idea.
What excites you about shoes? The thing that most excites me still is the never ending yearning people and especially women have for shoes. That is what has always fed me as a designer and as such being able to tap into your own desire keeps you inspired. Women connect emotionally through their shoes, that’s what I love about the process. Feet on the ground, heart in the clouds.
Can you run in heels? I can run in heels, but it’s really not advisable!! Heels are to elevate, to help you feel strong and powerful. I tend not to run at all! More power walk I’d say.
Is a shoe the first or the last part of your outfit? I always start from the shoes and work up.
Any words of advice for participants? Design from the heart. Communicate your idea as clearly as you can. Sometimes the best idea is your first idea, when you’ve reacted to a brief and not over-thought the outcome. I like to draw to scale to understand proportions. Always think about the whole of the shoe, and how they work as a pair. Forget all the rules.
Andrew Keith
What are you looking for in the entries? I will be looking for a blend of craft and creativity, for me shoes are as much about fantasy as they are about quality, attention to detail and craftsmanship.
What excites you about shoes? I love the fact that they can physically and emotionally change the way we are. Shoes have an immediate impact on how you feel and how you express yourself. I also love the fact that beautiful shoes are art forms in themselves, remarkable pieces of sculpture that are there to seduce and be coveted.
What are the most outrageous shoes that you’ve ever owned? I have always loved shoes and particularly shoes that reflect traditional techniques, twisting classic details and materials into something new. Though not particularly outrageous some of my favourites over time have been a pair of John Moore toe strap boots from the House of Beauty and Culture, a pair of Lawler Duffy salmon skin loafers that got a few looks, way before anyone was thinking about fish skins and exotics. In general I like mens shoes that feel like they have done a lot of walking.
Do you think you could run in heels?! It has been known….
Any words of advice for participants? Let your imaginations run free.
Sarah, Colette
What are you looking for in the entries? To be surprised!
What excites you about shoes? The creativity they can inspire.
What are the most outrageous shoes that you’ve ever owned? Marc Jacobs returned heel or Jeremy Scott Adidas pink bear sneakers.
Can you run in heels? I can’t even walk in heels.
Is a shoe the first or the last part of your outfit? Last, in general.
Any words of advice for participants? Follow your heart!
