Fresh off being named “Designer of the Year” at the Footwear News Achievement Awards gala last week, Brian Atwood–fast becoming the go-to shoe designer for the A-list set–chatted with Shoe Snob about his delectable spring collection. Not only is it the designer’s largest collection to date (applause, applause), his rose gold Maniac pump is sure to be the most coveted heel come 2011. But that’s not all. Thanks to a recent partnership with Jones Apparel Group, Atwood will launch a contemporary B Brian Atwood line next fall, followed by handbags and jewelry.
1. What was your inspiration for Spring 2011?
“Lightness!!! It was about a lot of color and a mixture of texture and treatments. We had a 70s moment (as always) and also a very African-Jungle moment–and then a glitzy ‘Garden Party’ moment.”
2. What are they key shoe shapes/silhouettes for spring and what served as their foundation?
“Platforms have become a staple in the collection. We’ve shown a lot of ‘single-soled’ shoes, in a variation of colors and textures, but thick heels on the ‘power’ pumps are great for urban living. Our needle thin stilettos, however, remain the pieced résistance.
3. What are your three favorite pairs and why?
“The Iman because it’s a sexy single-soled shoe in a giraffe print with coconut embroidery around ankle tie. The Martina, a pale nude colored silk ankle strap peep toe with thick Swarovski encrusted heel that is so glamorous! And the Paloma, a limited edition of 25. It has a hand made silk hydrangea flower by ‘LeMarie in Paris’ with a crystal Aurora Boreal heel.”
4. What are some cool, insider facts about your spring collection?
“This is the largest collection we have made as far as styles and variations are concerned. Over 1000 crystals are hand glued onto the Martina heels while the coconut teeth on the Iman shoe are hand carved.”
5. What materials did you focus on for your spring collection?
“Nappa leather in every bright color as well as nubuck, rose gold mirrored leather and nude silks and blushy pink metallics.”
6. What’s new with the Maniac for spring? Is there a must-have color?
“ROSE GOLD!!!!”
