KICK OFF THE FOOT HEALTH ADVICE
Shoe guru Brian Atwood is the latest big name designer to drop by Dubai, and urges every woman to channelise her inner Cinderella
— SHOE DESIGNER BRIAN ATWOOD BELIEVES YOU’RE ONLY YOUNG ONCE, SO ROCK THOSE 13-INCH HEELS!
This month has seen many international fashion designers visit Dubai, be it Burberry’s Christopher Bailey, Tommy Hilfiger, and the latest arrival — footwear designer Brian Atwood. It was Atwood’s first visit to the Dubai, and the former model turned designer of sexy, bold statement heels is a favourite with the likes of Lady Gaga, Cameron Diaz, and Beyonce. His mantra for fashion is “dress from the feet upwards.” Known for his love of colour and textures, Atwood lives between Milan and New York. We caught up with him at Level Shoes, The Dubai Mall.
It’s all about the 13-centimetre heel for you right now, but isn’t 13 an unlucky number?
Not at all. Anyway, I do not believe in superstitions. I say you can go as high as you want.
You are known for your super high heels, so what do you think of the current sneaker trend?
I love it; in fact, I plan on wearing sneakers tonight. It’s so trendy right now, I have friends who would never step into sneakers before, and who wear them now. I’d have no issues with designing a line of sneakers. I also include a line of flats in my collection, but most retailers choose not to buy those.
You have designed shoes for the woman for who can’t seem to get enough heels — Lady Gaga — tell us about that?
She is not afraid of heights; let’s just say that. Those shoes I designed for her 30th birthday were 10 inches high! I enjoy doing custom orders, and designing last year for the Victoria Secret’s Fashion Show is a moment I will always remember. It is great to design for women who know how to work their heels.
What about the critics who say wearing high heels is bad for your health?
You are only young once, so wear them! Shoes have power — I call it the Cinderella effect. Shoes can change your look; wear a mediocre dress and great shoes, and your dress looks designer.
You were the first American to be hired by Gianni Versace. Right now, there is a game of musical chairs happening, with many creative directors, like Raf Simons leaving positions at fashion houses like Dior, with no explanation. Versace’s Versus just lost its creative director Anthony Vaccarello, and he succeeds Hedi Slimane at Saint Laurent. Would you ever think of joining a large fashion house as creative director?
Of course I would, if I really respected that house. A creative director really needs to have carte blanche, and the fashion house has to truly believe in their creative director — that’s when the relationship works. Like when I was at Bally, we managed to turn the company from the red into the black.
The website Red Carpet Fashion Awards has named you shoe designer of the year twice. How important are red carpet events like the Oscars to footwear designers?
Premieres are very important; we are all celebrity-obsessed. The Oscars a bit less so, as it’s all about full-length gowns, so you cannot really see the shoes. I often wish I could take some scissors to the gown and make them tea-length so the shoes would show (laughing). But the awards afterparties — those events are something footwear designers do focus on.
You are often inspired by your travels, and now that you have been to Dubai, can we expect a collection that pays homage to this city?
My current season collection at Level Shoes has a very Aztec feel, and was inspired by a trip to Mexico. And yes, I think Dubai could be my next inspiration, I just love the architecture here. Imagine a pair of shoes with Burj Khalifa heels!
“I DO NOT BELIEVE IN SUPERSTITIONS. I SAY YOU CAN GO AS HIGH AS YOU WANT”
— Brian Atwood