Charlotte Olympia
Charlotte Olympia Dellal birthed her Charlotte Olympia shoe and accessory line in 2008 and now has six stores, including one in Beverly Hills.
“I love collecting beautiful things,” she notes, “and I translate this by transforming everyday objects into something wearable.”
She also loves channeling “a bygone era of the ’40s and ’50s, a time rich in accessories and filled with glamour,” she says. “Women used to dress in a classic and sober style. However, they weren’t shy to be more playful with their accessories. You can be elegant and [also] have a sense of humor, but balance is important.”
The designer’s signature towering Dolly platform pumps (starting around $795) and her feline-faced Kitty flats (starting around $295) attest to her impish flair for fun, which this season is seen in Cinderella-pumpkin purses, cactus- and sageembroidered wedges, taco clutches and a brightly colored donkey piñata bag. “I love to design pieces that make you smile,” she says, “and depending on the piece, I sometimes like to play with the obvious, [but] in some cases subtlety works best.”
Dellal, who admires cheeky early 20th century designer Elsa Schiaparelli, keeps her work’s quirkiness balanced by color and construction. “I have fun with my designs but at the same time I know it’s important for them to be glamorous. My materials and color palette play an important role as they help tone down an elaborate idea and keep it from becoming too kitsch. My approach is to keep things feminine and timeless.”