Shoes, Shoes For Everyone-Sarah Jessica Parker Launches Shoe Line
11 Mar, 2014
As said in the ‘A Vogue Idea’ episode of “Sex and the City,” Carrie Bradshaw may not know men “but shoes, shoes I know.” So it only made sense for Sarah Jessica Parker, who played Bradshaw during the shows 6-year run, to start her own shoe line.
After being approached by several designers over the years and with two fashion stints under her belt, none with shoes, there were two things that were non-negotiable for Parker. She wanted to make the shoes she wanted to make and she had to have the right partner.
There was only one man big enough to fill such a tall order. You guessed it, George Malkemus, Chief Executive Officer of Manolo Blahnik. And in true SATC form, she was encouraged to give him a call while sitting at lunch with her girlfriends.
That phone call led to a next-day meeting and the following year the SJP collection was complete. SJP includes 25 made-in-Italy shoe styles that range from $195-$485, three handbags from $245-$375 and a $495 trench coat.
Parker gave some shoes in the collection a personal touch by including a grosgrain ribbon, reminiscent of the ones she wore in her hair as a child, up the back. Her adult influence came by naming the shoes after fashion icons, family members and friends. ‘Carrie,’ the T-strapped heel that comes in black, purple and green is a ‘must-have’ of the collection
Although the iconic series ended 10 years ago, its influence continues. The Trending Report attended Parker’s Chicago launch at Nordstrom, where the line is exclusively sold, and the fans stretched outside the store’s boundaries.
Some watched the series in its original run and others became fans during syndication. Those who purchased a pair of shoes had the opportunity to have them signed and meet Parker. I don’t think I saw anyone who’d only purchased one item. But then, most SATC fans like their money right where they can see it-in their closets.
