New collaboration alert...
The shoe world’s queen of quirk, Charlotte Olympia is teaming up with THE OUTNET to launch a special collaboration, Marie Claire can exclusively reveal. Landing online on 17th March, the collection sees Charlotte (who recently delivered her first ever London Fashion Week show) reinventing some of her best-loved designs in swish new colour combos and fabrications. Think Kitty Flats in new jewel hues and re-mastered Dolly platforms worth fighting for. Here, she tells us all about the collection, plus why she’ll always love Old Hollywood glamour...
Tell us about the styles in THE OUTNET’s exclusive collection (Dolly, Eugenie, Octavia, Octavia, Kitty, Web). Do you have a favourite? ‘Most of the designs feature in my Encore collection of classic signature shoes that I believe has a place in every woman’s wardrobe. Eugenie is a more recent style and a personal favourite, it's bold but still feminine.’
See all the specially designed posters and the products in the gallery above...
The colour ways for THE OUTNET’s collection is what makes them exclusive. How would you describe your overall approach to colour? ‘I love working with colour, one of the first things I do when I start a collection is make a colour board because it can help set a tone for the collection.’
You’ve said before that you love the naming of the shoes and take it seriously. How did you come up with the names for each of these styles? ‘The names of the designs are usually very much linked to the inspiration behind the collection and have to suit the silhouette and design. Whenever I design a collection it’s important for it to have a mood and a story so there is always special attention to detail. I particularly enjoy naming my products, not only does it add personality, but it also gives an insight into the inspiration. There are also a few named after favourite pin ups and movie stars from the silver screen.’
Your love of old Hollywood movies (and movie stars) is well known. What is it about old movies that you’re most drawn to? 'I remember watching old black and white movies with my mother from a young age. It was the glamour that got me into fashion. I have always loved dressing up and that old sensibility from the silver screen opened up a world of Hollywood, pin-ups and the art of dressing up. I love the movie Gilda and Rita Hayworth is one of my favourite actresses. It was the glamour from the Silver Screen that introduced me to fashion from a bygone time. I love old Hollywood and pin ups from the 1940s and 50s, which plays a huge part on my own personal style, design aesthetic and brand sensibility.'
Growing up, did you always want to be a designer? 'I wanted to be designer from a young age, but only decided to specialise in footwear during my foundation course at London college of Fashion when one of my tutors comments on my emphasis on accessories when I designed. I then went on to do a BA at Cordwainers where I learnt the craft of shoemaking and started my own brand soon after I graduated.'
What has been the most defining moment in your career so far? 'I have ten stores worldwide, One of my proudest moments was opening my first store on Maddox Street. I also recently opened my second store in London on Brompton Cross, Chelsea. I love being able to create an environment to showcase my collections.' Charlotte Olympia’s collection for THE OUTNET launches on 17th March 2016.