Koolaburra – Made in Australia

The team behind the Koolaburra brand?
“We’ve assembled a crack squad of designers for our 2009 collection that have worked for the likes of Diesel, Frye, Kenneth Cole, Nike, Ugg, Sisley, Adidas, and others,” decrees Koolaburra COO Kris Zacharias, “Our designs are truly a collaborative effort.”

Design philosophy?
Create with confidence.

Koolaburra in five words:
Classic with an irreverent twist.

What brought you to the shoe industry?
An opportunity, a bit of luck, and a love for product.

The spring 2009 scoop:
Since we are primarily a winter season brand, we will be offering a small collection of low cut boots, mocs, and slippers inspired by bohemian rock chic. In 2010 we expect to grow our Spring offering.

Is there a musical theme for your spring 09 line?
Dead Meadow. It’s rock chic meets bohemian.

And for fall 2009?
Koolaburra is going to have some amazing interpretations of the engineer boot and I think they will be big next year.

Is there celebrity you’d envision wearing your shoes?
Shakira. She typifies beauty and is truly an inspiration for the humanitarian and philanthropic work the she does outside of her music career.

Already seen wearing Koolaburra:
High School Musical maven Vanessa Hudgens has been spotted in her Koolaburra Double Fringe boots, while stepping out with hottie-tot beau Zac Efron. Her co-star Ashley Tisdale has her own pair too.

Be on the lookout:
Koolaburra supports finding a cure for breast cancer. They will be collaborating with some top designers this year to develop one-of-a-kind boots that will be auctioned off at a charity event in L.A. this year.

What are you reading now?
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, for maybe the 5th time.

Favorite place to unwind?
Locanda dell’Amarosa in Sinaluga, Italy located in the Tuscany region. It’s the ultimate destination to unwind, clear your mind, and drink lots of wine!

How ever do you pack your shoes?
“I don’t pack shoes! I make sure I have enough room in my bag to buy shoes to bring back home with me! ”

Where to find Koolaburra:
Besides their own website, you’ll find Koolaburra at shopbop.com, Neiman Marcus, Kitson, and Planet Blue.

“fab friday” winner – “5kys” of Alberta, Canada

Koolaburra “Double Fringe” Short

Two strips of top-grain leather fringe designed by Kettle Black spice up this pull-on boot. Made in Australia. Embellished by hand in the U.S.A. Chestnut

Retail: $350. At Koolaburra.

Check out our exclusive interview with Koolaburra.

Shoetalk with 5kys, Alberta, Canada

Why do you love shoes?
I was a ballet dancer for several years and know the importance of a well made shoe, and shoes that show off your gams. I love how each pair has personality. A good pair of shoes has to support you through your entire day. They also can either dress you up or dress you down. They tell you alot about people and cultures.

If you could design the perfect pair of shoes, what features would they have?
Comfort and elegance, they would have to be well made and preferably out of materials that are environmentally friendly.

Who is your favorite shoe designer?
CYDWOQ, Emilio Pucci, Jimmy Choo, I think I would wear almost anything out there if I could.

What shoe trend would you like to see disappear?
Chunky, heavy shoes

What is your most favorite shoe style of all time?
Kitten heals, they go with almost anything anywhere and I can wear them all day.