The designer behind Carolina Pagano:
A shoe admirer since childhood Carolina Sadowski, called “Carola” by close friends and family, has always been intrigued by the construction of shoes, the manufacturing of heels, the materials, colors and shapes used in every pair she has acquired throughout her years.
With extensive knowledge of the fashion business (she served as Director of Operations for Tufi Duek International in Brazil after only eight months at the design house), and the desire to create something uniquely Brazilian with character and essence, Sadowski has launched a luxury shoe brand called Carolina Pagano—a combination of the designers name and the Italian last name of her maternal grandmother.
A native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Carolina married and moved to the US, where she began her research to transform her dream of launching of her own collection into a reality. Armed with perfectionism and curiosity, Carolina enters the shoe business with the eye of an expert, manufacturing pieces that reflect her style and are a perfect blend between the high quality she is accustomed to and the sensuality of her homeland.
What is your design philosophy?
“It starts with designing things that I would like to wear myself,” offers Sadowski, “then I search for my inspiration in the natural beauty of Brazil, the forests, the fauna, the colors of Brazilian precious stones. I like to observe the way sophisticated and contemporary women carry themselves, their attitude and their creativity when putting things together when they get dressed.”
Design style in 5 words:
Sophisticated, chic, modern, sensual, edgy.
Why shoes?
“I chose to design shoes because I like the fact that a shoe can change an outfit even when you are wearing jeans and a white t-shirt,” says Sadowski. “I have loved fashion as far back as I can remember. When I discovered that I could go to University to study fashion and become a professional in this business, I knew there was nothing else in the world that I would rather do.”
The spring 2009 collection:
Of her first collection Sadowski admits, “I am enthusiastic about the way the market reacted so positively to our collection and the styles, so far. There is big trend of wearing flats now–a–days. We tried to bring the embellishments used in our high heels to the flats, making them more special.”
Your favorite pair?
“My favorite pair of Carolina Pagano shoes is the “Cristina” sandal. It is a beautiful amethyst color suede, and every time I wear it people stop me to ask where did I get it.”
Which music best represents your spring 2009 line?
The two recording artists are Brazilian singers Vanessa da Mata and Maria Rita. They are the new generation of Brazil’s Bossa Nova. Their music is soft and pleasant, perfect to set the tone of summer nights, good friends and long interesting conversations.
A sneak at fall 2009:
“With details like trims of bronze leather, gold buckles and a jewel-colored palette, adorning each pair with a special touch,” Sadowski says, “It’s like jewelry to the feet!!” Fall 09 for Carolina Pagano is about the eclectic beauty of Brazil. Sadowski found inspiration in the country's exotic and natural beauty to create a collection of flats, platforms and heels, handmade in the most exquisite materials. Always attentive to the details and embellishment of each pair, she brings the shine of Brazil's gold and precious stones to each shoe.
Carolina Pagano kudos:
My spring collection will be featured in the December issue of Seattle magazine as part of a holiday fashion feature hosted by lifestyle expert Kelley Moore. I am also making a personal appearance at POSH on Main on Saturday, December 6, from 1 pm to 3 pm. Stay tuned!
Which famous personality do you envision wearing your shoes?
“Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, as she is the most fashion-conscious political figure of the moment. Have you ever seen someone look so chic in flat shoes? She has a sense of grace and a bit of flair, which is exactly what our collection has. Sarah Jessica Parker, though maybe a cliché, to me is the best well dressed celebrity. She is chic in anything she wears, she has a strong personal style and I would be flattered to see a pair of our shoes complementing her wardrobe. Another great actress with a unique sense of style is Cate Blanchett. She is not a slave to trends and she has a knack for good taste in clothes. I would be proud to see her in a pair of Carolina Paganos.”
What’s in a box?
“We have a project to develop a “green” shoe box and have been working to find high-quality recycled paper to make a fancy shoebox, without destroying too many trees in the process. When our customers purchase a pair of Carolina Pagano shoes, they are as mindful of the box that they place them in at the end of the day, so we want the box to feel ‘special’ but not to have harmed the environment in any way.”
Traveling (with) shoes:
“Shoes go in the carry-on! I stuff them with my socks so they won’t lose their shape and put each shoe in a shoe bag,” the designer says. “This avoids any disaster of being barefoot on a work trip if my luggage has been be delayed.”
Favorite spot to Vacay:
The beach in Brazil and specially this historical town on the coast called Paraty, which we’ve included on our website under the “Made in Brazil” link.
Where to find Carolina Pagano shoes:
At present, their two major retailers are POSH on Main in Bellevue, which is just outside of Seattle and Address in Philadelphia on the east coast.
You can certainly see Carolina Pagano's entire collection at their website... www.carolinapagano.com.
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