Ruthie Davis: Fierce Glamour and Futuristic Chic

Ruthie Davis footwear has become the go to brand for celebrities and women the world over when they’re looking for fierce glamour. And it’s no surprise that Ruthie Davis grew up to be a successful footwear designer.  Her passion for shoes began at the young age of 2, when her mother took her shopping at a department store. She tried on her first  pair of red patent leather mary-janes, and when the sales women went to take them off, she threw a tantrum fit for a super-star diva.  Little Ruthie wore her mary-janes out of the store and even went to bed in them that night. It was love at first sight, and this love turned into a passionate obsession which led Ruthie to eventually create a line of footwear made up of  some of the world’s most provocative shoes.

Ruthie Davis developed a business savvy early on, becoming a entrepreneur at the young age of 25 when she opened an aerobics studio in Vermont.  She eventually went on to earn her MBA from Babson Graduate School of Business and upon graduation, was hired by Reebok as a “Cool Hunter” and was swiftly promoted to Director of the Reebok Classic division, where she helped ignite a consumer love affair with throwback designs in footwear.

In 1998, Ruthie left Reebok to become the Vice President of Design and Marketing for Ugg Australia in California.  It was here that she created a worldwide fashion phenomenon by repositioning the Ugg boot as an essential fashion staple.  She was even responsible for giving Oprah her first pair of Uggs.  In 2001, Ruthie went on to work for Tommy Hilfiger as the Vice President of Marketing and Design and launched a new division called “Tommy Girl Shoes” which was targeted at a younger and hipper girl.

With such a strong background in footwear, it’s at no surprise that Ruthie eventually went on to launch her own line of shoes. The namesake brand of handcrafted, Italian-made shoes launched in 2006 combined the designers high-style and high-tech personal tastes with references to modernism, minimalism and lots of high-octane glamour.  Ruthie, who once wanted to be an architect, designs her shoes like “little buildings”, focusing on technical innovation in both form and function, a sleek aesthetic, and architectural precision, evident through the advanced “heel architecture”, which has become one of the brand’s signature details.

Ruthie also draws inspiration from the strong heroine characters in Italian comic books and James Bond movies.  Her shoes have even been described as “go-go-dancer-meets-Barbarella.”  An authentic movie poster of Italian thriller, Danger Diabolik, featuring  the movie’s heroine Eva Kant, even hangs in Ruthie’s office, providing endless inspiration of a “totally mod, chic, hip 60s chick.”

After the launch of Ruthie Davis footwear in 2006, the brand quickly gained worldwide recognition, and over the course of 4 years has been featured in countless publications.  The shoes, which embody a fierce glamour, have gained a loyal celebrity fan base, including Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Rihanna.  Perhaps the most devoted is Beyonce, however, who is frequently spotted wearing her Ruthies.  The shoes, since their debut, have been popular on the runways as well, participating in every New York Fashion Week since 2006 providing shoes for labels such as Alice and Olivia, Doo Ri, and most recently Dennis Basso.

Ruthie takes after her strong female inspiration and strives to be a motivating mentor and promoter of “girl power.” The July 2010 issue of Harper’s Bazaar China even featured her as the only woman in the article “Top 7 Leaders in the World of Shoes.”  To provide inspiration to young women the world over, Ruthie speaks at college campuses as a woman who is taking risks and going after her dreams and encourages others to do the same.

Ruthie advocates her girl power philosophy in hopes of urging other young girls to work hard, dream big and never compromise themselves as women.  With such strong beliefs as this, it’s no wonder a woman feels a sense of empowerment when slipping her feet into a pair of Ruthie Davis’s shoes.  After all, they were designed with super-like-women and courageous heroines in mind.

Shop for Ruthie Davis footwear on shuzsociety’s shopping platform, shuzsociety.tv!

For more on Ruthie Davis, please visit her web site, ruthiedavis.com.

Australia Luxe Collective Ties Together Fashion and Comfort

Australia Luxe Collective is a luxury lifestyle company that was established in Melbourne, Australia a little over three years ago by husband and wife team Nicole Durand and Stuart Rush.  With over 35 edgy and playful styles of sheepskin winter footwear, Australia Luxe Collective has set out to create the perfect marriage of luxury fashion and down under comfort for women, men, and children the world over.  The fairly young brand has been able to gain such global recognition not only due to it’s prominence within fine retailers in more than 25 countries, but also because of it’s ability to be so acutely in tune with what women really crave: to be beautiful while also being comfortable.

While “Ugg” style boots have been a footwear staple in women’s closets for almost a decade now, Australia Luxe Collective has taken the traditional sheepskin boot toward a more high fashion directive.  Co-founder Nicole Durand also serves as Australia Luxe Collective’s Creative Director.  Her first-hand experience in the fashion industry as a former model and buyer for Versace has allowed her to infuse each product with powerful design, sophistication, and fashion-forward thinking.  Every collection is filled with embellishments, fur trim, or specialty treatments so that the Australia Luxe Collective product never looks ordinary, but instead always maintains that uniquely Aussie attitude. Such fun and innovative designs have caught the eye of many Hollywood starlets. Celebrities such as Jessica Alba, Gwen Stefani, Miley Cyrus, Kate Hudson, Megan Fox, and Cindy Crawford (among others) consider themselves fans of Australia Luxe Collective and often sport the stylish boots while out and about the trendy L.A. scene.

While Australia Luxe Collective is all about fashion- forward comfortable luxury, they also strive to take part in globally conscious movements.  Committed to being a responsible luxury brand, Australia Luxe Collective takes initiatives to remain environmentally friendly by using improved recycled rubber soles, that are both secure and flexible, organic cotton bindings and finishings, and a chromium-free skins tanning process.  Their luxury packaging and advertising materials are made from post-consumer recycled materials as well.  In an effort to end extreme poverty in Africa by 2025, Australia Luxe Collective has partnered with OmniPeace on certain licensed products, where 25% of these profits are donated to Millennium Promise, a non-profit organization that works village to village to help empower the poor with the skills and tools they need to become self sustainable and pull themselves out of poverty.

As if this wasn’t enough, Australia Luxe Collective has also created their own exclusive philanthropic campaign called STOMP.  They have teamed with several celebrity supporters to help raise funds for their favorite charities associated with some of the most important global issues (here is list of celebrities and the charities they support).  The goal is to STOMP out social issues that affect individuals and communities around the world and to issue $75,000 in funds across the celebrity-endorsed charities by July 4, 2010.  If you want to do your part in contributing to a cause, simply select your celebrity of choice from the drop down menu when purchasing a fabulous pair of boots on the Australia Luxe Collective website.  5% of your purchase will be donated to that celebrity’s charity of choice.

High fashion intertwined with down under comfort, all the while promoting good will across the globe.  No wonder Australia Luxe Collective is such a highly sought after product. Men will be able to join in and cozy up to all the goodness that they have to offer (both for the feet and the conscious) come this fall.  The novelty shearling boots, as well as a line of military inspired rain boots will debut this August.  Wish you could maintain that uniquely Aussie attitude year round?  You’re in luck!  As of Spring 2011, Australia Luxe Collective will introduce a line of innovative and lightweight spring and summer products.  Until then, all we can do is look forward to cooler weather, when we can sink our feet into something that’s just as wonderfully fashionable, as it is divinely comfortable.

Find your perfect pair at www.AustraliaLuxeCo.com/shop

Auri Footwear Makes Walking a Beautiful Thing

Auri Footwear is the brainchild of Ori Rosenbaum, a serial entrepreneur as some might call him, and Auri is his latest company to launch after a string of successful startups.  Ori began pioneering the business world at the early age of 19, starting companies ranging from car audio systems to technology consulting, both of which Ori has credited for his accumulated taste for fast cars and high fashion.  The idea for Auri Footwear actually came about while Ori was racing his high-performance Dodge Viper (which he sold to help fund the company).  It was his own experience with an expensive, yet uncomfortable, pair of driving shoes that led Ori to create a line of footwear that is both fashionable and easy on the soles.

Auri was originally created as a men’s footwear line, and launched in 2008, during the economic downturn.  In an effort to save money, Auri decided to forgo traditional advertising methods, and instead, turned to Hollywood as a platform to help spread the word.  Auri brochures and an invitation to a free pair of shoes was offered through SWAG bags during the 2008 awards season, and in 2009 they joined forces with “Stars for a Cause”, a non-profit organization that operates during awards season and uses celebrity connections to push philanthropic efforts.  Celebrities such as William Shatner, Ludacris, and Jessee McCartney designed custom shoes for Auri Footwear that went up for auction to raise money for charities of their choice, along with Prince’s Trust.

The Hollywood connections certainly helped to promote Rosenbaum’s product line, as Forbes Magazine named Auri Footwear one of “America’s most promising companies”, the only brand selected from an entire roster of fashion, footwear, and apparel companies, in September 2009.   The honor is well deserved.  Aside from sound investment, smart marketing, and growth in revenue, it’s the Auri product that really sets Rosenbaum’s company apart from other fashion footwear lines.  Auri proves that beautiful shoes don’t have to be uncomfortable.  The Laguna Beach based fashion lab, set in the heart of the trend-setting LA style scene, is the first couture footwear collection to seamlessly fuse comfort and fashion.

Through inspired design and a commitment to old world craftsmanship, made from rich Italian leathers and hand stitched details, Auri shoes remain on trend with stylish silhouettes.  However, it’s the next level technology incorporated into each pair of shoes that makes this product so desirable.  The performance engineering, active suspension systems, and removable multi-density anatomical footbeds, which provide structural support and insulation from the harsh pavement beneath the feet, create a pleasure of looking good and feeling good.  Rosenbaum also licensed Outlast, a patented material that was originally developed for NASA spacesuits, which helps to regulate temperatures and keeps feet cool and dry all day long.

This technology was originally only available to men.  However, as of spring 2010, Auri has finally launched a line of women’s shoes, providing the comfort in high heels that so many women crave.  A dual density foam and gel forefoot area forms to your own foot’s shape helping to mitigate pressure points and absorb the impact from the ground beneath (1- see diagram).  An asymmetrically-shaped arch support also conforms to your foot’s specific shape maintaining the foot’s integrity and position, keeping the pressure off the forefoot area, which bears the brunt of wearing heels (2).  Finally, a gel formed heel cup holds the heel gently, dispersing pressure evenly over a larger contact area, keeping the foot from sliding forward, and thus protecting the forefoot (3).  One might think this level of comfort would come at a price, but Auri shoes, with all their quality design and unmatched technology, sell at an affordable range of $85-$230.

Providing a level of comfort unavailable in any other fashion footwear brand today, however, simply isn’t enough for Ori Rosenbaum.  Rosenbaum wants Auri to be more than a footwear company that produces next level products; he also wants Auri to be synonymous with the charitable giving towards the community and mankind that they all believe in.  Rosenbaum states that “ever since we launched in 2008, our goal was to give back.  We will continue to create opportunities for charitable giving because its simply become part of who we are as individuals and as a brand.”  Besides being a sponsor for “Stars for a Cause” mentioned earlier, Auri footwear also contributes to Tiny Stars Charity and Soles 4 Souls, to which Auri donates $5 for every pair of shoes sold through wholesale and $10 for every pair sold through the Aurifootwear.com website.

Fashion, comfort, and charitable giving- what more could one ask for from a pair of shoes?  The successful combination of these aspects has made walking in Auri Footwear a truly a beautiful thing.

American Designer Calleen Cordero

Calleen Cordero’s first step on her journey to becoming one of today’s most inspiring American designers began in Marin County, California, where at the age of fifteen she was first immersed in the world of high fashion footwear.

Beginning in sales at an upscale local boutique, her innate talent for fashion and her passion for well-crafted shoes began to shine though, and Calleen soon found herself elevated to the position of assistant buyer, traveling to Europe to view collections and meet with designers, all by the age of sixteen. From this precocious beginning, Calleen went on to represent some of the top names in the footwear industry and in the process learned, in a very hands on way, about every aspect of the art and trade.

In 1999, Calleen began designing her own line, and she began her company with two simple ideals held firmly in mind: she would bring the Old World art of handmade artisan quality footwear, handbags and accessories back to the United States, and everything that she made would be as authentic as it was beautiful, as comfortable as it was luxurious, and as nourishing to the soul as it was to the eye.

With a factory based in North Hollywood, Calleen has almost singlehandedly resurrected the art of using handcrafted wood in the soles of her shoes- an art that California was once known for. Working with local artisans and using only natural materials and dyes, any given piece in Calleen’s line may pass through as many as twenty sets of hands, making each item truly one-of-a-kind work of art. Calleen personally oversees the domestic production of each collection and takes great pride in the fact that she is able to tailor-make items for the over 200 independent boutiques that sell her work worldwide, creating a unique presence in each store. The passion and loyalty of Calleen’s customers and fans continues to provide her with unending inspiration, and it is her goal to return this inspiration and elevate the spirit- one sole at a time.

As the art of handcrafting luxury goods diminishes throughout the United States, Calleen Cordero is the only female designer who has managed to revive this traditional craft from the 70’s.   At her Los Angeles factory, nearly 40 artisan employees work under one roof to bring Cordero’s designs to life.

From sculptors of wooden soles, hand-lasters and sewers, each piece is passed through the hands of talented workers the old school way.   Calleen Cordero heels and wedges begin with planks of alder and ply wood from sustainable forests. The handcrafting process of being cut, drilled, sanded, stained and triple waxed creates the perfect heel.

Orthopedic foam is individually fitted, making each shoe a product of comfort.  The Sandals are hand molded and a great deal of care is taken to ensure all footwear is ergonomically designed.  The varieties of Italian leathers are vegetable tanned and metal artwork is a combination of solid brass and nickel, which is pressed freehand, one by one.  Every heel, insole, and embellishment is the subject of exquisite detail.  Her designs also include handbags, belts, leather based jewelry and accessories.  The Calleen Cordero factory is like nothing else in the US and it’s clear that quality and care, stands at the center of every handcrafted piece.

Calleen Cordero is an artist whose artwork is to be worn and adorned!  Add a luxurious, handcrafted design to your footwear, handbag and accessory collection today!   Take a peak at her latest designs, locate a retailer or note directions to the Calleen Cordero Los Angeles boutique by visiting her web site at calleencordero.com.

olsenHaus makes beautiful earth-friendly shoes

Pure Vegan. That’s olsenHaus’s philosophy.

And what better day to give you a sneak peek at their Fall 2010 collection AND celebrate the earth (and all its marvelous creatures) than Earth Day? According to their brand philosophy page, “The livestock/leather industry is the largest contributor to global warming, land devastation, environmental pollution, usage of valuable natural resources and water supply contamination.” But they’re not passing judgment. They’re offering an alternative…

olsenHaus uses alternative, sustainable and renewable plant-based and man-made, non-animal materials such as: ultra suede, organic cotton, canvas, nylon, velvet, linen, cork, and a synthetic eco-lining. We are 100% vegan: no leather, fur, wool or silk is ever used. Soles are a composite of rubber, glues are rubber-based and vegan, paint is vegan and non-toxic. Nothing is tested on animals.

Their Spring/Summer 2010 collection is online now. It’s filled with shiny metallics, flesh-colored faux suede, woven faux leather and cork.

“Balance 2″ is a faux suede sandal with mirror metal toe strap and 3.5″ cork-covered heel. $220, through shuzsociety.tv.

“Journey” is a 100% faux leather asymmetrical gladiator flat sandal. $190, through shuzsociety.tv.

“Vision” strappy satin sandal with faux suede accent on 4″ heel. $220, through shuzsociety.tv.

olsenHaus gave shuzsociety.com a sneak at their Fall 2010 collection, and we’re passing the peek on to you… Their collection “like no other” (the uppers are made of recycled industrial waste from television screens and the soles are composite rubber with details of recycled tires and sawdust), is a witty mix of biker-chic, shapely platforms, and slouchy-retro shapes.

The “Hariett” is made from recycled TV-screen microfiber with a shiny faux leather belt.

The “Dream” peep-toe sandal made from recycled TV-screen microfiber, on a 4.5″ wooden heel.

“Sweden” recycled TV screen Microfiber with a hidden 3″ wedge.

The philosophy of olsenHaus is anchored in the respect for all beings, with a dedication to the expression of truth in the material world. They are committed to being 100% animal- and cruelty-free, producing functional goods, with a high standard of ethical social responsibility in animal rights, human rights, and the environment. Their shoes are both pretty, and practical. And that makes for a happy Mother Earth.

Charlotte Olympia: Seriously Stylish Stilettos

Women’s shoe designer, Charlotte Dellal, is becoming a strong presence in the footwear industry.  The cutting edge and innovative designer is offering up some seriously stylish stilettos under the label Charlotte Olympia.  Inspired by 40s and 50s retro glamour, her designs are fresh, fashion forward, and completely drool worthy.

The half-Brazillian and half-English designer is swiftly becoming a favorite among celebrities and the shoe obsessed alike.  Her shoes are produced in Italy as to ensure top quality craftsmanship. And like Christian Louboutin with his signature red soles, Charlotte has a sole signature of her own: a golden spider web stamped on each and every pair.  Here are some of the highlights from her spring/summer 2010 collection:

One of my favorite pairs, is this black suede,  peep-toe, ankle bootie with cut out leaf detailing. It’s fun and quirky with a touch of drama, and not to mention, completely on trend for this spring/summer 2010 season.

5.5-inch heel with a 1-inch concealed platform.  Retail: $1,140.  Available at: Net-A-Porter.com

Continuing with the trendy cut-out footwear is this sweet, yet sophisticated anthracite metallic leather and black suede sandal. This shoe  manages to be feminine and edgy all at the same time.

5-inch heel with a 1-inch platform.  Retail: $765.  Available at: Net-A-Porter.com

Another jaw-dropping stunner, is this green python pump with an almond shaped toe and scalloped trim. The bright color is playful and perfect for any spring outfit.

5.5-inch heel with a 1.5-inch concealed platform.  Retail: $1,170.  Available at: Net-A-Porter.com

Monticello Shoes A Sweet Treat for Spring

You may not have heard of Monticello Shoes, but you will!   Established in 2003, the Monticello Shoes collections are handmade in Brazil that feature Kid Skin leather uppers, Kid Skin lining and natural leather soles. They also feature their signature double comfort padding, which allow you to go from day to night without a second thought about your feet.  The unique designs have expanded from women’s footwear and accessories to include a distinctive men’s footwear collection.

The Monticello Shoes Spring/Summer 2010 women’s collection has a sweet treat in store for you … soft metallic leathers and candy painted heels!

The “Heidi” pumps are crafted from an electrifying metallic blue Kid Skin leather that looks great with a skirt or a pair of skinny jeans. The 4.5 inch peep-toe pump is accented with an eye-catching buckle.

Retail $144.95.  Available at MonticelloShoes1.com.

Open up your shoe closet and invite some new friends to join your wardrobe this spring.  On the invite list is Mandi, Dora and Adrianna.  All are subtle, yet colorful designs that each have personality.

“Mandi” is a purple metallic summer sandal that is accented with a colorful buckle, simply perfect for a day out in the sun.  Retail $109.95. Available at MonticelloShoes1.com.

What a work of art!  These fabulous “Dora” platform sandals are just fun! Its painted heel and exaggerated bow leaves your mouth in awe!  Retail:  149.95. Available at MonticelloShoes1.com.

“Adrianna” is the ideal summer sandal with its playful colors and signature painted heel.  You’ll be elevated to fun status with it’s multi-color 4-inch heel.  Retail $159.95. Available at MonticelloShoes1.com.

Shop the unique women’s and men’s collections online at MonticelloShoes1.com or visit their boutique located at 209 E. City Hall Ave. in Norfolk, VA.

Sendra – Spring/Summer 2010 collection

The skinny-jean craze put boots front and center last fall.  But year-round, they’re layered under jeans, paired with casual dresses and worn proudly by city-slickers and casual divas alike. Sendra, based in Almansa, Spain, has been designing and manufacturing boots since 1913.

The company that started in 1913 with military and riding boots has evolved into a boot making company that produces classic, biker, riding, fashion boots and moccasins… The manufacturing process for a pair of Sendra boots consists of 250 steps. Incorporating a Goodyear Welt into their boots allows Sendra’s boots to conform to one’s foot, giving them an exceptional fit.

With North America being a big market for Sendra, you’ll find a well-edited collection at Edmonton, Canada’s Gravity Pope, Austin, Texas-based Allen’s Boots, and Chicago’s Alcala’s. Join Sendra’s Facebook page for their latest news…

Magrit ~ Spring/Summer Collection 2010

For more than 80 years, Magrit has been making shoes one pair at a time, by hand, in their workshop in Elda, nestled in Spain’s Alicante region. Haven’t heard of them? They produce and distribute nearly 200,000 shoes a year to parts of Europe, Asia and the United States.

Ballerinas and “saquettos” have extended Magrit’s traditional flats and kitten-heel line to bring a new type of comfort with their refined toes and flat heels. “We are very satisfied with them because we feel we can offer our customer base something really new.”

For more Magrit, search “Magrit” in shuzsociety.tv’s shop.

Rising Star Jerome C. Rousseau

JEROME C. ROUSSEAU launched his eponymous label with the Fall 2008 collection.  His distinctive creations have been extensively featured in Vogue, Elle, Bazaar, Style.com and other publications worldwide. Celebrities wearing the label include Charlize Theron, Cameron Diaz, Scarlett Johansson, Kristen Stewart, Katie Holmes, Drew Barrymore, January Jones, Toni Collette, Rose McGowan and others.

Jerome finessed his design skills for ten years in London and Los Angeles, where he worked alongside Matthew Williamson, Isabella Fiore, John Richmond and John Rocha, as well as Paris based forecasting house Promostyl.  He had previously built a strong technical knowledge in footwear design at London’s Cordwainers College, famous for its many reputed alumni including Jimmy Choo and others.

Modern art, European design, pop culture and nightlife are some of Jerome’s inspirations.  “I initially think in terms of shape, silhouette and structure when I design.  It’s later on that I bring fashion in the equation”.

Born in Quebec, his interest for design was shaped through art and music.  “I started drawing shoes as a teenager after watching a Deee-Lite videoclip.  I was influenced by its unique styling, but it was the overstated retro footwear that first caught my attention”.

JEROME C. ROUSSEAU is available at highly reputed retailers worldwide, including Barneys, Net-a-porter, Fred Segal Feet (Los Angeles), Harvey Nichols (London, Dubai, Hong Kong, Riyadh), Le Bon Marche, Holt Renfrew, The Wynn Resorts (Las Vegas) and others.

The JEROME C. ROUSSEAU footwear is expertly handcrafted in Italy.

Jerome C. Rousseau was featured on E! Networks “The Daily Ten” that aired on November 30, 2009.

See for yourself why this rising star in the footwear industy is quickly making a name for himself.  View his chic and elegant collection at JeromeCRousseau.com.

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