Designer Spotlight: Bettye Muller
April 18, 2009 by cinder
Filed under Designer Spotlight
“My shoes are like Hitchcock Blondes. Like Kim Novak and Grace Kelly, they have a distinct look that is mysterious and beautiful. Each one tells a story” — Bettye Muller
Bettye Muller, Designer and Creator of Bettye Muller Designs
shuzsociety had the chance to catch up with the creative Bettye Muller to allow us a peek into her interesting life. Always with a smile on her face, Bettye’s demeanor and positive outlook mirrors her collections.
shuzsociety: What is your design philosophy?
Bettye: Fun, easy dress-sport. My collection is classic with a twist, and lots of colors and fabrics.
shuzsociety: What are you most enthusiastic about for spring 2009?
Bettye:Espadrilles and lots of fun sport casuals.
shuzsociety: Tell us about your fall 2009 collection. What were your inspirations?
Bettye: Kim Basinger 80’s – Ozbek, Gigli, Hamnett Montana, Frances Bacon, Rothko, opulent colors, high up front, and strappy.
shuzsociety: Which celebrity or political figure do you envision wearing your shoes?
Bettye: Michelle Obama
shuzsociety: Are you supporting a specific charity or cause?
Bettye: Yes … Shoe Frenzy, QVC Shoes on Sale and Shoes & Champagne
shuzsociety: What are you reading right now?
Bettye: “Bad Girls Go Everywhere: The Life of Helen Gurley Brown” by Jennifer Scanlon.
shuzsociety: What is YOUR personal favorite pair of shoes?
Bettye: That’s a tough call…I have so many favorites!
shuzsociety: How do you pack your shoes for travel? Tips?
Bettye: I pack my shoes in plastic bags from Uline. They make the perfect size!
shuzsociety: What is your favorite vacation spot? And why!
Bettye: Japan. It has the very best shopping and has the very best saunas and spas.
With a collection of vintage designer shoes that once exceeded 500 pairs, Bettye Muller is what you might call a connoisseur- though, she didn’t always realize footwear was her specialty. Instead, the New York native spent her early years as a competitive ice skater and ice skating instructor, graphic designer, shoe model and soap opera actress before she created her first small collection of shoes while living in London in the 1980s.
When she returned to the States, Bettye designed shoes for labels including L’Emporio, Henri Bendel, Marc Jacobs for Perry Ellis and Linda Allard for Ellen Tracy before taking her professional pursuits to Miami, Florida. She eventually returned home to New York City and in 1998 started her own label with just a handful of styles.
Today, her 60-piece collection is informed by her love of luxurious fabrics as well as experiences living abroad in England and Italy and travels to the Far East, and Central and South America. In styles that range from 50s modern to 20s and earlier, Bettye Muller shoes are vivid, pretty and as colorful as the designer’s own eclectic tastes. Inspired by vintage fabrics and intense colors such as Bordeaux, granny apple and tangerine, her collections create a sense of fantasy for women. “My shoes are like Hitchcock Blondes. Like Kim Novak and Grace Kelly, they have a distinct look that is mysterious and beautiful. Each one tells a story,” Bettye says with smile.
Since they’re unique, her shoes aren’t for just anyone. Attracting modern-day blondes from Katie Couric to Cameron Diaz, the artist says that women who wear her pieces must have a great sense of self and a distinct style. “They’re a statement, so the women who wear them must be very confident,” she says.
Mirroring the designer’s individuality, the beauty of her Italian-made pieces lies in the details: faux fur-lined interiors, vintage brocades and vibrant beaded accents are just a few special touches that distinguish her footwear. “They’re original, and I always want to keep them that way,” Bettye explains.
But no matter where Bettye’s design inspiration takes her, some things will remain consistent about her shoes: they will be sophisticated and feminine, stylish and fun- and always unexpected.
Where can you find Bettye Muller’s collections? Here are some of our faves…
Bettye Muller
Bettye Muller "Avalon" - $309.99 on sale at piperlime.com
You may also fine Bettye Muller designs In stores at Hall’s, Joseph’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom.<-->
I am looking for a shoe designer, Betty Muller How do I contact her?
Hello! From her web site, BettyeMuller.com, click on “Contact”. I’m sure someone will get right back to you.
Thank you!
shuzsociety