Sunday, June 12, 2011

theyskens' theory shoes

Olivier Theyskens, formally of Rochas and Nina Ricci, has brought a rock/urban, yet soft and sensual feel to the label, Theory.  His first two collections, described as urban yet light, have won over the fashionistas with their pertinence as well a their prices. His shoes collection is incredible.





In particular, his velvet wedge pumps have brought together classicism and glamour, street style and conceptual fashion.  They demonstrate a daring simplicity, flashy yet minimalist.  Available in black, violet, or, as worn by Rumi Neely, a sapphire-blue “ink”, these shoes are attracting envious looks from all of those who would like to add a twist to their summertime looks, whether they be casual or on-the-edge.



more here

an interview with O.Theyskens (by Barneys New York)
BNY: Tell us about the earliest days of your business.  How did you get up and running?

Olivier Theyskens: I left school mid-term in 1997, and started making clothes on my own.  I would work night and day on these items that I made entirely by myself.  It was impossible to produce them on a larger scale as I didn’t have any organization around me yet, and I had to decline many order requests – even from Barneys! – during my two first seasons.  Thanks to the media support and strong editorials appearing at that time about my garments, I was able to visit factories with these stories and ask them for help to start the brand project.  And by the summer of ’99, I was able to produce and deliver to stores, all while remaining a totally independent designer.

BNY: Any funny or poignant stories?

OT: At that time, I could barely speak English — and being totally in my world, I was also very naive. When I had an important magazine on the phone, when I was told to “please hold,” I systematically hung up the phone as I thought the receptionist was asking me to call back later.  I had no cell phone and with no driver’s license, I always need friends to drive me everywhere.

BNY:  Who helped you along the way?

OTI was lucky to always have an amazing support from my parents and family.  Also, faithful buyers, editors, and professionals in production and communications really helped me along the way.  I don’t work with some of them anymore — they were there at the beginning only — but I still feel very grateful to them, because without their attention, I would not have been able to do what I am doing now.

BNY:  When did you know that you’d “arrived”?

OT: I always feel I can go further and do better, but I remember one of my very early shows, I had all the most important people of the fashion world attending.  Yet it was strange feeling to have such a great audience and feel like if I had “arrived,” when I still had so much more to show and accomplish in the future.

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