STYLE Sessions : Adrienne Maloof Chats with STYLE

Written by Sara Crook // October 23, 2012 // Events, Fashion, Fashion Events // Comments Off

Photography by: Erin L. Hubbs
Charlotte STYLE Executive Editor/Fashion Director Sara Crook and Adrienne Maloof

At this year’s Lights! Camera! Fashion! fall fundraiser put on by the Junior League of Charlotte at Belk South Park, the spotlight was on celebrity and shoe designer Adrienne Maloof. Known for her role on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Maloof comes from a long line of entrepreneurs and decided to turn her passion and love for shoes into a collection of her own. Launching Holiday 2012, the Adrienne Maloof footwear line is a volume priced brand with the feel of luxury at an affordable price. Inspired by Adrienne’s personal collection and her love for everything that sparkles, this shoe collection represents Adrienne’s noteworthy style by providing sexy silhouettes with the versatility needed to transform from day to evening.

I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Adrienne about the inspiration behind her shoe collection, which is available in select Belk stores.

Why did you decide to start a shoe line?

I’ve liked shoes ever since I’ve been a young girl. With Barbies, I would always pick the shoe out first and then pick the outfits around the shoes. It has always been something I’ve loved. I’m a petite woman so with the extra height I always feel the higher the heel, the closer to God.

What was the inspiration behind the collection?

A lot of my inspiration comes from over the years from knowing what real women want and that is to be sexy; to be able to be functional. So you will see with my line, especially with the holiday resort collection, that I have your ballerina slippers and they are in animal print because I think that is very sexy and sophisticated. And the kitten heel and then of course what I’m known for, my stilettos. So it’s very diversified.

So would you say the stilettos are the signature style for your brand?

Yes.

How is managing this business different from managing your other businesses?

Well in all businesses you cater to the customer…the customer is right, even when the customer is wrong. So I go in with the thought process that you work hard, you take care of the customer, you get a feeling for what they want, and you have a passion for it. That’s how I’ve developed my line.

What is your overall style advice for women?

I think you have to be comfortable in what you feel sexy in. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing five-inch heels, then you shouldn’t be wearing them. But every woman should feel comfortable in what they feel is sexy because then they exude that sexiness.

What can we expect from Season 3 of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills?

A lot of drama! Yes, the usual drama. Drama, drama, drama, drama!