When it comes to desiging worth-a-month’s-rent, outfit-making shoes, few designers are as consistent as Brian Atwood. A favorite of nearly every A-list singer, actress, and model including Eva Longoria, Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Garner, Victoria Beckham, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Jennifer Lopez, Atwood’s shoes consistently grace red carpets and glossie magazines. Even more impressive, he recently launched a diffusion line, B Brian Atwood, that’s more affordable, but equally as covetable. (Just take a look at these! And these! And check-out a video for his 2011 Resort collection here.) We spoke to Atwood about designing his two lines, if there’s such a thing as too high, what shoes he wears day-to-day, and more.
The Fashion Spot: Is your design process different for the B line versus your namesake line?
Brain Atwood: My namesake line is ubiquitous with Hollywood glamour, red carpet looks, while B is more girly and sexy with a touch of tomboy. Both collections are equally statement making, it’s just that the statement they make is different.
tFS: Heels seem to be getting higher and higher. Is there such a thing as “too high”?
BA: No such thing as too high! Perfect heel height depends on the style, the look you are going for, and your own personal taste, but a really high heel is always sexy.
tFS: Thoughts on flats?
BA: Flats should definitely be a welcome addition to any woman’s shoe wardrobe; it’s important to always have options when it comes to footwear.
tFS: What shoes do you wear day to day?
BA: I love switching it up between my Adidas Stan Smiths or my green Tom Ford crocodile loafers.
tFS: Do you plan on expanding into men’s shoes?
BA: Eventually I will do a small capsule men’s collection…
tFS: You’re very social media savvy. What attracted you to Twitter?
BA: I love connecting with people and Twitter is a great medium for that. My followers inspire me each and every day.
tFS: Who are your Twitter “must follows”?
BA: Rachel Zoe, Derek Blasberg, Lori Goldstein, Dr. Jake Deutsch.
tFS: There doesn’t seem to be a day that goes by without a slew of celebrities wearing one of your designs. Is it still exciting now that seemingly everyone has been spotted in your shoes?
BA: Of course! Whether it’s a celebrity or a fashionista on the street, I will never get tired of seeing women in my designs.
tFS: Is there a celebrity that hasn’t yet worn one of your designs that you’d love to see wearing them?
BA: Michelle Obama.
tFS: Are there shoe styles you consider essential for every woman?
BA: I think having options are important. The single sole has made a comeback which I think is great, but I also don’t think platforms are going anywhere.
tFS: If you could pick one favorite from your current Brian Atwood and current B Brian Atwood collection, what would it be?
BA: With my designer collection, it would be the “Maniac” pump, for B, the “Bambola” platform peep toe.
