Enable Javascript to access this page. Concept4News: Asked & Answered | Charlotte Dellal (Interview)

Asked & Answered | Charlotte Dellal (Interview)

Nothing seems to faze her. Charlotte Dellal, the soul behind the soles of Charlotte Olympia, is in the middle of Fashion Week and her second pregnancy. She’s been traveling from London to New York and back to present her fall 2011 collection. Next up: Los Angeles for Coachella and, later this month, the premiere of charlotteolympia.com, her e-commerce site. Dellal is one-part Brazilian, one-part English and a total riot. She spoke with The Moment at the shoe salon at Bergdorf Goodman to reveal how she makes it all happen.
DESCRIPTION
Q.

Is this the first department-store retailer in the United States to sell your shoes?
A.

Yes, I’ve been waiting for BG, as it’s where I’ve always wanted to sell. Everyone said Bergdorf Goodman because when I came here I loved the feel of it. I didn’t go to anyone else.

The collection was inspired by Rio and a photo of your mother, the Brazilian model Andrea Della, dressed as Carmen Miranda. Where did that come from? I always have a pinup in each season and this season it is Carmen Miranda. My mother is from Rio, and I grew up in Rio visiting family, but I couldn’t do one collection on it so this is just a taste of Rio. I love that country — it’s just so big.

What textures and fabrics are in the fall collection?
Always leopard print and I could do a whole collection inspired by gothic architecture, but lots of velvet, paisley print, tapestry and funny accessories on the shoes.

What type of funny accessories?
I have a character on my shoes. Arlena Marshall from Dame Agatha Christie’s works. She was my starting point and pinup for this collection. She’s a fabulous heroine.

What are your plans after New York Fashion Week?
I’m going to Coachella and Los Angeles for the first time — I’m hoping to see Cold War Kids and Tiny Temper, and the sunshine. I haven’t seen the sun in almost a year. You can draw inspiration from anything. No matter where I go, I always keep that in mind.

Have you seen any street style or fashionable New Yorkers?
To be honest, I haven’t been out and about but I love seeing all the older ladies with their hats and their long furs and fur hats. It’s fantastic.

You recently introduced a bridal collection after getting married to Maxim Crewe. Are there plans to start a girl’s line of shoes if you have a daughter?
I already have a boy, so if I have a girl, I’d definitely do mini-me shoes.