Ever wonder what moment sparks a designer’s love for shoes? Here, Jerome Rousseau gives Spy the scoop on an important footwear memory, his personal favorite brands and an early look at spring ’16.
Welcome to the pages of his shoe diary.
1. Pivotal Shoe Memory
“I am a shoe designer for one reason: When I was a teenager, obsessed with music, I loved a band called Deee-Lite. They were inspired by 70’s disco, but I didn’t know those references when I was 12 years old. The first time I saw platform shoes, including men wearing them in their music video, I fell in love with those shoes. I started drawing retro platform shoes in my high school classes. That moment and video clip changed my life.”
2. Favorite Brands
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“I’m a massive fan of Del Toro. I own the chukka bootie in 14 colors and prints. Someone once told me that when men like something, they buy in [bulk] and variety, and that is extremely accurate for me. I have another love for designer George Esquivel. He’s a great guy, inspiring. I really love his work and dedication to fashion.”
3. Best Travel Shoes
“Del Toro. If it’s bad weather, Dr. Marten’s.”
4. Favorite Shoe-Shopping Spots
“I’m a big online shopper. When I travel, I don’t have time to shop. In Los Angeles, I love American Rag, Barney’s, H. Lorenzo on Sunset.”
5. Most Exciting Spring ’16 Trend
“I’m very excited about the return of the heavy wedge — it’s feminine. Yet a heavy wedge is something I haven’t done for my label. In my collection, that’s an important statement, and I look forward to it a lot.”
