Tell us about your Madame Flamingo Brand.
Madame Flamingo combines vintage with modern to come up with new footwear styles. Each pair is meticulously handmade from carefully selected materials. I feel that shoes are unique because they are colourful and fun and I only design shoes that I would wear myself so my style permeates everything that eventually gets made.
What’s been your proudest moment so far?
It was probably when Zen department store started selling my shoes.
Where did you learn your shoemaking skills?
I studied shoemaking and shoe design in Florence, Italy. Actually, I merely learnt the basics there; I acquired most of my skills and technique outside the classroom. I can still remember the first pair of shoes I made by hand. They were red, which was and still is my favourite colour.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
From everywhere except shoe magazines! I get inspired at parties, from browsing through vintage magazines, wandering around flea markets, the list goes on…. I try to avoid looking at shoe magazine because I don’t want to pick up subconscious direction or stimulation from them.
Who’s your favourite shoemaker?
The Finnish shoe designer Minna Parikka, her shoes are super gorgeous and pay tribute to the footwear of past eras. I really love her signature style of bows, gingerbread shapes, hearts, Nordic functionalism and buckles.
What would be your dream job and your dream client?
A shoe designer has always been my dream job; it’s so wonderful that I am actually living my dream.
My dream client would definitely be the Olsen Sisters; I love their craziness and bohemian chic style.
Who would you most like to see wearing your shoes?
Audrey Hepburn, she’s my ideal icon.
What’s the biggest fashion faux pas for shoes?
Cutting the heel too low. Once you cut it, you lose the balance of the shoe.
What can expect to see in 2010?
Shoe Madness!!!
Bed Sheet Magazine 2010
