Sam Edelman knows exactly what women want. With his wife and business partner, Libby, as his ultimate muse, the duo design styles that inevitably become wardrobe classics. Their latest collection of Footbeds balance trends with wearability and are set to become this season’s ‘it’ shoe.
Originally launched in 1987 as ‘Sam & Libby,’ with his wife, muse and life-long business partner Libby Edelman, women are at the heart of every Sam Edelman creation. After dabbling in his other passions of horse breeding and training, the brand relaunched with a bang in 2004, and became an instant success – the perfect combination of casual cool. Today the brand is synonymous with creative, fashion-forward styles that capture the hearts of girls and celebrities world wide.
Lane Crawford : Could you tell us a little bit about how the Sam Edelman story started?
Sam Edelman : I recognised a void in the marketplace for fashion-forward accessories built straight from the hottest trends but at a price-point every woman could afford. That inspiration fuelled me to create the Sam Edelman brand and we launched our first footwear collection in 2004. Sam Edelman has now grown into a lifestyle brand that provides our “Sam girl” with on-trend, attainable fashion from head to toe.
LC : What was the inspiration behind the latest “Footbed” styles?
SE : After travelling throughout Europe, we were really inspired by London and everything masculine. The juxtaposition of the Footbed sandal to feminine dressing takes the boy meets girl looks to a new level of sport chic.
LC : Where are some of your favourite inspiration spots – anywhere you travel to jumpstart your creative process?
SE : We spent a lot of time at the beach towns in the south of France and Ibiza. I got off the plane in a t-shirt and jeans and roamed the streets for inspiration. It could be anything from a piece of clothing to architecture to an amazing
hairstyle that can influence the season. In St. Tropez we were inspired by the 50’s style dressing of matching crop tops and short sets and in Ibiza, we loved the embroidered kaftans, crochet dresses and tribal accessories.
LC : Describe the Sam Edelman muse – what’s her personality and style?
SE : Kate Upton is our face again for Spring 2014. I love Kate because she is an all-American beauty, glamorous and real…a modern day Marilyn Monroe. But, at the end of the day I look to my wife, Libby, who brings a sophisticated yet whimsical look to styling. Coming from the editorial side of fashion she always knows how to take classic pieces and mix and match them perfectly.
LC : What song/s best describes the “Sam girl” and her lifestyle?
SE : I think that Miley Cyrus’s “Wrecking Ball” with Terry Richardson was ground breaking. Miley takes risks and that’s what we like about her.
LC : What accessories trends should our readers look out for this spring?
SE : Nude! It can go with every outfit in your wardrobe while at the same time the colour lengthens your legs making you feel so sexy.
LC : Any exciting plans for your visit to Hong Kong and China?
SE : I’m so excited to visit the Lane Crawford in Beijing and the new location in Shanghai. Lane Crawford is always a highlight of my trips to the Far East. They/you? have one of the most outstanding merchandised designer showcases in the world and their consumer following is second to none.
LC : Any words of advice for budding designers?
SE : Fashion never lies. Stay true to fashion and to yourself and never give up.
New for spring, Sam Edelman introduces the Footbed styles ideal for the girl-about-town. Don’t miss the two ethnic-inspired styles, designed exclusively for Lane Crawford, with intricate beading and embellishments. When it comes to styling these shoes “there’s a sense of relaxed togetherness in all the pieces when you wear a Footbed sandal – it’s all about an ease that’s cooler and uncontrived,” says Sarah Rutson.
