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Angela & Vanessa Simmons On Pastry Footwear
Clutch magazine had the pleasure of interviewing Angela and Vanessa Simmons about their new line of sweet kicks, Pastry footwear. The dynamic design duo gave us a taste of what it’s like to build a brand, dished about their favorite designers, and how to make it in the rough and tumble fashion business.
Why did you decide to start pastry footwear?
Creativity runs in our family. We are all designing and doing different things. We realized there wasn’t any sneakers out that are designed by women for women. So we went ahead and created some really fun things.
What’s the story behind the name?
We were just brainstorming and our first initial name was Cake. We kept thinking about it, and finally came up with Pastry. It made so much sense with where we wanted to go and how we wanted to design the line. We love desserts and thought it would be a fun way to go in creating a brand.
Describe your roles in designing the line?
We are very hands on. We spend a lot of time in the office and in meetings. We like to see everything that goes on so that we can give as much input as possible. We would never put anything out there that we wouldn’t wear.
Who are your favorite designers/labels?
Marc Jacobs (really into Marc Jacobs!), Juicy Couture, Marciano, DVF and Betsey Johnson.
What inspiration do you use for your designs?
We wanted our designs to be very feminine. We took inspiration from past and present fashion trends.
What classic kicks do you have in your closet?
Vanessa: Chuck Taylors- I don’t know why I just do.
Angela:I have a lot of sneakers, mostly Nike, Adidas, and of course our line!
What’s your favorite shoe line?
Christian Louboutin, Betsey Johnson and Pastry.
1. Chocolate Mousse Cake Runner, 2. Red Velvet Cake Runner, 3. Strawberry Shortcake Runner, 4. Sprinkles Cake Runner, $65, DrJays
What’s up next for the Pastry?
We are working on our third collection ‘Glam Pie’, which is set to launch in the spring of ‘08.
Are there plans for expanding the line to include any other products?
Yes! We’re developing clothing, high-end jewelry and lots of cool, fun stuff.
What advice would you give to other young entrepreneurs?
Keep striving, it takes a lot of work and dedication. Make sure you shine in whatever you do. Also, having a strong work ethic is so important in this industry.
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Good interview. Those red velvet cake shoes are adorable!
I applaud these beautiful fashionistas on creating such an cute athletic shoe line. I like all four of the styles in the “Cake Collection” and I can’t wait for “Glam Pie” I’m sure it will be hot.
I gotta get some pastries! They are cute. I see from the show that the Simmons sisters both have a cool sense of style. I look forward to the clothing line.
I actually picked some up today! I can’t wait for Glam Pie. Keep them coming ladies :)
OMG! I want those shoes. I will probably get them. THE ARE SO HOT RIGHT NOW!!!! Thanks Ladies!
numbers 1 and 2 are my favorite. I remember the episode when they were pitching this idea to Russel and Run… these young ladies are going to blow up w/ this shoe line…
Lovin ur designs…just wondering if ur line will b sold in Ireland??
I love these, some people were saying they’re too young looking but I love the design colors could be because I typically buy colorful sneaks so these are on point for me.
I love the line…I have a pair of the chocolate mousse and the strawbeery shortcake’s.
I REALLY LOVE THESE SHOES IM GOING TO GO OUT AND BUY ALL FOUR PAIRS AND FIVE NEXT SPRING ……THIS WAS VERY CREATIVE……
I JUST WANTED TO TELL YOU GIRLS HOW PROUD I AM OF YOU. THESE SNEACKERS ARE THE BOMB. LOVE YOUR SHOW ALSO. IT’S MAD FUNNY. I THINK YOUR MOTHER IS THE BEST.
I would like to say I love the party shoes I have evry pair they match my outfits perfectly I would like to thank the both of you because we girls have shoes we can call our own thanks
Hi how r u doin My name is maruinn and I have met you b4 or whoever gets this i have met Vanessa and angela b4 at the airport and we took pictures if you remember I jus wanted to say hi again and hope to see you again
oh yeah I have the pictures on my phone i rode on the same plane with the girls we met in new york but i first saw them in dallas
THESE SHOES ARE MAD HOTT I WANT SOME IN EVERY COLOR I CANT WAIT FOR THE CLOTHING,MAKEUP,AND PURSES TO COME OUT PASTRY IS THE HOTTEST LINE EVER
I watch your show all the time and I think that yall are amazing women.I cant wait to see your clothing line.Keep up the great work.
will your pastry snekers be comming to ireland?
I really think that your sneaker line is a very thoughtful and creative idea. You guys really inspire me because me and my twin sister are also looking at startin our own line of some sort and you guys are right it does take alot of dedication and hard work. If you put your mind to it and you have a great idea you can be a creative successful entrepeneur like you guys.
Glam Pie is starting to hit the streets now… also the clothing and handbag lines are out too. AND vanessa and angela are filming season 5 as you read this!
i luv ur patries so much dat i bought all of dem
i luv yall patries so much dat i bought all of dem even da jogging suits
omg those new pastry’s are so adorable it makes me juss wanna eat it right outta da pack good luck angela and vaness you guys are really successful and very good role models.