Fellow Fashionistas, there’s a new Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in town and their names are Ayaan and Idyl Mohallim. Identical twins and the owners behind new fashion brand, Mataano, these sisters are ready to take over the fashion world one design at a time. Already creating a name for themselves, the beloved Oprah has recently featured the duo on her TV show mirroring their accomplishments with the Olsen sisters and applauding them for their inspirational story and much deserved success.

Success of course hasn’t come easily. Ayaan and Idyl had to work hard and experience great struggles to get where they are thus far. When they were the tender age of nine, their parents, who are native Somalis, escaped their country’s civil war and moved to America in search for a better life. They ended up residing in Washington DC and received their higher education at Boston University and University of Michigan. From there, Ayaan and Idyl went on to pursue the Big City in hopes of beginning their own fashion line.

Determined to stand out from the pack of fellow designers, Ayaan and Idyl worked their way from the bottom up in the industry and immensely studied their craft and sharpened their talent for design. In the beginning of 2008, Ayaan and Idyl soared closer to their dreams and created their brand Mataano. They debuted their Spring 2009 capsule collection in November in New York City and instantly received nothing but positive feedback from viewers. Their premiere collection consisted of ten beautifully crafted dresses heavily influenced by their native culture and of course, the bloom of Spring.

Clutch: What is the meaning of Mataano?
Mataano: Mataano means “twins” in Somali. It’s a reflection of our identities. We are twin sisters born in the United States and raised for nine years in Somalia before leaving due to civil unrest.

Clutch: How have things been since your appearance on the Oprah Show?
Mataano: A whirlwind! We went from zero to a hundred in a matter of days. The “Oprah effect” is incredibly powerful. Being on the show has given us the national credibility that will bring Mataano to the forefront in fashion.

Clutch: Spring 09 debuts your first collection from the line, a capsule collection of ten dresses; Was there a specific concept or theme?
Mataano: Spring in bloom was our theme, and we used rich textures and vibrant hues to showcase our collection. Our fabric and color was influenced by our Somali culture.

Clutch: As women of color and more specifically Somali, is it important to incorporate your culture in your designs?
Mataano: We have always felt the intermingling of cultures to be natural and authentic, and aim to bring that aesthetic to the public through the Mataano brand. We are a product of dual cultures and it is important that our designs reflect that.

Clutch: What do you do to maintain a fresh perspective in your design process?
Mataano: We stay abreast of fresh and new ideas. We do a lot of research and development prior to designing a collection and we make sure we travel for inspiration and influence. Everything else is innate–you’re born with it!

Clutch: The one designer you would love to collaborate with and why?
Mataano: That’s a tough question. There are too many talented designers out there for us to just pick one. If we had to pick one, we would pick Oscar de la Renta because we love his use of fabric, texture and colors. He is always reinventing his company and his designs–not to mention, we hear that he is the sweetest man and has a great personality as well.

Clutch: Five years from now Mataano will…?
Mataano: …be a household name.

For more information on Mataano please visit www.mataano.com.

“Imagine an era where individuality is celebrated. Where fashion is written with a loose and casual fare. Where convention is revamped to reveal its more eclectic, fierce alter ego.” Well according to the ladies of Aquaponi, that era is here and the moment is now. The Aquaponi clothing line was founded in 2006 by Los Angeles natives Kelli Marie and Theresa Michelle, who sought to provide something new and exciting for those who were tired of adhering to the norm and dressing like all the rest. The line is a fresh blend of rare vintage and repurposed clothing, ethnic-inspired jewelry, and boho-chic accessories. Each handcrafted piece is a fusion of bright colors and unlikely fabrics - undeniably unique. The brand has been able to attract a loyal clientele in the Los Angeles and Atlanta regions, and has even gained the attention of celebrities such as Common, Project Runway’s Michael Knight, Janelle Monae, and Keri Hilson – just to name a few. We recently caught up with co-owner Kelli White, who gave us the inside scoop.

Clutch: Tell us about Aquaponi. How did the line come about?
Kelli: AquaPoni is an exclusive original label that was coined Theresa and myself. We came up with the concept by thinking “outside the box” and creating brightly colored, ready-to-wear pieces. Initially, we sold jewelry that was from Peru, but ended up being invited to showcase our talents in a fashion show. But we had NO clothes at the time! With only two weeks to pull it all together, we were able to design 20 pieces. The line was very well received and there was a snowball effect from there that brought in orders left and right!

Clutch: How did you and Theresa meet, and end up developing a fashion company together?
Kelli: We’ve known each other since high school, but didn’t actually reconnect and create the line until after college. Originally, I wanted to start my own boutique in the Atlanta area, since I’d noticed that a lot of the things I was wearing from California were new and unfamiliar to the people here. And Theresa already had a degree in fashion design from school; she wanted to sell her clothes in my store! So we decided to fuse our career goals by making and selling pieces independently, which eliminated the start-up costs and overhead of an actual retail space. We planted AquaPoni’s first seeds with mostly friends and close acquaintances as customers, but eventually branched out into boutiques in the Atlanta and Los Angeles area.

Clutch: The name of the brand is very unique and distinctive. What does it mean?
Kelli: AquaPoni has no distinctive definition. It is merely something that was brainstormed and sounded great to us. We pulled some of our favorite words out of a hat and put them together. The word “AquaPoni” is meant to have its own meaning, based on each individual’s interpretation. AquaPoni is constantly being defined through our pieces.

Clutch: Describe the AquaPoni style. Who is the ideal client?
Kelli: The style is vibrantly colored, combining fabrics that the average person may not think to piece together. We have a great deal of vintage cultural inspiration from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, but with a modern twist. The ideal client, male or female, is someone who is not afraid to be different. Someone who’s comfortable in their own skin, and not afraid of getting attention – definitely not shy. We create fashion for all ages, from toddlers to grandparents. Believe it or not – Theresa’s grandma rocks Aquaponi!

Clutch: What types of merchandise does the line include, and what are the average price points?
Kelli: AquaPoni label consists of our signature one-of-a- kind hoodies, letterman sweaters, jersey jumpers, vintage-inspired dresses, tees, boy scout shirts, earrings and handbags. Our price points range from $10.00 for a small pair of earrings to $150.00 for hoodies and sweaters.

Clutch: Aquaponi has already established a firm fan-base in the Atlanta and LA areas. What do you think attracted so many people to line?
Kelli: Fan base? Wow! That is so awesome… We originally lured customers in with our custom hoodies, but we’ve always had much more to offer. People appreciate the idea of wearing garments that others can’t find anywhere else. Our clothes really speak for themselves, and we are constantly selling our pieces off our bodies. Once you get one hoodie, you end up wanting more! Then you become addicted. ; )

Clutch: What, if any, major obstacles have you and Theresa faced as up-and-coming designers?
Kelli: When you are “up and coming,” quite often people don’t take you serious and try to take advantage of you. We have definitely run into some bumps in the road… Finding the right investors has been the major obstacle for us as well, but we will soon overcome that! We also hear of other labels developing similar items, which can be very frustrating since everyone wants to have the newest, most innovative ideas.

Clutch: That being said, what advice would you offer to individuals who are looking to start up their own clothing lines as well?
Kelli: The four P’s: Passion, Persistence, Perseverance, and Patience. Definitely make sure your label is something that you are passionate about. Stick to what is a true reflection of you and don’t be afraid to try new things! Be Persistent: set goals, reach them, and work your mouthpiece. Be open and able to take constructive criticism, treat everyone with respect (even the “little people”) and work hard to create your brand. It won’t be easy, but if you stay focused and stay patient, you will definitely persevere. Many designers are much older, because they have been working at it for so long…. Patience is key!

Clutch: What’s up next for AquaPoni, and where can our readers find your items?
Kelli: AquaPoni is going to continue to design new and innovative pieces! We are constantly changing our flare to surprise our “fans,” so look out for our Fall/Winter collection soon. Our items can be found of course on our website www.aquaponi.com, as well as local Atlanta boutiques; Envy and Pieces of Adrene, and hopefully in a boutique near you soon! But the bulk of our designs are through custom orders, so feel free to reach out to us via the website or our Myspace page if there’s something you would like to have made. Muah! AquaPoni loves you.

For more information about AquaPoni please visit www.aquaponi.com and www.myspace.com/aquaponi.

It takes a sharp-eyed designer to tap into the countless personas of fashionable women from all walks of life. In order to execute that technique a great designer studies their finesse, strut and the eventful lifestyles women lead. Twenty-year old designer Laquan Smith masters that and makes it look effortless. The bubbly, and adorable neon-nailed style architect is on a very creative journey to add some more bedazzle, glam, chic-ness and umph to the fierce and poised Bella’s. It doesn’t matter if your from the streets, peach tree sides or on the international front, with the line named slightly after him, Laqueue will make any style maven stand out in a crowd. The high end fashion line illustrates a story in order to create the illusion that the pavement is a runway. His use of fabrics are daring but at the same time not bizarre. With his brilliantly constructed, era inspired pieces festooned with sequence, fur, floral and leather, a Laqueue garment will indeed get you those stop and stare looks. Laqueue’s collection of clothing consists of abstract pieces that can find a way to collide the style of socialite Genevieve Jones and the trend setting style of Kelis all in one look. This passion and drive all started when the Queen’s born innovator got bit by the bittersweet fashion bug years ago and propelled him to take on sewing at thirteen years old. After being taught by his grandmother Laquan utilized what he’d learned and only got better and better.

Considering this crucial time in the fashion industry and the economy thousands and probably even millions of young up and coming designers are hustling to get a foot in the door so that their pieces can be featured in big magazine spreads, Fashion week and on socialites and notables from all over the globe. Laquan is optimistic that things will work out in his favor. His hard-work, professionalism, strong sense of creative direction and eclectic vision will without a doubt introduce him to the masses. When you witness his pieces it’s hard to believe why he hasn’t been fully introduced to the fashion sphere but it’s okay lovelies cause Clutch like always puts everybody on to what’s NEXT. We got a chance to pick that interesting brain of his….

Clutch: You add such great whimsical flair to your pieces. Where does that inspiration come from?
LaQueue: A lot of my inspiration comes from my everyday life living in New York City. In the world of LaQueue, its perfectly natural for a woman to enter the night life after a chic minute of grocery shopping, while storming in her 6 inch Louboutin’s. Most people would say, “that’s not realistic”. However, I’ve always believed in dressing for the image and not the occasion!

Clutch: Has there been a designer/s that inspired you to design, perfect your craft and be so unique?
LaQueue: Designers that inspire me most are Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga and Miuccia Prada for Miu Miu. I think they are outstanding!!! When viewing their collections/ look books, it inspires me to create imagination/alter-egos within the garments that I construct.

Clutch: Who are your muses? (a celebrity, model, friend, art, culture, lifestyle, etc)?
LaQueue: Honestly, I haven’t found her as of yet —- (call me crazy), but the only muse that I’ve ever had is inside me (imagination). Her name is Queens, she’s 21, African American, 6′0 feet, extremely thin and has a complexion that is fairly brown. When designing, I design according to Queens emotions, lifestyle and adventures.

Clutch: Who is the LaQueue woman?
LaQueue: The LaQueue woman is definitely fab! she’s a refined woman that has influence, poise and the power within the image she provides.

Clutch: I see that Jaslene from America’s Next Top Model and Aubrey O’Day are fans, what other notables have worn your pieces so far? Who would be your ideal client to design for?
LaQueue: Well, the amazing fashion socialite Andre. J who graced the cover of Paris Vogue (Nov 07 issues) was also spotted in a LaQueue. He’s so sweet, he would be ideal!

Clutch: Most up and coming designers are often encouraged to study with an established designer before they make their mark. Are you an apprentice for any designer or do you choose to do it on your own?
LaQueue: Currently I’ve been interning for BlackBook Magazine — assisting the fashion Director Elizabeth Sulcer. Aside from interning, I try to build clientèle however that doesn’t always happen when you’re a self-supported designer like myself.

Clutch: What can we expect from you in the near future?
LaQueue: Well, you can definitely expect more celebs/ fashion socialites spotted in my pieces. Expect to see me during N.Y fashion week someday. Over all, I’ve learned to expect the unexpected. I really don’t know what God has in store, but in due time.

For more information on LaQueue please visit www.myspace.com/laqueuefashions88

Why should you want to know who Leon Curry is? If you’re reading this, then chances are inside of you lives an uncontrollably eager, rambunctious and fashion conscious spirit who Leon calls Ellie Owen. “Style never dies and here at E.O. (Ellie Owen) we strive to create a distinct style for the bold and beautiful female. A woman that knows who she is (and everyone else knows who she is as well). She can’t be labeled, she is a rare specimen, examined over and over but no one can capture her mystique.” explains the 22 year old design genius.

With inspiration stemming from fabrics to Frank Sinatra and a love for Hedi Slimane and Marc Jacobs, the Florida A&M student is ready to take on the industry with an innovative and well rounded zeal.

“I love high fashion but, I try to create instead of emulate.” he says.

And create he has! Attributing his successes to “pray and research”, Leon has surely learned early on the challenges young designers face when looking for their big break in the industry. Steadfastly managing the business demands of his growing brand, he’s consistently wowed us with each new collection. Flirty, futuristic and exciting, his playgirl contemporary party dresses rouses the bad girl in us all! A refreshing discovery, Leon Curry is a frontrunner for the next generation of fashion leaders.

From photo shoots in New York with renowned Vogue photographers to fashion fiery celebs such as Aubrey O’Day already clamoring over the young talent, Leon Curry is definitely one to watch. “The Ellie Owen woman is the embodiment, better yet, epitome of phenomenal. The E.O. woman is unafraid.”

For more information on Leon Curry and Ellie Owen please visit www.myspace.com/ldc86

If you’re looking to make a wise fashion investment this season, definitely bet on the dress. More of a summer necessity than a trend, dresses are a great way to up your chic quotient without much effort. A stylish frock can easily save the day on any fashion challenged occasion. While scouring the net for more jewels to add to our ever growing dress collection we came across fresh designs by Megan Huntz.

The Atlanta native, who attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, has been living in Italy for the past five years where she currently works her magic. Made of 100% silk, numbered and colored by hand these limited edition, these life-is-a-party perfect dresses are comparable to works of art. Each dress is part of a unique series that’s designed to transcend the latest trends, so you’ll be able enjoy them for years to come without looking the least bit dated. Evoking a vintage feel while maintaining a contemporary edge, dresses by Megan Huntz are a necessity for the maverick who doesn’t need a special reason to get all dolled up.

For more information on Megan Huntz please visit www.meganhuntz.com

When Wendy Wong decided to trade in her lab coat and test tubes for a sewing machine and thread, she still managed to concoct a winning formula with her spot on clothing line, House of Spy. One part lady-like vintage mixed with a dash of whimsy and an astute eye for detail, the Spring collection is definitely “One to watch” worthy. The designer explains that the name House of Spy was inspired by fashion institutions like the Houses of Chanel and Dior. Well, we have a feeling that Ms. Wong is on her way to creating her own place in fashion history.

Q: Your slogan reads “Streetwear designed for the new millennium.” Can you elaborate on what that idea means?
Actually that was the slogan years ago when the line was much more “streety.” It was very much inspired by the whole electronic music scene, and I haven’t been able to figure out how to change that slogan on the web search engine!

Q: Your bio shares a rather interesting story. You were studying biology, and then you took a part-time job as a receptionist at a design school, began taking classes and then started your own line. What made you decide to make the transition and commit to fashion full-time? Did you have any interest in fashion prior to working at the design college?
Coming from a Chinese background, going to school for anything artsy was definitely not going to happen. If it weren’t for the part-time job, I never would’ve even considered fashion school. Yes, I was always into fashion from a young age and had just learned to sew and was making my own clothes right before I got the job, but I always thought science was my career path. I don’t always believe in “fate”, but if there was ever a time where the stars aligned, it was the free fashion tuition at that point in my life

At one point I was going to two schools, working two part-time jobs and throwing myself into every fashion event I could.

I finally decided to make the transition to full time fashion after taking part in several local fashion shows and actually having stores come up and ask where they could buy my designs. I realized that there was a market for what I was doing and just went for it.

Q: Is there any special significance behind the name House of Spy?
Back when I started the line, during the whole electronic music rage, I had wanted to call it Spy clothing, but after a search I realized that there were TONS of lines called Spy. Calling it House of Spy was a bit of a play on words, it was obviously a small, indie line catering to a niche market, but named after the big Houses like House of Chanel and House of Dior.

Q: Who’s the ideal House of Spy woman? Or what kind of woman do you imagine wearing your clothes?
The ideal woman is a stylish and hip young or young at heart woman. She effortlessly mixes new with old, high and low and isn’t afraid to make a statement.

Q: We love your quirky aesthetic. What are you currently inspired by?
Oh geez, inspiration always changes but like most designers, I’ve got a thing for vintage and that has always inspired me. The ladylike details of the 20s, the wild colors and patterns of the 60s and 70s and just the general attention to detail and construction from the past.

I’m currently heading to Buenos Aires, where I’ll be working on my new spring 09 collection, I have a feeling it could have a latin flavor to it.

Q: Your clothes have names like “Butter Biscuit” and “Ms. Pacman.” What’s the story behind the names?
Every season I usually work with a theme. Last fall’s theme was “English Tea Party” hence all the names had references to that, like Butter Biscuit. I like to have fun when I do things so you’ll also see coats from that season named Posh and Becks!

Q: How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is hard to pin down. I obviously wear a ton of my own designs, mixed in with a liberal amount of vintage and a little bit of new. I like to switch it up but if I have to be pegged down it would be a hybrid of edgy/sexy/feminine/playful, just like House of Spy!

Q: Tell us about a few of your favorite items from your spring/summer collection?
Some of my faves are the Gabby, strapless bubble dress in purple, the Sateen jumpsuit and the Cadet bomber. I’ve been rocking them all already!

Q: Can you share any future plans for House of Spy? Is there anything you’d like our readers to know about yourself or the line?
Well, House of Spy just recently started a secondary knitwear line called Beatrice Holloway by House of Spy. It’s a really sweet and feminine tops and dresses line offered at a bit of a lower price point. I’ve also been thinking about moving into the accessories market but no immediate future plans as yet. Expansion into Asia and Europe are top on our list for target markets, probably next season I’m sure!

For more information on House of Spy please visit www.houseofspy.com and www.shophouseofspy.com

Anyone who thinks that Alexis Phifer merely serves as Kanye West’s arm candy should take a closer look. Turns out that Ms. Phifer, who attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, may have been doing more than just sitting pretty at the couple’s recent appearances at the fall fashion shows. Perhaps she was looking for inspiration-designer inspiration that is.

Filled with frocks that appear to be light as air Phifer’s clothing line, Ghita, made its official debut during New York’s spring fashion week late last year. Her creative use of proportion and fit, a sorbet-neon color palette and intricate details like paneling and ruching result in an eye catching femme fatale aesthetic that’s just what a girl needs to maintain her sophisticated cool during the warmer months to come. We’re clearly fans of her work and delighted to know that the woman who’s engaged to an entertainer with a world famous swagger has a little swagger of her own.

To learn more about Ghita or to view past collections visit www.ghitafashion.com

Jaycia Gayle is the woman behind some of the most fabulous denim duds out there. Her line, Jainesse Denim launched in August of 2004 and has since been suiting the bodies of celebs and bodacious women alike. Gayle began in the retail side of the fashion industry and worked in an environment with designer co-workers for many years. Support from both colleagues and family contributed to her relentless pursuit of a childhood dream. Influenced by the 70s and her native country Jamaica, Gayle insists on creating untraditional looks and pieces that no one else may have.

When asked what goes into creating a fab pair of jeans, Gayle says, “It all starts with when the light bulb goes off in your head. I may see something or have a random thought. I will immediately write it down. From there you make it happen and the next thing you know you have that finished product.”

Using bold colors in many pieces (picture the Jamaican islands in denim) the finished products are anything but typical. The women Gayle aspires to strut in Jainesse are as distinctive as the line: confident, intelligent, happy, and sexy! Jainess in musical vernacular would be like “Reggae when Bob Marley was alive,” Gayle says. “He would love to see all of his women wearing Jainesse!”

Be on the look out for more color, fabric and prints like camouflage and navy blue and white pinstripe for Spring/Summer 2008 as well as the March launch of jainesse.com! For more Jainesse, visit www.myspace.com/jainesse.

Using jewelry to bring issues like class disparity and cultural ignorance to the forefront, Kali Arulpragasam, the creative mind behind the line called Super Fertile, has people buzzing for all the right reasons. If her last name sounds familiar it should, she’s the sister of “it girl” M.I.A and clearly talent runs in the family. In any case, we’d be more than glad to make room in our jewelry box for these impressive statement making pieces.

Q: When did you start designing jewelry?
After graduated from Central Saint Martins, then a Creative director for an advertising agency in New York and at the height of my career I started designing jewelry to start something more profound, important and precious. I guess, I was always designing and communicating a message, so the move from advertising campaigns to highlighting global issue using people as my billboard is not that different and I made the move back to London, to grow Super Fertile into a fashion house. Our headquarters is in east London, where all the magic takes place.

Q: Being a Sri Lankan native, how has your culture influenced your designs?
I was born in London and spent the greater part of my life in the UK and the US though from three to ten years old I lived in Sri Lanka and India. If there is one thing that I remember is that Sri Lankan culture is being ruined by war and primitive uncompromising traditional views. I guess this sentiment is echoed by many people who originate from a country that has been ravaged by post colonial corruption and war. I relate to the natural beauty of cultures and people the world over and this influences my designs. That aside, I do have a close affinity for India and her rich cultural past from where the Sri Lankan Tamils descend.

Q: As a well traveled trendsetter, what is your favorite place on earth that gives you the most creative energy and inspiration?
There are so many places. India is beautifully rich in art, music, colour, architecture, needlework, natural materials, etc. It’s like a 24/7 factory of arts. What is unusual about India is that it changes everyday yet hasn’t changed its essence in over 4000 years. They also have such a charming ‘can do’ attitude without having any knowledge, experience, education or tools and sometimes ability – the children really make you smile with their curiosity and joy despite the terrible poverty. The purity and strength of this innocence is an inspiration to Super Fertile and an intrinsic part of me, and I take inspiration from the art and works of Jaipur, Agra and Rajistan.

In Europe I love to visit the art works of Spain and Paris.

Q: Tell us about your latest collection “Tourism”?
The collection came about from being frustrated by not being able to visit Sri Lanka because of a stupid war that has been going on for the last 20 years. I simply wanted to reverse the media trend of showing only violence in this country and the promotion of men carrying guns as somehow heroic. This small minority causing trouble is now the iconic representation of Sri Lanka. I wanted to speak for the majority, for the women and children, for the beautiful landscapes, the amazing wildlife that are now largely forgotten or undiscovered.

The media seems to focus on the negative, so when you Google Iraq, for example, you get images of American soldiers with guns in rubble. This is not Iraq! Iraq has culture, music, fashion, children playing, sports champions, great architecture, etc. I wanted to create a positive tourism poster for the most dangerous countries that we cannot visit.

I started googling for positive elements of countries which are portrayed as being too dangerous to visit. Did you know that Iraq is a great sporting nation in weight lifting? Total surprise! I became a bit obsessed searching the internet, books and libraries. Surely there must be more to Lebanon? What are we missing about Colombia? The cultural diversity in the Central African Republic? Women’s fashion in Afghanistan? Amazing fishing community and tropical fish in the middle of Sudan? Finding all these little wonders from parts of countries becomes addictive. It was a duty and a mission to design a necklace showing the precious beauty of these nations in the form of a tourist poster portraying a proud identity. For example, Sudan in silver or gold becomes instantly precious. Anyone who comes across this collection gasps and wows, they pick their favorite countries by comparing the other countries, they pay attention to the subjects, images, details and cultures. The truth is that these little wonders have been there all along. These necklaces are to be cherished as are these nations.

Q: What type of materials, crafting skills and technologies do you use in your designs?
The first thing is always the message. From this, the idea, the design, the form, the materials and even the size are derived to create a piece that helps to communicate the message with maximum impact. Yet precious and durable and affordable.

We have a highly skilled production team in India that hand crafts every piece using traditional cutting, plating and molding methods. It’s always a challenge to find techniques to create such unique designs that are affordable, highly artistic , unique and precious. We work with silver and gold but the handcrafting, workmanship, concept and design are the more precious aspects of the piece.

Q: Your company is named “Super Fertile.” Is there a meaning behind the name?
I wanted a name that reflected the magic of fresh new life and flourishing growth, both in the physical sense and the creative concepts and ideas. For me, a new born child, a plant and a wonderful creative idea are all miracles that come forward despite all the odds. The ‘Super’ is our way of turbo charging this natural process!

Q: Who are some of your favorite designers?
I pay more attention to great artists and I don’t mean a flash in the pan recording artist. Pablo Picasso is always an inspiration to me, Escher is a mind-blowing visual genius, Freda Khalo for honesty, the Chapman brothers for innovative sculptures and authentic traditional art forms from all over the developing world despite their limited access to materials and technology. In Africa, children make their toys from tin cans, they are my favourite designers!

Q: Out of all of your collections, what is your favorite and why?
The current one ‘Tourism.” From the original concept, the research, the designs, the production down to the photo shoot for the look book, I adhered to original concept with determination, conviction and creative drive. At one point I was scouting the UK for nine models of the nations in question. That’s hard enough but dressing them in national costume really tests your creativity – they don’t do Columbian dress in Wal-Mart and Iraqi national dress hasn’t hit the high street yet! Joking aside I went to every length to maintain the authenticity of the collection and communicate the message in the clearest terms.

Q: We are dying to know - what artists are currently in rotation in your iPod?
Bombay Jayashri to calm me down and Spank Rock to get my heart racing again.

Q: What’s one thing you want people to know about you?
My local council (Merton) educated me, and gave me the foundation to go after my dreams, I never forget the people who really helped me.

Q: What’s next for you and “Super Fertile”?
We have so much to do — you have to wait and see! And as long as there’s issues, we will do a collection, and right now, there are just so many to do! And we will keep going!

It was a fashion “Aha!” moment when we were first put on to super fab shoe designs by Melody Ehsani. With come hither styling and opulent details these are the pumps you’ll reach for when it’s time go glam or go home. We got in step with the designer to find out more about the line that’s currently at the top of our covet list.

Q: Tell us more about the lady behind the pumps?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I’ve been designing shoes for the last couple of years, and I’m currently working on expanding my line. Design is my calling, and in following it I feel like I’m doing what I was really created to do, which is serve humanity. I’m particularly drawn towards helping young women wake up to who they are. I’m relentless and unshakeable when it comes to following things in which I believe are my assignment, so you’ll be seeing Melody Ehsani around for a long time.

Q: Have you always wanted to be a designer, particularly a shoe designer?
I always knew I was a designer, but I never viewed design as a career option growing up. I was brought up in a house with two artist parents who never made money off their art. My father passed when I was ten, so I always felt like I had to be super practical with my life. I went to UCLA and decided to go to law school, and eventually (after a lot of soul searching) I decided to drop out and follow my heart to study product design at the art center in Pasadena. I realized I had an amazingly intuitive talent for designing objects that functioned well and were aesthetically pleasing and that I LOVED doing it. Shoes are what carry you through the world, and I loved and understood them, so that’s where I started. But I am branching off into accessories and have some other products in the works that aren’t necessarily fashion-related.

Q: We have to admit, when we saw your line our jaws dropped! You are definitely an up and coming who’s who in the shoe game. What keeps you motivated and focused while traveling this road to international success?
I just learned how to meditate a few years ago, that’s been tremendous. Of course, friends. Keeping good company around me, people who continually love and inspire me huge.

And of course God – who is the ultimate resource. He’s like my business partner, so whatever I cant do…I’m like, “okay, it’s your turn,” and miracles happen, straight up.

Q: Give us the rundown on what type of things go through your mind or what you have to factor in when preparing to design a collection?
The practical side of me takes into consideration comfort at all times, so you’ll notice lots of straps and ankle closures designed to support your feet, in an aesthetically pleasing manner of course.

I’m also very conscious of detail. All of my heels have some sort of design or feature about them that makes them very unique. I call them the “I hate to see you leave, but I love to watch you walk away” heels.

Lastly, color combinations and materials are very important to me. They determine a shoe’s personality. I used to collect sneakers, and my first exposure to shoe design was an internship with the sneaker company Cr8tive Recreation. My favorite part of the design process would always be color blocking the different panels and mixing different types of materials together. I used to sit at work and dream of carrying that philosophy over into stilettos, so you’ll be seeing much of that aesthetic carry over into my upcoming collections, and I’m very excited about it.

Q: As an up and coming designer, what designers inspire you?
No designer in particular. I’m inspired by everything. I like to live as much as I can in the present and keep myself in the mix with everything, not just fashion and other designers but music, art, architecture, world affairs, movies. If you ask my friends they’ll tell you that every table and shelf and corner in my house is always filled with objects and documents that have at some point been sources of inspiration and pleasure to me.

Q: Tell us about your newest collection?
Lots of purple, coral, metallics and sea foam green. I like this collection because the shoe doesn’t wear you…in the photos they look all right…but when you put em on, it’s like whoa! It’s a very deceiving collection and the details are subtle but strong.

My inspirations were Donyale Luna, Female comic book heroes, the Slauson swap meet, ANKLE SOCKS! –ones you can wear with heels, Hollywood Blvd and Cleopatra.

Q: We know you have to stay on top of trends in fashion. When designing shoes we also know you have to take in additional details such as, heel height, sole and materials. What shoe trends are in for this year?
Culture specific patterns, pyramid heels, exposed platforms, laminated leather, the 70’s, revolution, teal, mandarin, purple and asphalt with hints of neon. Lace ups, small studs, snake skin, color blocking and fringe.

Q: Speaking of the show, what celebrity gets an A++ from you?
I’ve been working with Erykah Badu as of late, designing some shoes and jewelry for her, and her whole package when it comes to fashion is so ON TIME…it makes me want to cuss. So at the moment, she gets the grade.

Q: So far in your career, what do you think has been your biggest accomplishment?
Seeing myself and realizing that I am enough.

Q: Besides your collection, what shoes can we find you in regularly, kicks included?
My high top Nike terminators.

Q: One last question, if you had to give yourself a theme song for 2008 what would it be? Ooh that’s tough! I’d have to go with a classic… Kenny Burke “Keep Risin’ To The Top.”

You can purchase Melody Ehsani shoes online at www.melodyehsani.com For further information on select stores and boutiques in your area, you can email admin@melodyehsani.com

{Photo Credits: Estevan Oriol & Stephen Gilbert for Denacali}