Fred Allard has been Creative Director of Nine West since 2006. Attributing his inspirations to everything from couture designs to art and architecture, Allard lends his talent and vision to elevate Nine West footwear, handbags and jewelry. Born and bred in the South of France, Allard has been groomed for the design world since childhood. He followed in his father's footsteps, attending the Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture design school in Paris and then getting a job at a shoe factory. Soon after, at age 22 Allard became Stephane Kelian's chief designer. Eight years later, he switched gears from his niche in the European luxury world to the American market, taking a job at Nine West Group. Allard's most recent accomplishments with the brand include the successful launches of New Balance for Nine West, and Nine West Vintage America Collection. I asked Fred Allard to share with ShoeHunting a little about what's behind the Nine West brand and his creative vision: SH: Who is the Nine West woman? FA: She is a working woman who also craves fashion. She is multi-faceted. She likes to come to Nine West to get her updated pumps for work, but also loves us as her resource for head-to-toe fashion forward accessories. SH: What inspirations do you draw from when you're designing shoes and accessories for Nine West? FA: There are no recipes behind creativity and inspiration. The only lesson I have learned is to open my eyes to see what is around me and to always keep an open mind. Inspiration could come from anywhere; a film, like Avatar, an exhibition of an artist, editorial from a fashion magazine, a trip to another country, etc. Anything can inspire, it just has to be relevant to the season. SH: Describe a typical day for you (if there is such a thing!): FA: My days always begin early (I am a morning person). I am in the office before anyone else on my team so I can check my emails and the new issues of magazines. By 9am, the buzz starts and I am in meetings with the various teams for shoes, handbags, jewelry and our licensees, etc, throughout the day. I always try to escape the office around 7pm so I can hit the gym. At night you can typically find me at a concert or at dinners with friends. And during all of this, I am tweeting at @NineWest_Fred! SH: And we love following you on Twitter! Now, what's your biggest fashion DON'T? FA: Don't wear something that makes you uncomfortable; be on trend, but always remember to stay true to who you are. SH: Which of the shoes from your collections do you consider must-haves for women this spring, and this fall? Is there a style that you particularly love? FA: For spring 2010, I love the CONSUELA strappy platform sandal in soft pink - so sexy but the muted color makes it wearable and very chic. The CAPTIVATE flat sandal from Nine West Vintage America Collection is great because it is a ruggedly cool military-inspired sandal.
CONSUELA (left), CAPTIVATE (right)
For fall 2010, I love the FELICITA in black suede or leather for the ultimate sexy shoe bootie sandal (very 80's). The style ORRO is the perfect shoe bootie on a wedge, which is a great fall trend. I also love the LORITA ballerina flat with feathers and jewel tones.
FELICITA (left), ORRO (right)
SH: What designers do you look to for inspiration? Who do you aspire to be compared to as a designer in the future? FA: I really respect Marc Jacobs for his creativity and vision. I think Karl Lagerfeld is the ultimate icon in the industry; all these years at Chanel and he continues to reinvent himself and the brand each season. As we say in France, "chapeau!" SH: Is there anything else you'd like to share with shoe lovers about your shoes, fashion in general, life advice...? FA: I am thrilled to see all the shoe booties on the runways for fall 2010; I think they will be the major accessory of the season. I am looking forward to sharing all of our Nine West goodies with you all! SH: Thanks, Fred! We love Nine West shoes, and can't wait to see more!
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Fred Allard has been Creative Director of Nine West since 2006. Attributing his inspirations to everything from couture designs to art and architecture, Allard lends his talent and vision to elevate Nine West footwear, handbags and jewelry. Born and bred in the South of France, Allard has been groomed for the design world since childhood. He followed in his father's footsteps, attending the Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture design school in Paris and then getting a job at a shoe factory. Soon after, at age 22 Allard became Stephane Kelian's chief designer. Eight years later, he switched gears from his niche in the European luxury world to the American market, taking a job at Nine West Group. Allard's most recent accomplishments with the brand include the successful launches of New Balance for Nine West, and Nine West Vintage America Collection.
I asked Fred Allard to share with ShoeHunting a little about what's behind the Nine West brand and his creative vision:
SH: Who is the Nine West woman?
FA: She is a working woman who also craves fashion. She is multi-faceted. She likes to come to Nine West to get her updated pumps for work, but also loves us as her resource for head-to-toe fashion forward accessories.
SH: What inspirations do you draw from when you're designing shoes and accessories for Nine West?
FA: There are no recipes behind creativity and inspiration. The only lesson I have learned is to open my eyes to see what is around me and to always keep an open mind. Inspiration could come from anywhere; a film, like Avatar, an exhibition of an artist, editorial from a fashion magazine, a trip to another country, etc. Anything can inspire, it just has to be relevant to the season.
SH: Describe a typical day for you (if there is such a thing!):
FA: My days always begin early (I am a morning person). I am in the office before anyone else on my team so I can check my emails and the new issues of magazines. By 9am, the buzz starts and I am in meetings with the various teams for shoes, handbags, jewelry and our licensees, etc, throughout the day. I always try to escape the office around 7pm so I can hit the gym. At night you can typically find me at a concert or at dinners with friends. And during all of this, I am tweeting at @NineWest_Fred!
SH: And we love following you on Twitter! Now, what's your biggest fashion DON'T?
FA: Don't wear something that makes you uncomfortable; be on trend, but always remember to stay true to who you are.
SH: Which of the shoes from your collections do you consider must-haves for women this spring, and this fall? Is there a style that you particularly love?
FA: For spring 2010, I love the CONSUELA strappy platform sandal in soft pink - so sexy but the muted color makes it wearable and very chic. The CAPTIVATE flat sandal from Nine West Vintage America Collection is great because it is a ruggedly cool military-inspired sandal.
CONSUELA (left), CAPTIVATE (right)
For fall 2010, I love the FELICITA in black suede or leather for the ultimate sexy shoe bootie sandal (very 80's). The style ORRO is the perfect shoe bootie on a wedge, which is a great fall trend. I also love the LORITA ballerina flat with feathers and jewel tones.
FELICITA (left), ORRO (right)
SH: What designers do you look to for inspiration? Who do you aspire to be compared to as a designer in the future?
FA: I really respect Marc Jacobs for his creativity and vision. I think Karl Lagerfeld is the ultimate icon in the industry; all these years at Chanel and he continues to reinvent himself and the brand each season. As we say in France, "chapeau!"
SH: Is there anything else you'd like to share with shoe lovers about your shoes, fashion in general, life advice...?
FA: I am thrilled to see all the shoe booties on the runways for fall 2010; I think they will be the major accessory of the season. I am looking forward to sharing all of our Nine West goodies with you all!
SH: Thanks, Fred! We love Nine West shoes, and can't wait to see more!