Fashion Week is one of the most exciting times of the year for those of us that are obsessed with fashion. I sometimes lose it when I preview the collections of the my favorite designer, and get a glimpse into the minds of some of the most creative people in the world. This year, it was beyond special to me because I got to help exclusively premier the brilliant work of Style Influencer, Shoe Designer, and my dear friend Jamie Costello. For years, I had the pleasure of watching Jamie bless the streets with some of the dopest fashion and one thing you could always count on was her having on a pair of sick heels. Jamie always admired the way high heel shoes transformed a women, leading to her fetish for amazing shoes and desire to design her own. Jamie's signature Swarovski Crystal engraved detail brings something as modern and innovative as the red bottom on a Christian Louboutin shoe, making her the new designer to watch.
What inspired you to create a shoe line?
"After attending fashion school for 4 years, I began my career styling. I worked for a couple of luxury companies dressing the well to do ‘wives of”. I worked with doctors, lawyers and a few celebrities. The most enviable of the experiences was working with the designers and buyers. All these experiences only sharpened my taste and eye for luxury details, and essentially shaped my overall design aesthetic. But styling and selling clothing wasn’t my passion. After the recession of 2008 I lost my job and was like “What am I gonna do next?".. I packed my car and moved to Atlanta and didn’t look back. While I was there I wanted to get back to designing. I sat down one day to create another portfolio and was totally uninspired. I started to cry and sat there frustrated. Sitting at my desk I stared at the outfit I created and focused on the boots I drew. I then drew them on a second sheet of paper and started to really detail them. One by one I just started sketching nothing but shoes. By the end of the day, I drew over 42 pairs of shoes. That's how Jamie Costello shoes were born."
What was the motivation behind your first sample?
"Well it was important to me to create something sexy and unique but also be wearable. I didn’t want the design to be complicated but rather delicate to showcase my unique design aesthetic. The “Daphie” Velvet Strap-Up heels showcase just that. Adorned on the heel of every shoe is a hand finished Swarovski Crystal floating in the middle of the heels. But mostly, I wanted to create some dope ass sexy heels. I love when a woman is alluring and owning her power; heels are just the cherry on top."
Who or what are some major fashion influencers to you?
"I think we are in the time of the entrepreneurial wave. Every millennial I know is doing it for themselves. NYC is an amazing place for creatives to thrive and collaborate. I am consistently inspired by my peers. People that I have grown up with, worked with and went to school with are creating and carving their own paths in their respective fields. These individuals fuel my desire to create some dope shit. I feel millennials have turned the world upside-down and went against the formalities that were set in place. I'm speaking from the Arts, Music and Design aspects. We can thank the internet and social media for that. We now have access to resources that only industry insiders knew and are reaching audiences that were unreachable 15 years ago. You and your idea can go viral in minutes. Whereas before, you’d have to slave away in someone’s office or work your way up in a company. Or simply be denied opportunities. Now it's about taking your no’s and making them a yes! It’s no longer about a selective group of people winning. It no longer matters where you're from, your social or economic status, color, sex or gender. But if you're willing to work hard for your vision, you can be successful at whatever you’ve set your mind and hands to do."
If you had to wear one style shoe forever, which style would it be and why?
"Is this a trick question?!?!"
Where would you like to be in the next five years?
"I have dreams so big that I've loss a lot of sleep over, so I'd say having had a successful, massive launch party with my peers and family celebrating a huge milestone with me is the dream. I can’t wait for my brand to have cultural and international presence. And eventually in music and movies! More than anything, I really want to make my parents and sisters super proud of me. Then eventually, accessories and a fragrance. Why not! The next best thing to looking and feeling like a fearless sexy woman is smelling like one too."
It was such a pleasure to hear the inspiring store of Jamie Costello, her evolution was extraordinary! Jamie's determination to be successful was not only motivational, it made me feel more confidant about the direction I'm going in my own career.
To find out how to get your JamieCostello shoes, send an email to Jamiecostello.shoe@gmail.com
Follow Jamie on Instagram @Jcostelle_