LC REAL WOMEN: MALONE SOULIERS’ MARY ALICE MALONE
A Fashion Editorial story for Lane Crawford - https://www.lanecrawford.com.hk/discover/interview-malone-souliers-art-craft-92300009-20190828/
In our LC Real Women series, we interview some of the most inspiring, successful and captivating women from Lane Crawford’s global community.
Slipping into a pair of Malone Souliers feels like slipping into a sculpted piece of art. With fluid curves, interesting colour palettes and playful, decadent finishings — this season think feathers and crystals — the brand creates the gorgeously crafted footwear that dreams are made of.
Ahead of founder and creative director Mary Alice Malone’s visit to Asia to launch the brand’s made-to-order programme at Lane Crawford, we talk to the American born, London-based multi-hyphenate creative to find out more.
You grew up in the countryside of Pennsylvania. When did your journey of becoming a footwear designer begin?
I enrolled in art school in Colorado, and it was then my desire for artisan design was sparked. I studied furniture making, welding and carpentry, and found that I loved using my hands to make things. I channelled this passion for craftsmanship into the process of designing and creating shoes, studying the Cordwainers course at the London College of Fashion. I’m more interested in the psychology of women than fashion per se — I want to explore how shoes make you feel as opposed to specifically how they look on you.
Architectural principles are first in your designs and trends second. How do trends come into play? And how do they play a role in your personal style?
I'm not led by trends when it comes to design, but I do of course play with them within the collections as it allows me to experiment with seasonal materials and shapes, and to challenge the way I design and create. For example, this season we’ve introduced some really playful new silhouettes with feathers, as well as reinventing some of our classic styles with crystal embellishments.
In terms of my personal wardrobe, since becoming a mother it’s definitely become a lot more simple and probably more functional. When it comes to shoes, I do of course wear my own designs, but as a new mother you’ll also often find me in trainers or even barefoot!
Which of your creations are your own personal favourites?
This season I love the gold Agnes, which has a beautiful V-cut shape finished with a delicate feathered detailing. It’s such a statement shoe and so perfect for making an entrance.
We’re excited to launch your made-to-order project in Hong Kong SAR. What can we expect?
The made-to-order service involves the customer in the creative process, with a choice of style, material, lasts, heel height and colour, so we’ve seen all sorts of beautiful iterations of our most iconic styles tailored for our discerning shoe lovers. I always encourage our customers to be bold with colour and style in finding their ultimate shoe counterpart.
Lane Crawford invites you to join special guest Mary Alice Malone for an exclusive celebration of Malone Souliers’ Autumn Winter 2019 collection at Lane Crawford ifc mall on September 3. Guests will also be given the opportunity to unleash their creativity by partaking in the brand’s coveted made-to-order service.
