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Welcome to the second issue of the bi-monthly ShoeLover e-news.

Photography by Kelvin Chong
Shoe psychology is the idea that women choose the shoes they wear based on their personality.

A number of elements determine the meaning of a shoe. Firstly the type of shoe (i.e. pump, boot, sandal etc), then special feature of the shoe (heel, toe, material) followed by adornments (bows, buckles). All these elements when combined by an experienced shoe reader result in the overall shoe reading.

These highly decorated stiletto boots above have a very strong meaning. And it may not be what first comes to mind.

These shoes say that the wearer is independent and secure. They are often ambitious and energetic. They can also be playful and entertaining and are often a shoe which is worn by a leader.

If you would like me to tell you what your shoes mean about you, just email a photo of your favourite pair of shoes to Janine at editor@shoesforher.com.

Feature Interview

Tristan Blair
Perth Couture Shoe Designer

Interview questions for Tristan Blair

Meet Tristan Blair – Perth’s only male couture shoe designer

When did you decide you wanted to be a shoe designer?

I have always had an inkling for shoes. Growing up in and around Gooseberry Hill, I spent a lot of time with my mum and Grandmother chick shopping every weekend. I suppose that amount of female contact gave me an interest in fashion.

What makes your designs unique?

I oversee all the production of my designs fist-hand, spending months in factories with shoe manufacturers on a daily basis. It is a very time-consuming task but so fulfilling when the product is finished.

How would you describe your design style?

Classis style is important to me, I give my mum credit for introducing me to this concept when I was growing up. If I could dress anyone today, it would be Audrey Hepburn.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I try to steer away from the shoe designers and rather stay influenced b y what I see and find on a day-to-day basis. I love going on little adventures into random towns and ethnic areas to refresh my mind. Not necessarily to seek instant inspiration, but to clear my head of the everyday things that chip way at one’s imagination.

“Living in Perth I relied on my own imagination to come up with new ideas and because I have a wandering mind, which wasn’t idea for school, it does mean I can look at something and re-create it in a new form.

Where do your shoes get made?

Brazil, Spain and Indonesia

Was there a moment that you could call your big break?

A stylist friend introduced me to Mark Versalso, Australia’s own fashion publishing god, who gave my designs a page in the magazine M.A.R.K.

Mark was the one who really gave me a head start. Every now and again you need someone to help keep you believing in yourself.

What advice do you have for anyone who wants to be a shoe designer?

I would suggest to anyone interested in fashion to do their research and get up and start something. It is a lot of work and has a lot of high hills but the light is always at the end of the tunnel if you believe in yourself.

Where can Tristan Blair’s shoes be purchased?

Tristan Blair’s collection is available online at www.tristanblair.com or at Saints Clothing, Subiaco and Highs and Lows, Mt Lawley.

(Source: STM January 2007)