Talk about life imitating art. Sarah Jessica Parker spent years playing Manolo Blahnik buff Carrie Bradshaw on Sex and the City so it’s only fitting she launch her own accessories line SJP Collection, sold exclusively at Nordstrom. Think feminine made-in-Italy shoes (from $195 to $485), classic grosgrain-trimmed Manhattan trench coats ($495) and multi-colored handbags ($245 to $375). Here, I get the 411 with actress-turned-designer Sarah Jessica Parker.
Carrie Bradshaw and shoes are synonymous. What was the impetus behind your shoe collection? The opportunity had been presenting itself for the last few years. I was always intrigued, flattered and very keen on pursuing the idea. I started to recognize that the reason I wasn’t able to say yes to any of these opportunities was because I had yet to find the right partner. Then I found the courage to simply call George Malkemus and here we are today, on the precipice of the launch, very excited and proud of the collection.
Which style shoe is your personal favorite from your line? I don’t have a favorite. I’m a mother, you don’t pick favorites. But I love so much the Carrie, the Tanny, the Etta, the navy suede Iva among others I can’t wait to wear. And I’m so pleased we got to do such beautiful colors as neutrals.
Dish! How many pairs of shoes do you actually own? I don’t know, but I rarely shop and have far fewer then people might imagine.
Which designer — dead or alive — would you love to have dinner with? Azzedine Alaïa.
What’s the one item in your closet you should part with but just can’t quit? There is a long list. Some items, though perhaps out of style or a choice I wouldn’t make, I feel a sort of nostalgia for and they provide memory and beauty and they will always be welcome in my closet.
What song best describes your work ethic? “What I Did for Love.”
What show on TV are you currently obsessed with? I’m not obsessed with any show. Meaning, thoughts of a show don’t dominate my mind all day or distract me but I really, really love Downton Abbey and Getting On. It’s truly a total joy and not unlike a little holiday when I’m at last in a quiet house and I can watch an episode. And speaking of episodes, there aren’t nearly enough of either show.
What’s the best advice you can give budding designers? I don’t feel I’m anymore equipped to give advice to a designer then others but if forced I suppose I’d just encourage someone to be as true to their original ideas as their situation allows and not to assume anyone else’s design ‘rules’ need to be adopted.
Amazing! This blog looks just like my old one! It’s on a entirely different subject but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Great choice of colors!