WITH EVERY PAIR OF BEVERLY FELDMAN SHOES, YOU GET A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA
Beverly Feldman is many things. Internationally renowned shoe designer. Dog lover. World traveler. The one thing she’s not?
“A person of moderation,”she says with a sly giggle.
And she wouldn’t have it any other way. This is a woman who thinks diamonds should be worn during the day.
Women older than 50 should be single and loving it. And “if you’re not born attractive … make yourself attractive.”
At 5 feet 4 inches, she’s petite in stature but big on opinions. She’s fabulous with a capital “F.” We found her to be nothing but delightfully fun and her bravado extraordinarily refreshing.
Although she’s not on par with Manolo or Louboutin in terms of name recognition — or pricing — Feldman has found another way to connect with her audience: a blog. Her entries, available through her Web site, www.beverlyfeldmanshoes.com, give you insight into her whirlwind world.
Feldman’s designs have adorned the feet of women for 30 years.
When the now 61-year-old fashionista was starting out, she attached the tagline “Too much is not enough.” It’s a philosophy Feldman adheres to in all facets of life.
Indeed. Feldman’s shoe and accessories company operates global offices in Spain, New York and China. She recently added a line of sunglasses to her collection, and a collection of costume jewelry is in the works.
She resides in New York a third of the year. Otherwise you can find her in Ibiza, Spain, a locale that’s a huge source of inspiration.
“That, to me, is the perfect place,” she says. "“I shine in the summertime because of the fact I live in Spain. I’m sunshine all year-round. I make happy shoes. Shoes that are comfortable, borderline sexy — and sometimes shoes that really cross the line.”
Women looking for style with a sensible heel or flats with flair know Feldman can deliver. However, they also love the unabashed sass and commentary that accompanies each pair. One season in 2000 Feldman decided to share a few words on the soles of her shoes.
“I wrote a little something about a ‘Happy New Century,’” she recalls. “Then I just started writing sayings or phrases with every collection. Just little philosophical things. They’re just supposed to be little inspirational thoughts for my customers.
“I’ve been successful from Day 1,” she says with unapologetic confidence. “I don’t know any other life. Now I have a lot of people under me, a great young staff. I’m the mama bear now.”
She has even earned the nickname “Queen B,” which is how she signs off on the postcards that accompany each pair of her shoes.
With her jet-set lifestyle, Feldman says the hardest part is being away from her seven poodles. The “high-maintenance” brood is well cared for, though, she says.
In addition to Ibiza, Feldman says she gains inspiration daily, be it from a beautiful notecard or museum-quality art. Even a certain 14-inch plastic doll served as an early muse.
“Barbie,” she says. “I’m very girlie, and very girlie turned into being very much a woman.”
The Big Reveal: “Isabela” 3-inch open-toe wedge, accented with embroidered flowers and butterfly detail, $175; “Priscella” multicolored strappy slingback heel, $160; “Ramona” heel with animal-print footbed, vinyl strap and crystal accent, $140, all by Beverly Feldman, available at www.beverlyfeldmanshoes.com.
Flight of Fancy: “Isadora” button-heel thongs with satin insole and upper with butterfly ornament across the foot, $165, by Beverly Feldman, available at www.beverlyfeldmanshoes.com.
By KARALEE MILLER
McClatchy Newspapers