Recently in Davis by Ruthie Davis Category

Fall and Summer inventory at up to 60% off of suggested retail $350-$700.

Stilettos, Booties, Mary Janes, with the Ruthie Davis signature 4.5 inch heel and Summer Gladiators.

Ruthie Davis 150 W 25th St. Suite 1004, NYC

Thursday, May 15

10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Call (212) 675-2269 for more information or visit www.ruthiedavis.com.

Last month as we gathered at the WSA shoe show in Las Vegas, we were lucky to meet the super adorable and talented designer, Ruthie Davis.

Florence "The Shoegoddess" and Ruthie Davis

We adored her Fall 2008 collection and we can't wait for the shoes to hit the stores. Ruthie took time from her extremely busy schedule to give  an exclusive interview to The Shoegoddess.

- We last saw you at the WSA show in Vegas -- How was the show for you this year?-

The show was great! Everyone kept asking me if I was feeling the state of the economy and honestly, things were really busy for us.I felt like there was a lot of buzz and excitement in my suite and I was very happy with the response.  I kept hearing that there is a lot of "sameness" in the shoe market right now and was told that the unusual look of my shoes was something they greatly welcomed.

- Do you enjoy the one-on-one interaction the show allows?-

Yes, it is always so nice to put a face to a name.  I love meeting the buyers in person and having the opportunity to interact with them.  Having relationships beyond e-mail and voice-mail are important.

-You also won the Glass Slipper Award for Most Innovative Suite Exhibit! Congrats. How does that feel?-

It feels great!  I think I am most proud of this because we did not have a big budget and really had to rely on being innovative.  I think the best innovation comes when you have to really use your creative talents and not just rely on dollars to make something look cool.  Whenever I am given any sort of creative challenge, I take it very seriously and work very hard to do a good job.

- Can you give us a little insight about your creative process? Do visions of shoes randomly dance in your head? Or are you more deliberate, taking time to sit down and sketch until something sticks?-

I have a whole long "creative" process that I go through.It is a combination of things.Once you have established a brand image and have some successes, you need to continue to innovate while building on your successes and staying true to your brand image.In addition, I think it's important to be on top of fashion trends and what is happening with apparel because shoes are the accessory to an outfit.So, I do a lot of research, shopping, take "inspiration" trips, etc. and then do a lot of brainstorming.The actual pen to paper design process is about 3 weeks long.Then, I need to go to Italy to actually create the shoes, pick out the materials, components, etc. So, it is a real building process .But, yes, I do have visions of shoes dancing in my head and in my dreams literally.

Aside from the obvious differences between Reebok, Uggs and platforms and peep-toes, talk about the difference between working under your own brand vs. someone else's.

There is nothing better in the world in my mind than having your own brand and working for yourself.However, you do need to be a certain kind of person to do this and it is not for everyone as it does become your I also really enjoyed working at my more corporate jobs because I always viewed them as mine.I took of whatever I was working on and made it my own.I acted very much like an entrepreneur in the context of a larger company. I always had my team of people and we all worked together building shoes much as I do today. However, in a larger company there is a lot of wasted time spent in meetings and too many cooks spoiling the broth, so I am so happy having my own company as I can be super efficient and make things happen at lightning speed.

-Was there a breaking-point that lead you to Davis by Ruthie Davis?-

No-Launching my own brand was always in the master plan. I have an MBA in entrepreneurship and my plan was always to have my own shoe brand.In all of my corporate jobs, I was learning the skills and paying my dues with the ultimate goal of eventually breaking away.I was fortunate to work out an arrangement with my employer at the time, Tommy Hilfiger, to stay on as a consultant for 6 months in order to have an income as I started working on my own brand.I guess I just knew in my heart that it was time to break out on my own, and I went for it!

- Is there a contemporary shoe designer that you truly admire? A person or persons that are not necessarily your inspiration or influence, but whose shoes touch or speak to your core?-

There are many great shoe designers that I love, but rather than say there is one that I admire it is certain things from various designers that I admire.I really like designers who are more future thinking in their designs. not a big fan of bringing back ideas from archived shoes of the past.I like seeing shapes that I have never seen before. However, the shoes need to be wearable and look gorgeous on a woman and not just be like a work of art.I have been very impressed with the shoes from Marni and Balenciaga for the last few seasons and for Fall 2008, I love what I have seen on the runway from Versace, YSL and the Louboutin's that were made for Rodarte.

- You had the opportunity to work with Bill Blass, Chris Han and Doo Ri -- In that vein, is there a designer that you'd love to get a call from someday saying, "Ruthie, I want your shoes on the feet of my models at my next fashion show!"-

 It's Funny, I probably shouldn't say this but I am not really a ready-to-wear person. I just don't get off on the apparel part of the outfit. I am all about the shoes and bags paired with a hot pair of jeans.With that said, the brands that I do love the look of on the runway such as Balenciaga, Gucci and Chanel already have their own shoe collections.Right now, my favorite ready-to-wear designers are Balenciaga, Rag and Bone and Philip Lim 3.1.

- Is there anything in your Fall collection that stands out from your previous offerings?-

For Fall 2008, I was really inspired by materials intended for industrial use and bringing them into fashion.I was inspired by raw and stripped down elements, which is reminiscent of the original concept of modernism going back to the Bauhaus movement in the 1930's, which was then reinterpreted in the whole high tech moment of the 70"s. I have a new platform and heel with huge nuts and bolts in it, a hinge on a ballerina flat and a perfed metal oversized heel insert.I also used a lot of material mixes and lots of touches of industrial neon colors like acid green and highway fluorescent orange.

And the standart fare:

 - Can a woman have too many shoes?-

Yes, I do think a woman can have too many shoes.I am a firm believer that you should not have so many shoes that you can not store and take care of them properly.There is nothing worse than a closet jammed with shoes.Shoes are like art, and I think women should invest in them and care for them like they do jewelry.They need to be displayed properly on a shoe shelf or in cubby holes.And when they are no longer wearing the shoes, they need to go to Good-Will, E-bay or to daughters or neices and to be replaced with new updated models.

- What was/is the biggest obstacle to your success?-

The Euro.

- You have a celebrity following. Why do you think celebrities like your stuff?-

I think celebrities like my shoes because they are unique and sexy and have very high heels.Celebrities want to draw attention to themselves and to stand out in a crowd.My shoes are attention grabbers.In addition, I am still small enough that the celebrity will not see the same shoe on every other celebrity out there.

-In one word, what's Davis by Ruthie Davis?-

Davis by Ruthie Davis is all about feeling powerful and sexy and looking hot.I am the customer for my shoes and I love fashion. I make shoes that  don't forsake wear-ability for art. I love following what is happening with the trends in fashion and on the catwalks, and I like making shoes that fit into the overall context of what is happening in pop culture as well as creating something innovative, modern and unique.And at the end of the day, all girls want to look taller, sleeker and runway ready don't they?

- In closing, is there anything you'd like to say to the shoe lovers out there?-

If there is a recession going on, you might need to cut back on your facials, massages, dinners out, vacations, movies and lattes, but whatever you don't cut back on wearing fabulous shoes because this is what will keep you feeling good, having pep in your step and will ultimately enable you to make all of your dreams come true......

 A big  Thank you to Ruthie Davis for taking the time to answer my questions and to Ruthie's fabulous PR Matt Cohen   rawinformation group

Davis by Ruthie Davis smoke neon fall 2008

Davis by Ruthie Davis neon pump

Davis by Ruthie Davis Stanly pump with the bolted heel (highlight of the 2008 fall collection)

When I first heard of Ruthie Davis it was trough a comment posted on the blog after I wrote an entry about a pair of her shoes.

Then after investigating Ruthie's design a little more, I had the opportunity to meet her last week at the WSA.

Ruthie is not only a amazingly creative and talented designer, she has also a fabulous  trend setter personality, the kind you remember. She reminds me of Vivienne Westwood.

I totally am in love with these pair of black patent mary jane, the laser cut upper and the architectural heel. So couture,the  metal button detail adds a very hip touch to these timeless shoes.

Davis by Ruthie Davis Wexler mary jane pump $545.00 revolveclothing

When I say that Ruthie is a total trend setter , I just found these mary jane pump from non less than John Galliano RTW fall 2008, and they are so similar but Ruthie has her already in store, so......

John Galliano fall 2008 RTW  Style.com

Fabulous Ruthie Davis with her crystal trophy. (photo: WSA Today)

The Glass Slipper Awards is one of the most anticipated events during the WSA Show and this year was no exception. We are proud to report and congratulate one of TheShoeGoddess' friends, Ruthie Davis, for winning the Most Innovative Exhibit Suite Design for her brand Davis by Ruthie Davis!

Ruthie was runner up last year, and this year we certainly agree with WSA's decision to honor her with the top prize -- Ruthie Davis' suite was totally fierce, decked out in black fabric to showcase her fabulous fall collection.

Also recognized this year as a finalist for the distinction is our friend Rebecca Brough, designer of Mink Shoes. Her cute and whimsical suite was inviting down to the last detail; with that she's also a winner in our book. Congratulations ladies!

Coming very soon: Our interview with Ruthie Davis herself (and her must-see Fall 2008 collection.

It's pouring and pouring over Los Angeles, and I am already longing for summer. However, today I came across these absolutely fabulous gladiator shoes that made my day. I love their unexpected turquoise color (tres St. Barth) and the delicate mini stud detail adds so much elegance to these already gorgeous sandals,

These are so beautiful that I think I am going to buy a pair right away. I will wear them with everything: little black dresses, white pants and light denim jeans. These shoes are made for walking; I bet once you slip these on, you'll never want to take them off!

Davis by Ruthie Davis 'Canyon' gladiator sandals $395.00 Shopbop

Davis by Ruthie Davis "Canyon Gladiator" sandals back view

Actually I don't know if I like these shoes or if I don't. They surely are sexy and the punched patent is kind of new; I love the last and the heel, but the price tag bothers me.

These shoes are as expensive as a pair of couture shoes, but I wonder  if the quality stands up to this kind of ticket.

I went on with my little investigation to learn more about this brand and its designer Ruthie Davis, but actually the little bio doesn't tell more than the basics about the designer and that she is a footwear expert.

What I don't like about these shoes beside their price is they have a plastic look to them. They will look great with any kind of skinny pants, mini dresses and skirt and opaque tights of course.

I have never got a pair of shoes from this designer, but I would like to hear about your personal experience. I am going to turn to Hilary as well since she is a huge shoe fan and much younger than I am ( she went to college with my son Ben!) I know... time goes by pretty fast.

To be continued...

Davis by Ruthie Davis 'Punched Patent' Ankle Bootie $625.00 Shopbop

Davis by Ruthie Davis 'Punched Patent' Ankle Bootie [back view]