Designer interview w/ Jean Michel Cazabat: The Shoe Prodigy

When I first discovered Jean Michel Cazabat's designs, I was very impressed because his shoes are everything a modern woman could wish for! Style, elegance and comfort.

If I had to describe Jean Michel 's style in a few words, they'd be urban, chic, and trendy trendy. Jean Michel is not only a fabulously talented designer, he's also a kind-hearted man, with that French "je ne sais quoi" that make him lovable to the ladies.

AlthoughJean Michel was in Paris preparing for his next show, he granted me an interview over the phone, and he promised me that Theshoegoddess will have an exclusive sneak-preview of his Fabulous Fall 2008 collection. So I am very proud to present it to you my dear readers.

But first let me introduce you to my dear Friend Jean Michel Cazabat:

Jean-Michel Cazabat, a native of Gascony in southern France, has designed shoes for over 25 years. He began his shoe-industry career as buyer and Creative Director for legendary French shoe designer Charles Jourdan from the late 1970’s through the early 1980’s, Cazabat later ventured to New York and served as president of the prestigious shoe brand Stephane Kélian, overseeing operations and developing product for the American market.

Determined to fill a void in the market and create a quality shoe collection as exciting as his favorite inspirations—loud music, spirited nightlife, women, and fine cuisine—Jean Michel launched his ultra-feminine women’s line in 1999, followed by his hand-made, rock-n-roll inspired men’s line a few years later. Allowing his passions to dictate his design, Jean Michel uses fiery colors, flirty silhouettes, whimsical details and exotic skins to create distinctive styles. Signature details include glitter-specked suedes, night-club bright metallic finishes, intricate strapping, and vibrant colors. Textural elements like braiding, piping, layering and prominent stitching further animate his designs. From stylish refinement for business-wear, to brazen flamboyance for night-club wear, to subversive chic for everywhere, Jean Michel presents designs for almost every occasion.

Favored by performers, Jean Michel Cazabat’s customers include Jessica Alba, Scarlett Johanssen, Penelope Cruz, Kate Hudson, Oprah Winfrey, Céline Dion, Goldie Hawn, Jamie Pressly, Rosario Dawson, Mary-Kate Olsen, and Sanaa Lathan. Cazabat’s men’s shoes have been worn by Timberland, Steven Tyler, Lenny Kravitz, Seal, Rod Stewart, Barry Manilo, and Elton John, among others. Jean Michel Cazabat’s shoes were featured on several episodes of “Sex and the City.” Cazabat also enjoys collaborating with clothing designers—he produces shoes for VPL which is designed by prominent fashion stylist Victoria Bartlett, former consultant to Miu Miu by Prada, and Versace.

Jean-Michel Cazabat luxury shoes are available at fine stores worldwide, including Barneys, Saks . shopbop, Maxfield L.A , and select Neiman Marcus just to name a few.

Women's Closet :

For me it's important for every woman to have in her closet :

- Black suede pump 9-cm. heel: For cocktail and evening; it's a basic.
- Ballerina back suede or in natural python; perfect to drive with
style and comfort.
- White stripy sandals: I love white sandals in the summer; they work
with everything .
- Slide-Mule in metallic Platino leather on a medium heel; 7 cm. is very
practical, if you want to look casual or sexy.
- Ankle-boots for the winter.
- Sexy stretch black suede boots like the ones I make. You can wear
them over and below the knee or even slouched like a 3/4 bootie .
- Thongs can be in leather, rubber Brazilian type or even in glitter
as I propose in collection.
- Sneakers; do not forget to workout if you want to stay in a good
shape .

Women’s line: for me I just need to think about 2 things: What I like
to see a woman wear, plus direction in fashion to cover the trends.

Men's line: I focus on styles I will be able to wear myself.

Shoe Muse: I don't have one in particular. The most important for
me is it's a "Beautiful Woman Foot.” I love women's feet.

Shoe Trend: I always love periods when sexy mules and slides are very
fashionable. I feel it like the next coming trend.
I like the platform period like in the 70s and like we have today .

Sexy "stripper" shoes? I cannot say there will never be this kind of silhouette in my
collection except if they make women look like a "clown." I respect
my ladies so much. I want them to look elegant and feminine.

How long have you been designing? It's already been 25 Years, but I feel it like it has only been 10 years. The only drama is we don't see the time passing by, but maybe it is a very good thing; like this you feel like an eternal "New Kid on the Block."

Men's line inspiration: Always Rock 'n’ Roll Baby!!! Music Rock-
Star. The Rolling Stones, Lenny Kravitz.

More Inspirations: Today I have my own influence, but I used to be crazy in love with
Michel Perry collections in the 90s, Stephane Kelian in the 80s,
Charles Jourdan in the 70s. I think I am fortunate because I used to collaborate with the three of them.

Your favorite styles? My favorite "Taking Breath Away” styles are from my Fall 08: All the shoes with the square-toe platform-covered with a skinny high heel in
a wood finish as the Pump Titania

How many shoes should a woman have? For Me a Woman can get all the shoes she can afford. It's always a
"Seductive-Fetishist" story between a woman and her shoes .

Describe yourself: A seductive man who loves women with a Rock 'n' Roll attitude.

My Farewell Words for our readers: Please stick to
"TheShoeGoddess.net." It's the best place to keep you informed about
what is happening in "Our Shoe World." Love it.

Amities ,

Merci Jean Michel for taking the time from your busy schedule to answer my questions and share with our readers these fabulous pictures

XOXO

Florence@theshoegoddess

Jean Michel Cazabat square toe pump fall 20.