Designer interview "Tashkent by Cheyenne" the visionary

Before I meet Cheyenne Morris the owner and designer of the brand “ Tashkent”by Cheyenne, I was always curious to know the story behind the company name.

Cheyenne Morris

 I knew Tashkent was the capital of Uzbekistan and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. “Chachkant” (that is the original name) comes from the word "Tash" in Turkish which means stone and "Kant" means city. However I was curious to know the correlation between the two. Cheyenne’s family came from Uzbekistan and since she was very young Cheyenne has always been inspired by the unique art and craft that is Uzbekistan’s trademark.

During the WSA show I sat with Cheyenne who graciously answered my questions.

Florence theshoegoddess and Cheyenne Morris

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

This was our second time at The Collections, and it was great! We met many new retailers from all over the world. We are very excited about our FW08 Collection, and our vendors were very receptive!

Do you enjoy the one-on-one interaction the shows allow?

I love being able to meet the retailers. They give me great feedback about the customers’ needs and desires, which I incorporate into the next season. It is also great to tell them stories of particular shoes. For me, every style has a story; there was something that inspired it or a way I found a material that gives a history, or a birth story to the shoe. My mother was always interested in the history of everything, from art to the making of a peach cobbler, and so I guess it rubbed off, and I too enjoy hearing about how something came to be.

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, making time to sit down and sketch until something sticks?

Everyday I am inspired by art, street life, people, and ideas will form in my head. A lot of those ideas I will sketch and write about, and when it comes to designing the next collection, refer to those ideas and see which ones I still fancy and which ones were good at the time, but now do not make sense. But I am constantly collecting inspiration, and not because I have to, because I can’t help it…it is my nature.

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

I worked at Delman before launching Tashkent. Being involved in a large operation gave me great experience and insight into the process of making shoes. I gained a lot of knowledge there, but I had a strong desire to launch Tashkent. It is extremely tough having your own company, and extremely rewarding. It just depends what day you ask me. Today is a good day!

Was there a breaking point that lead you to Tashkent by Cheyenne?

I was gradually leading up to design, but there were steps that had to be taken in order for me to learn the business. In 2002, I owned a fine ladies vintage shoe store called ‘The Shoe Shack” in Sag Harbor, NY. I studied and experienced the history of shoe makers, both American and Italian. I feel it is very important to know the history of what one does. That enabled me to get the position at Delman, as Archivist/Asst. Designer. After being at Delman and getting married, I felt that I was ready to start my own line, Tashkent.

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?

I admire Nicholas Kirkwood. He has truly unique designs. I feel that he has created a new style that has never been seen before. It is exciting.

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

Our leathers are fantastic! They are washed calf leathers, some with texture and some are smooth, but all are beautiful! There is also a shoe called the Malouda which is a Holiday version to the Crespo (the flat ballets with metal toe). The Malouda has a 3-dimensional toe plate, with a touch of fun! But you’ll have to wait and see!

Can a woman have too many shoes?

Nope!

What was/is the biggest obstacle to your success?

I think the name of the game is being very good dealing with obstacles. Solving issues quickly and correctly. There are obstacles every day; you just have to know that all you can do is your best.

In one word, what's Tashkent by Cheyenne?

Contrast.

Lastly, is there anything you'd like to say to the shoe lovers out there?

If you have great shoes, show them! They can be great when displayed in your home, on a shelf of a bookcase! Don’t keep them in the closet!

Here are some styles from Cheyenne's fall collection

Tashkent by Cheyenne J colette

Tashkent by Cheyenne "zidane"

Tashkent by Cheyenne Ownen ballet flat

A big thank you to Cheyenne Morris for taking the time to talk to me,and for allowing me to share with my viewers her beautiful  fall 2008 collection.

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