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Trendsetters: Bridget Assil MadisonBy Shoe Goddess Florence
For a while now, I’ve wanted to add a feature to The Shoe Goddess that features women who have or are making a difference, whether within their communities or in the fashion world. I am happy to introduce to my dear readers, Bridget Assil, owner of Madison. I knew of the store for a long time and always find the most gorgeous shoes there, so I was excited to finally meet Bridget Assil, the woman behind Madison. Bridget is a beautiful and elegant South African native and has the incredible talent of anticipating the trends. Her impeccable taste has made Madison one of the trendiest fashion stores in the country. Bridget is also one of the most knowledgeable people I know when it comes to shoes. Her store carries very exclusive and unobtainable styles from designers, such as Lanvin, Alaia, and Jimmy Choo, just to name a few. For 22 years Bridget has called LA home. The Madison flagship store opened in Beverly Hills 17 years ago followed by four other locations: Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles, Fred Segal in Santa Monica and Houston, Texas. This coming August a fifth store in Topanga canyon will be opening.
Beverly Hills Madison Store Bridget was kind enough to open up exclusively for The Shoe Goddess about fashion, shoes and life. I went to meet with her in her Beverly Hills store. The Shoe Goddess: When did you first become interested in shoes? Bridget: I was originally interested in clothing, but shoes soon took over. I realized that accessories are really what define an outfit. I love all accessories, from shoes to handbags and belts. You can put on an older outfit, with new shoes, and it becomes something totally different and trendy. The Shoe Goddess: Who or what inspires you most? Bridget: The form of a shoe. The proportion, balance—the technical aspects. The Shoe Goddess: Can a woman ever have too many shoes? Bridget: Yes, excess is always excess. It’s hard to define, but too much of anything is not a good thing. But, I do think women should keep their shoes from previous seasons. There is a huge vintage shoe market, and shoes are easy to pull out and reinvent. The Shoe Goddess: What shoe must every woman have in her closet? Bridget: A beautiful black platform pump. And then I’d also say an ankle boot. The Shoe Goddess: What advice would you give for a woman just starting to build her shoe wardrobe? Bridget: First, you should start with black. I love wearing a bright shoe every once and a while, but I always come back to black. Buy shoes that make you feel fabulous. Next you need an evening shoe and a metallic shoe. Also, I love beautiful shoes, but they must be comfortable. [We love the fact that Bridget tries on all the shoes she sells to make sure, they are not only beautiful, but also comfortable.] The Shoe Goddess: If you could bring only one pair of shoes on your next trip, what would it be? Bridget: Lanvin ballerinas. I don’t travel without them. They are great for walking around the shows or on the plane. The Shoe Goddess: What shoes are you wearing now? Bridget: Prada Capretto Easy Mary Jane Booties. The Shoe Goddess: Which shoe designer has inspired you the most? Bridget: Right now, I’d say Nicholas Kirkwood. He is so new and unique. I also love Lanvin—the clothing and shoes. He [Albert Ebaz, Lanvin’s designer] is a genius.  Bridget and Florence at the Beverly Hills Madison store. Alaia Open-Toe Bootie with Croc Heel $1,695 to order call (310) 273-4787 Madisonstyle  Alaia lace Sandal $1,195 to order call (310)273-4787 Madison style  Alaia Suede Bootie $1,495 to order call (310) 273-4787  Jimmy Choo Atlas Sandal (featured in Sex and the City) $750  Lanvin Wooden Sandal $675 (I had to have these!!) Thank you to Bridget Assil for taking time from her busy schedule to answer my questions, and to her fabulous staff for their precious help.
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I must add that I had the pleasure of meeting Bridget and shopping at her fabulous store too, and she is soooo sweet and knowledgeable. I absolutely loved the store, and she features such a carefully edited selection. I know that anything I pick from Madison is going to be super trendy and chic!
xoxo,
Tyler