75 YEARS OF CHARITY CELEBRATING TWO TEN FOOTWEAR NEWS | NOVEMBER 24, 2014 | VOLUME 70 | NO. 40 LIFT OFF Move over, single soles. TOM FORD’s leopard calf-hair heels are tall, dark and intriguing in every way. For more spring ’15 standouts, turn to page 45. born in A D V E N T U R E khombu.com raised in the C I T Y CONTENTS From top: Gianvito Rossistyles x Seaside slip-on Maryfor Katrantzou him (Vincepump, Camuto) Oscar de la Renta stiletto and her (Klub Nico) We handstitched each of these plume d’oie onto a mesh. Sometimes nature is more beautiful than anything you could imagine yourself.” — Oscar de la Renta’s Daniel Lawler 10 Retail News Rebecca Minkoff and Ugg tap technology just in time for the holiday season. 12 FN Spy Inside Janie Bryant’s newest fashion venture ... Bergdorf gets in the holiday spirit. 14 Top Stories Jack Erwin is taking an unconventional approach to retailing in New York. 15 Top Stories Lacoste gears up for a 2016 women’s relaunch. TWO TEN MILESTONE 18 Neal’s Diamond The footwear foundation’s president recaps a 75-year legacy, and shares what’s in store for the future. 20 Party City Two Ten’s annual gala like you’ve never seen it before. 22 Female Power How WIFI has been supporting footwear’s female workforce, and how it will continue its momentum. 24 House Calls Shoe company employees on times when they were in need, and how Two Ten stepped in to help. 26 Board Certified Leaders talk about their Two Ten experiences. 30 Helping Hands How does the foundation help thee? FN counts the ways. 32 Pay It Forward The scholarships getting the industry’s students and veterans ahead. 34 15 Facts The impact of Footwear Cares adds up. 36 Staff Secrets What Two Ten employees love most. 38 Time Travel A look back to the past. PHOTO: THOMAS IANNACCONE INSIDER 7 Up Front Prabal Gurung is making footwear a major part of his growth strategy. CONTENTS Prabal Gurung Eytys’ new flagship in Stockholm FN FEATURES Jessie Lagasse Swanson (left) and Jilly Lagasse 46 Show Offs Misfits, sure, but no missteps here. The boldest statement shoes for spring ’15. FN PICK 68 Hunger Strikes Jennifer Lawrence wins again with her look for the premiere of “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1.” MARKETPLACE 52 Luxury Origins Read a page from the diary of Giuseppe Santoni. Salvatore Ferragamo’s platform sandal 56 Blake Afire What Toms’ Blake Mycoskie is looking forward to with his brand. 58 Eytys Pops Two Stockholm natives come together to create a minimalistic brand. 60 Good Taste Olympic gold medalist Caroline Ouellette talks about her loves and fancies. 62 Cook’s Choice For two chefs, comfort is king in the kitchen and cool on the street. 64 Lemon Squeeze Yellow hues shine on kids’ looks. 66 Getting Picked Taking a bite out of baby moccasins. 67 Buzz Launches and brand expansions for spring. 2| | NOVEMBER 24, 2014 PHOTOS: GURUNG, SHOES: THOMAS IANNACCONE; LAGASSE SISTERS: COURTESY OF LAGASSES; STORE: COURTESY OF BRAND 54 Trim & Her Menswear touches adorn feminine styles. 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DECEMBER 3–5, 2014 WEDNESDAY–FRIDAY New York Hilton Midtown & Member Showrooms SAVE THE DATE: February 3–5, 2015 (Tuesday–Thursday) Show information and special hotel rates FFANY.ORG Shop FFANY 365 days a year FFANY365.COM Download FFaNY’s iPad App to view the show directory INSIDER UP FRONT × ON DEADLINE × NEWSMAKERS Prabal Gurung in his New York showroom PRABAL’S PLAN Q&A He’s young, bold and determined. Why this designer is banking on shoes as his next major growth opportunity. BY KRISTEN HENNING PHOTO: THOMAS IANNACCONE F or Prabal Gurung, timing was everything when it came to launching footwear. “Instead of getting immediately into it, I wanted to understand the business,” said Gurung, who’s had a longtime passion for shoes. “I’ve always been fascinated by this idea of completing a look. As an apparel designer, you start by creating clothes, and there is always a shoe you envision, especially on the runway.” Gurung, who launched his ready-to-wear label in 2009, has racked up a lot of knowledge in the past five years through collaborations with top footwear designers such as Manolo Blahnik, Nicholas Kirkwood and Cesare Casadei. In fact, Casadei crafted the shoes for the designer’s New York Fashion Week shows for four seasons. “When thinking of Prabal, I will never forget the immediate synergy and connection the first time I met him,” Casadei said. “We share exactly the same passions and commitment to quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail. He is young and so talented at the same time.” For his debut spring ’15 collection, Gurung, who is an avid traveler, tapped into recent trips and his own heritage for inspiration. “Having grown up in Nepal, I really value my NOVEMBER 24, 2014 | |7 INSIDER UP FRONT × Prabal Gurung Q&A solitude time when I’m exploring,” said the designer. “The first season was inspired by luxurious trekking, You’ll see strap details, little spikes, very much what I see in nature.” Priced at $695 to $1,165, the new collection is comprised of six styles. While Gurung is banking on footwear to play a major role in the label’s expansion, he doesn't want to move too quickly with it. “For the first few seasons, we are going to be very careful about how we distribute,” Gurung said. “It’s extremely important to get feedback instead of putting out a ton of product.” Overall, the designer has crafted a five- and 10-year plan that is primarily focused on growing in the brand’s home base of New York. “We already have a great presence, but we are looking to strengthen our position,” he said. (Top accounts include Barneys, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.) Here, Gurung talks passionately about entering the footwear game, why he handles his own Instagram and the challenges of being heard. How big can shoes become for the brand? PG: Footwear is going to be an extremely important part of our business. As with everything we do, we are very careful, and the growth plan is really thought-out. We want to make sure we are able to meet demands, so I want to build [the category] slowly but steadily. Whose advice did you seek out as you ventured into shoes? PG: I asked some of my biggest mentors: Carolina Herrera, Caroline Brown (Donna Karan’s incoming CEO) and Anna Wintour. I reached out to retailers, and I talked to Nicholas [Kirkwood]. I wanted to make sure I had an understanding of what I was getting into. It was extremely important that I get feedback. I wanted to be luxury, but at a smart price point. Where do you fit among competitors? PG: Everyone is a competitor. If I stay consistent and have a voice, there is room for the right kind of product. If I find one person who likes the [shoes], it’s a job well done. How is footwear incorporated into your runway shows? PG: Footwear plays such a significant role [in illustrating] our type of girl. As designers, we prepare for six months for an eight- to 12-minute show. We always have taken shoes into account. More broadly, what is the biggest obstacle designers face right now? PG: Not just in fashion, but around the world, we are living in a very noisy place. How do you cut through the clutter and noise and speak loudly? How do you make at least one person turn around and hear you talk? You created a lot of buzz with your Target collaboration. Why did you decide to produce a lower-priced line? PG: I felt it was extremely important because it talks about the brand versatility. The world has changed, and women are shopping differently than they used to. They are no longer confined to the world of luxury department stores. Now they have access to online shopping, and that has changed how people shop. What is your biggest piece of advice for new designers? PG: The most important thing is to figure out who you are and stay true to that. Challenge yourself. Fame is a result of hard work and good PR. It’s a byproduct of your passion. Everyone’s time will come. You’re personally active in your social media. Why is that important? PG: I’m very involved because the voice has to be authentic. All of the joy that I am receiving by doing what I love doing, I want to be able to share it via social media. It helps [consumers] get to know me, and I’m very curious about the women and girls who are interested in my world because I’m interested in their world, too. What do you want consumers to know about you? PG: My hope is for consumers to understand the product and my philosophy of femininity with a bite. I’m a very product-driven person. You’re also passionate about your charity effort, Shikshya Foundation Nepal, which supports the education of displaced children. Why is that cause meaningful to you? PG: I’m here by the virtue of incredible support. I’ve been fortunate enough to build this on my own without investors. Because of my work, I have a platform and a responsibility to be able to divert that attention to a cause that is truly important. Education is freedom, and freedom brings choices. Where do you see the brand in the future? PG: We definitely want to get into handbags and small leather goods. The most exciting time is now, and the next 10 to 15 years are going to be everything I’ve dreamt about: [crafting] a brand that can be global. The shoes on the spring ’15 runway You’ve lived in a lot of diverse cities. How has that shaped your perceptions about fashion? PG: I was born in Singapore, raised in Nepal, and moved to London and New York. Globally, the landscape of the business has changed completely. I was just in Bombay and in China, and the language of clothes varies culturally. Accessories are a universal language for women. 8| | NOVEMBER 24, 2014 PHOTO: COURTESY OF BRAND What footwear lessons have you learned? PG: It felt like I was going back to school. It’s a whole different ball game. It is one product where functionality and the design aesthetic truly need to meet. And shoes need [to evoke] an orgasmic reaction. INSIDER ON DEADLINE × Top Stories Retailers Go High-Tech to Drive Sales EBay and Minkoff again turned to large touch screens when they were NEW YORK — As the holiday shopplanning the latter’s shop. ping season ramps up, brands are The technology allows betting big on technology-driven consumers to do everything concept stores to push the boundarfrom ordering a compliies of brick-and-mortar. Rebecca Minkoff and Ugg Australia mentary latte to selecting key items they like to take recently opened new locations that emphasize personalized styling, con- into a fitting room. The shopper receives a text tent and a mobile-ready experience. message on their phone “We talked a lot about the path to when their beverage and conversion with e-commerce, then we thought about how we envisioned fitting room are ready. More importantly, the things to get that path to work in wall acts as a virtual merretail,” said Uri Minkoff, CEO of chandiser that can highRebecca Minkoff. “We saw so many Ugg’s new store light a particular product broken points in the process and has several depending on the hour of started dreaming.” touch screens the day or business focus. While retailers have been strugIt will also feature selected gling to adapt traditional models to blogger and Instagram images along- partnered with Control Group, a an increasingly digital and mobileside its traditional e-commerce shots. New York-based technology retail first shopper, one of Minkoff’s adfirm, on the project. “This is a big The emphasis on using technolvantages was that the company had a test for us, but it’s really about ogy to craft a personal and local completely blank slate to work with experience is a key emphasis for the understanding and enhancing the stateside — the New York store is the customer experience,” said Dave company. brand’s first in the U.S. Powers, president of omnichan“We can know when a certain The company also had an experinel for Deckers. “We know other shoe and jacket are doing well in a enced partner in eBay, with whom it brands have strong social followSan Francisco store, for example, had worked with on a holiday touchings, which would make sense for screen pop-up shop last Christmas at and we can prioritize them and adthis type of project, but we chose just e-commerce messages around Westfield San Francisco Centre. Ugg because it has such an elevated those items,” Minkoff said. service orientation.” “[Our technology is across One of the key aspects of the shopall of our platforms, so] ping experience, according to both it can impact the lines of brands, is the process of discovery. communication based on a Ugg has implemented radiocertain area because of the frequency (RFID) tags in its products data we are getting.” to cue unique content, styling suggesIt’s a concept similar to tions and similar offerings. that of Deckers Brands’ “Having this information from the newest Ugg shop at Tysons screens allows us to know who is in Galleria in McLean, Va. the store and what they like. It helps As part of a push to furus to provide targeted marketing and ther develop Ugg as a true multifaceted lifestyle brand, merchandise appropriate for them,” said Powers. the 2,110-sq.-ft. shop highRebecca Minkoff took RFID lights the website in-store, a step further by creating smart as well as customization Rebecca and fitting rooms that register each options. Uri Minkoff in individual piece that’s brought into “Ugg by You” and “Bling their new store them. It also allows shoppers to creIt On” allow users to design ate their own experience using the and order product on the fitting room mirror, which doubles spot. Additionally, touch as a touch screen, to shop online, screens let shoppers discall for other sizes and discover cover new product online matching pieces. The data collected that might not be available from the fitting room also allows in-store. The company 10 | | NOVEMBER 24, 2014 Minkoff sales associates to bring shoppers suggested pieces that they know have high conversion rates. So: Will consumers buy into the tech? Most experts say yes. “Being innovative, being progressive and being at the forefront will not only create customer loyalty but will also help with the image. This investment is as much in marketing as it is in retail efficiency,” said Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst at NPD Group. Other experts are also anticipating brands testing new technology to more nimbly respond to consumer needs. “We’re seeing experimentation right now,” said Andrea Weiss, founder of The O Alliance retail consultants. “Everyone is watching closely to see what happens, but there is no silver bullet.” Going forward, Rebecca Minkoff will bow a San Francisco store in December and a Los Angeles unit in 2015, as well as two additional stores in undisclosed locations. All will incorporate the new format. “We have had so many people in [the past few days saying], ‘You gave me something I never knew I wanted, and now I can’t live without it,’” Minkoff said. At Ugg, Deckers plans to debut its technology in all future stores, as well as integrate it into its 120 existing Ugg units. PHOTOS: MINKOFF: STEVE EICHNER; UGG: COURTESY OF BRAND BY MARGARET SUTHERLIN SPY Janie Bryant Janie’s Journey Janie Bryant is mad about Shoes of Prey. The Emmy Award-winning costume designer recently teamed up with the online retailer on a capsule collection, marking her first foray into shoes. The “Mad Men” and “Deadwood” design ace created seven styles ranging from heeled snakeskin sandals and red ankle boots to gold-and-black ballet flats. Bryant was a fan of the company’s shoe-customization ways, too. “I love that anyone can go online and design their own pair of shoes,” she said. Here, Bryant gives Spy the scoop on some of her favorite haunts, style icons and which actress was a favorite to dress. What Shoes of Prey style from your collection would you wear on a date with your husband, and what would you do? “I would wear the D’Orsay Point heel, and we’d go to Bestia in Downtown Los Angeles. My husband, Peter, and I would share a bowl of their uni pasta. It’s delicious.” Who is your dream celebrity to dress in Shoes of Prey? “Beyoncé, and it would be in the snakeskin sandal. She is such a style inspiration for me. I love that she wears amazing, sexy outfits when she performs. She always looks so beautiful and feminine, but she also has an edge to her style. Beyoncé is everything that shines. I love her music, love her voice … she is an incredible performer.” Who was one of your favorite characters to design for on “Mad Men”? “Jessica Paré, who played Megan Draper. We did everything from sandals and chunky low-heel pumps to mod ankle, knee-length and laceup boots. I loved the variation in all of the shoes she wore.” You’re based in Los Angeles, yet you’ve also lived in NYC. What are some of your favorite vintage stores on either coast? “Cherry Vintage in New York City is the best resource for vintage shoes. My resource for amazing shoes here in Los Angeles is a vendor I met at the Rose Bowl. His name is Jermel Nakia. He has amazing taste and the best Bryant for Shoes of Prey taste in vintage shoes.” 12 | | NOVEMBER 24, 2014 Brian Atwood is a mover and shaker. The designer recently traveled to Istanbul, where he opened a Brian Atwood shop-in-shop with Harvey Nichols. Last week, he hit to Moscow for some photo shoots and events. “I was only there for a day and a half, but I had a fabulous lunch and dinner, plus a nice walk through the city,” Atwood said. It was a whirlwind: “Keeping it together with only three hours of sleep. Press day … Moscow madness,” Atwood tweeted. For travel attire, there’s one pair of footwear the designer can’t travel without. “My Adidas Stan Smiths,” he said, “and a fur hat to stay warm.” Stepping Ahead Zappos Couture is upping the footwear ante. The offshoot of Zappos’ main site is set to unveil a handful of new luxe labels to sit side-by-side such marquee brands as Oscar de la Renta and Marc Jacobs. Zappos Couture revealed to Spy the addition of SJP this November and Derek Lam Footwear for December. Launches in January 2015 will include Band of Outsiders, Dolce & Gabbana and Proenza Schouler. “We always want to partner with the top brands our customers are asking for,” said Eileen Tetreault, director of fashion strategy. In other news, the e-tailer is launching a 20,000-sq.-ft. pop-up shop in downtown Las Vegas for the holidays. The physical store, Zappos’ first, will play up tech features and be open through Dec. 31. World of Windows Bergdorf Goodman unwrapped its intricate arts-themed holiday windows last week, but the undertaking has been a nearly yearlong effort. “We begin planning on Jan. 2, so it is an 11-month process,” said David Hoey, the retailer’s resident window dresser. “Research and development continue Bergdorf’s through the windows winter, and in mid-summer, we are in full production.” A 28-person team spends two weeks installing the windows. What is Hoey’s favorite this year? “A highlight is a window meant to evoke the marquee of a midcentury movie palace. We used over 600 feet of multicolored tubing,” he said. Richie Rich To round out her year of standout style, Nicole Richie is also gearing up for the holidays with her daughter, Harlow, and son, Sparrow. Yet her motherly duties only sometimes overlap with her stylesetting ways. “I think of fashion as a form of self-expression, as long as it’s appropriate,” she said. “My son had a mohawk until last week. I love a mohawk, of course, but he made that decision on his own.” As for her own style, comfort is key for Richie. “[It] leads everything,” she insisted. “I’m not the girl who will wear 7-inch heels and be miserable all night.” It’s fitting that Richie will be honored next week at the Footwear News Achievement Awards as the Rihanna Style Influencer of the Year. SPOTTED... Rihanna rocking Altuzarra. The star stepped out wearing the brand’s Coco sandals to complete her more-covered-up-thanusual look at a Mac Cosmetics event in Los Angeles. By Kristen Henning, with contributions from Katie Abel and Jessica Kaplan PHOTOS: BRYANT, SHOES OF PREY: COURTESY OF BRAND; ATWOOD AND BG WINDOWS: C OURTESY OF COMPANY; RIHANNA: GETTY IMAGES Moscow Mule INSIDER ON DEADLINE × Top Stories Jack Erwin Edges Into New York with orders then placed via the website. The concept helps keep costs NEW YORK — When it comes to in check since no product is kept selling shoes, Lane Gerson and on hand. Meanwhile, the FitAriel Nelson prefer the direct ting Room gives the partners a approach. chance to “engage with customAfter launching in 2013 Jackers” and learn firsthand what erwin.com, which offers classic men are looking for in their footwear for men, the two are footwear, Gerson said. extending their reach with the “It’s online meeting offline,” opening of The Fitting Room, a companion brick-and-mortar busi- Nelson said. He emphasized that ness located in New York’s Tribeca men don’t mind waiting several days for their shoes to be delivneighborhood. ered to their door, as an alternaInvestors have been steadily tive to carrying them around. coming aboard. Recently, a The unorthodox approach to $9 million Series B investment retail is starting to gain traction in the business was led by Brown elsewhere, too. Just last week, Paul Shoe Co. This followed a $2 milDrish, a new men’s line out of Inlion Series A investment in Febdia, debuted with Pauldrish.com, ruary 2014. Initial funding was an e-commerce site, as well as a provided by friends and family. New York showroom that doubles The transition from online as retail space. Here, customers selling to a storefront was always can book an appointment to see in the business plan. “Tribeca’s the selection as well as be fitted. Orders are then Inside The placee online and shipped Fitting Room to their homes. Gerson and Nelson were newbies to the industry when they launched the business. Nelson, 31, was formerly in food and beverages, while Gerson, 32, has a background in accounting. Inspiration for the collection came a neighborhood we enjoy, and when they had to attend a wedding it represents the ethos of our for which they couldn’t find reabrand,” Nelson said about the sonably priced classic footwear. collection, which targets men After a serendipitous enemployed in the area’s financial counter with industry veteran institutions. Retailing from $95 Bertrand Guillaume, they found to $220, the line includes oxfords, the expert they needed to oversee penny mocs and chukka boots, production and design. all made in Spain from leathers Gerson and Nelson said it’s too produced in Italy and France. early to predict what percentWhile The Fitting Room offers age of overall sales the store will traditional looks, its retail aprepresent. That said, first-year proach is anything but. Accordonline revenues totaled several ing to the entrepreneurs, the location on Hubert Street will not million dollars, with expectations that number could double over stock any inventory. Instead, the the next year. The partners plan entire offering will be available to roll out additional stores. for customers to try on for size, PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE FITTING ROOM BY BARBARA SCHNEIDER-LEVY INSIDER Top Stories × ON DEADLINE Lacoste Takes Aim At Women’s Market PHOTO: COURTESY OF LACOSTE BY JESSICA KAPLAN NEW YORK — Lacoste Footwear is planning an aggressive relaunch of its women’s collection for spring ’16. The brand has installed a new design team and is broadening its lineup of styles to more effectively compete in the highly saturated women’s market. The initiative comes after the label polled about 12,000 consumers via an outsource agency to gauge perception. (Lacoste Footwear is produced under license with Pentland Group LLC. ) “[We wanted] to get a feel for our consumers and hear what they are looking for and how we’re performing,” said Mary Slevin, marketing and PR director for Lacoste Footwear, who is moving into a newly created role heading women’s sales as part of the project. “What we found was that there is a huge opportunity with women’s that we hadn’t been capitalizing on thus far.” Lacoste aims to take the collection in a fresh direction, starting with a women’s-focused team. “They’ve restructured our headquarters in the U.K., and that includes new factories and sourcing, which is something we’ve never done,” Slevin explained. “[This group] in the past has generally been [servicing] all genders.” Catering more effectively to the brand’s core consumers is also a big focus, according to Dave Grange, president of Lacoste Footwear North America. Styles will be grouped under three categories: sport, casual and casual elegance. Patent, suede and premium leathers will be incorporated across the roster, and price points will range from $60 for canvas looks to $250 for premium leather boots. Lacoste will focus on expanding distribution with existing partners, including department stores such as Nordstrom, and Zappos and various independents. Leading the charge will be Slevin, who is the first women’s territory manager in the U.S. market. “It’s important to me that we have this kind of dedication,” Grange A spring ’15 women’s style said. “Mary can work with our partners to build something that is absolutely specific to women’s.” Though plans are still taking shape, Grange said Lacoste is slated to hold a number of launch events next fall in key cities like New York, Miami and Los Angeles. “Because we have showrooms in those places, we can do cool events where we can showcase the product and spend time with potential partners,” Grange said. “There is a whole world around this.” “ ON BEHALF OF EVERY B R O W N S H O E C O M PA N Y A S S O C I AT E , C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S O N YO U R OF T WO T E N 7 5 TH A N N I V E R S A R Y HELPING THOSE INDUSTRY TO IN OUR WHEN THEY N E E D I T M O S T. ” - D I A N E S U L L I VA N // C E O , P R E S I D E N T & C H A I R M A N FN MILESTONE TWO TEN @ 75 PHOTO: TWO TEN ARCHIVES Charity Ball TWO TEN @ 75 Two Ten Footwear Foundation has a legacy that can’t be beat. The charitable organization has raised millions of dollars for thousands of industry families in need. Initiatives like WIFI, YP, HR Leadership and Footwear Cares prove that, even at 75, the foundation continues to reach more people in new ways. From its humble beginnings, like at the 1940 banquet above, to next month’s blockbuster dinner, Two Ten has hit many major milestones. Turn the page for a look back. NOVEMBER 24, 2014 | | 17 MILESTONE TWO TEN @ 75 × Q&A Q&A NEAL’s DIAMOND The head of Two Ten talks about a sparkling 75 years and beyond. BY KRISTEN HENNING 18 | | NOVEMBER 24, 2014 Neal Newman, photographed in Two Ten’s Waltham headquarters PHOTOS: ADAM DETOUR N eal Newman spends hundreds of hours on the road. The president of Two Ten Footwear Foundation is often putting in face time with industry executives and spreading the group’s goodwill mission. But a recent trip to New York amplified everything Two Ten aims to accomplish. At one of the foundation’s events, a man approached Newman with a powerful tale of personal hardships — job loss, sick spouse and, at times, alcoholism. The man said Two Ten helped in a big way with three months of rent money and by providing counseling resources. “He said to me, ‘Your group saved my life. I put my life back together,’” Newman recalled. “I’m humbled, and it’s a memory I’ll take to my grave.” Currently under Newman’s leadership, Two Ten is celebrating 75 years of charitable work, raising over $3 million annually. And plans call for even greater growth. “We want to align and reshape our services and scholarships programs to best suit where the domestic workforce is,” said Newman, who joined the foundation in January 2012 after longtime president Peggy Kim Meill stepped down. “The second goal is in the community space, the Women in the Footwear Industry program, the Young Professionals, the HR Leadership Group and Footwear Cares.” MILESTONE Q&A × TWO TEN @ 75 Newman is banking in particular on WIFI, which was formed in 2008 and has more than 1,000 women participating. “We are exploring the issue that 70 percent of our calls are from women, so how do we connect that with WIFI? [The group] is in a place to explode in a positive way,” he said. More effort is also planned for the HR Leadership program, which hosts a yearly conference. In 2013, Zappos’ Tony Hsieh was the keynote speaker. “The [industry] is looking at us to roll out a comprehensive outreach program — we see that it’s not so much an event but a network. It’s critical we put more energy and time into it,” Newman said. That’s also part of a bigger strategy to bring together the industry. “We have a chance to shape corporate responsibility across an entire industry,” Newman said. “Our goal that’s frightening everybody here in the office: I want every single member of the footwear fraternity to know Two Ten is here for them. We want to touch 250,000 people all the time.” Here, Newman speaks candidly about the joys of lending a helping hand, challenges along the way and why his leadership tactics are working. How would you describe the Two Ten mission? NN: The formal narrative is that Two Ten strengthens and enriches the lives of shoe people. I see this as if we are the guardians of a remarkable tradition of caring in the corporate context. It’s been a remarkable 75-year tradition of being together, coming together, supporting and caring for our own workforce, and that’s pretty darn special. What does 75 mean to you? NN: We have a lot to celebrate in 75 years. We also have an organization that has never been stronger, and that’s something to celebrate. The beauty is, there is no need to convince people in the industry that caring is a good thing. There were some strong leaders before you. How does it feel to hold the mantle? NN: I’m humbled and reminded every day of how blessed I am to hold this position. The chance I have to lead the organization assertively and positively into the future is truly a blessing. How do you differ from your predecessors? NN: When I’m talking to people in the industry or going to a health benefits fair, whatever it is, it’s face-to-face interactions that remind me how important Two Ten is in the lives of folks. There is an energy and dynamism that is different today than before. I move a little differently and faster, and I think our communications are stronger. We are benefitting from the hard work that [predecessors] Michael [Appel] and Peggy did. We’re servicing more people and raising more money. What milestones are you proud of? NN: I’m happy with what we’re doing for Footwear Cares. We test-drove it two years ago, and it has been a transformative moment for Two Ten. If we had more people coordinating it, we could have doubled the impact in the first year. [We’re also] very pleased for a number of different reasons with the launch of the Footwear Warriors scholarship fund, a new scholarship just for veterans who are returning from service to a footwear job. We were able to raise $300,000 with 28 different donors in 10 weeks. We’re going to be raising another $60,000 for that scholarship. Speaking of raised funds. How are you tracking? NN: We’re now raising over $3 million per year. Fundraising in the last three years has increased What other challenges do you face? NN: Running a national organization from one location. We are truly a national organization, and that is a challenge. It means we have to travel a lot. A focus of ours is to have a massive presence on the West Coast. We want to have more events there, more of a presence and more at-home events that will bring together footwear folks who in some cases don’t know each other. How did you raise money in the down years? NN: There’s always this dilemma that people in fundraising have, which is when times are tough, do you stop fundraising? I’d argue the opposite: When times are tough, you have to speak to donors more often and let them know exactly where you’re at. We’ve been able to grow our fundraising 23 percent in that time frame. The secret to our success was getting better at talking about our impact. Donors want to be assured that the organization is run well. The secret to our success was getting better at talking about our impact.” — Neal Newman Maureen Lederhos, Neal Newman, Elba Marcillo, Kate Alley and Kate Kaplan at an aggregate 23 percent. Call volume has increased about 57 percent [in five years]. Even though we’re doing well in terms of fundraising, we’re not keeping pace with the requests for help. The last couple of years, we’re hearing a lot about college debt. We don’t pay college debt, we just do scholarships, but that might be one of the things we need to look at in the future. How have the “help” calls changed over the years? NN: Seventy percent of the people who call us are women. A very high percentage is single moms. We need to be smart about what Two Ten services and programs look like in the future. It’s very different than it was in the ’40s and ’50s. And the complexity of the calls is vastly different than what it was 50 or 60 years ago. Now, people aren’t only calling because they can’t pay a bill, they are calling because there is an alcohol problem in the house or they can’t afford to buy food. We are getting calls about domestic violence every week. We have people calling us routinely with a chronic health issue, and because health care is getting better, what insurance companies are covering is being shrunk. Over the years, who were some large donors? NN: Certainly Steve and Wendy Madden with their $1 million gift a couple of years ago. Steve is on the board and Wendy will replace him, it’s just a massive love fest going on with Steve and Wendy. Bobby Campbell and Tim O’Donovan have been extremely generous. From the corporate side, Wolverine, Brown, Nine West, BBC, Clarks and New Balance. People will laugh at this quote, but it’s not only about the money, it’s our relationship with people. By changing the calculus from “I’m asking you for money” to “I’m asking you to get engaged with us,” that’s totally transformed us over the last couple of years. Why don’t other industries have a Two Ten? NN: There is a sense that we’re in this together. I’ve never heard an industry talk that way before. It’s usually more competitive, and that’s where the relationship begins and ends. Here, it’s, “I’m willing to share some secrets with you, but let’s collaborate.” We don’t have to manufacture people in footwear to care — they want to come together. NOVEMBER 24, 2014 | | 19 MILESTONE TWO TEN @ 75 × Annual Gala Steve Madden donates $1 million in 2012 PARTY CITY Two Ten is forging ahead with a new format for its biggest fundraiser of the year. BY KRISTEN HENNING A man and CEO of Wolverine World Wide Inc. s Two Ten celebrates turning 75 this year, its famed gala is getting a before retiring in 2009. “I’ve known Bob [Campbell] for over 25 years, and I’ve always new look. had great admiration for him. It’s special when On Dec. 2, the foundation’s anthe award is named after him.” nual dinner will consist of two events, instead O’Donovan also commented on some of the of its past format made up of cocktails, dinner gala’s biggest changes over the years since the and an awards ceremony. The event, hosted first banquet in 1940. at the Marriot Marquis Times Square in New “One of the major enhancements was movYork, starts with a fundraising dinner for 300. ing the dinner from Boston to New York,” That will be followed by a much larger he said. “They are getting a much younger industry soiree. audience at that dinner, and “There is broad agreethat has made it more excitment that this is the social ing. It’s one of the most fun event of the year for the things in the industry, to industry,” Two Ten Presimeet your peers.” dent Neal Newman said. Looking ahead, Hicks “We want it to be a party, 2013: said he is leaving a solid for people to enjoy themfoundation for the next selves and see this as a Chair: Tim Belk, CEO, Belk Inc. dinner chair. celebration.” “They can build on the Ken Hicks, who recently 2012: new format; the key is for stepped down as Foot Chair: Steve Madden more people to understand Locker CEO, will serve as what Two Ten can do,” he chairman of the event. 2011: said, adding that although “With the new format, Chair: Wes Card, former CEO, his role in the industry will we are trying something change, he plans to stay indifferent, and we are able to Jones Group Inc. volved with the organization. involve more people at the Overall, Newman looks event,” Hicks said. “Hopeforward to bringing the community together. fully, we raise another record amount; we’re “We want to express the generosity, the still pushing and I think we will.” compassion, the sense that you can compete Also on the night’s agenda: Tim O’Donovan during the day, but after hours there is still a will be honored with the Bob Campbell Lifecamaraderie and sense that we are going to time Achievement Award. take care of our own,” Newman said. “That’s a “I’ve been very fortunate in my footwear shoe thing.” career,” said O’Donovan, who served as chair- Blake Krueger and Diane Sullivan Raising the Revenue Bar $2.3 million $2.1 million A predinner cocktail setting 20 | | NOVEMBER 24, 2014 2011 annual dinner PHOTOS: COURTESY OF TWO TEN $2 million CONGRATULATIONS TO TIM O’DONOVAN ON RECEIVING TWO TEN FOOTWEAR FOUNDATION’S ROBERT B. CAMPBELL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD. At Wolverine Worldwide, we are proud to recognize and help honor Tim for his tireless dedication to Two Ten and his devotion to helping others in the footwear industry. MILESTONE FEMALE POWER WIFI is making moves to keep momentum going — participation is up and the number of chapters will expand. BY ERIN E. CLACK I n an industry whose executive ranks are largely dominated by men, Two Ten Footwear Foundation has sparked a growing women’s movement. Through its Women in Footwear Industry group, launched in 2008, female professionals from across the shoe business are coming together to share ideas and inspiration. Spearheaded by founding co-chairs Diane Sullivan, chairman, president and CEO of Brown Shoe Co., and Carol Baiocchi, SVP and DMM of footwear for Kohl’s Corp., WIFI’s mission is to educate and nurture the next generation of women leaders through conferences, networking and mentorships. “WIFI came out of the awareness that though our industry is large and vast, we weren’t representing the full diversity of it. There was a clear need to be more inclusive and tap into the power of the women in our industry,” said Baiocchi, recalling the group’s first meeting six years ago. “From that moment, you just knew this was going to be something important and powerful. Women were opening their voices and creating this amazing dialogue.” “Finding the Silver Lining” Boston event 22 | | NOVEMBER 24, 2014 WIFI meeting in 2009 Sullivan, who in May stepped down as WIFI’s co-chair and was succeeded by fellow Brown Shoe exec Libby Edelman, agreed. “We’ve been able to meet a real need, the size and scale of which we didn’t even understand when we first started,” she said, noting that National summit in June in shaping the organization, she and Baiocchi were motivated by the remembrance of challenges they faced as women coming up in the business some 20 years ago. “I was working while raising young kids, which wasn’t typical at the time. So it would have been terrific to have this al summit during either FN Platform or FFANY. All told, the group’s events opportunity to connect with other draw as many as 1,000 women. women going through the same “Participation is growing every experiences.” year, and we continue to field reSince its launch, WIFI has grown quests for new chapters,” said Tanya to eight local chapters in cities Allain, manager of special events including New York, Los Angeles, and programs at Two Ten. Boston, St. Louis and Las Vegas. The A core part of WIFI’s programs is chapters, which typically host two education through guest speakers, events yearly, are led by executives panel discussions and workshops. from companies such as Keds, BBC International and Zappos.com. In ad- Topics range from woman-specific issues to more general industry condition, WIFI holds an annual nationcerns. For example, this year’s national summit, held in June in New York, featured a discussion on social media with Libby Edelman; designer Rebecca Minkoff; Alison Koplar Wyatt of Refinery29; and Danielle and Jodie Snyder of Dannijo. Networking is another important aspect of the events. “We’ve heard so many stories of women meeting future business partners or lifelong friends through WIFI. Knowing they have the support there helps women stay and succeed in the industry,” Allain noted. Baiocchi said this fellowship among women facing the same challenges is even more critical in today’s fast-moving business. “The industry today is very different from the industry I grew up in — the dynamics are ever-evolving, and there has been tremendous consolidation. So the need is even greater for opportunities to learn and grow and connect.” WIFI also coordinates a mentoring program that pairs seasoned industry professionals with women just starting out in their careers. Over the yearlong relationship, mentors advise protégés as they work toward specific career goals. In February, WIFI will award its first scholarship under the program. Sponsored by Foot Petals and open to both current and past mentees, the $1,000 scholarship will fund classes and other professional development venues. As WIFI looks to the future, Edelman said she is excited to partner with Baiocchi in taking the group to the next level. One of her big goals is to bring in people and points of view from outside the shoe industry. “Great ideas can come from any industry. It would be inspiring to hear from other women outside our business,” she said. Edelman also plans to focus on expanding WIFI’s network of chapters, which she believes are key to growing participation. “Our national summits are fantastic, but it’s hard to do as much as we’d like around these events in New York and Las Vegas because we all get caught up in our own shoe-show business,” she noted. “The local chapters can hold events during the off times, and gatherings don’t have to be rushed.” Sullivan, who plans to remain closely involved with WIFI, said she is proud of what the group has achieved under her watch. “Women are engaging and sharing with one another and bringing their points of view to the forefront,” she said. Added Baiocchi, “If you look around, there are more women serving at high levels. You can see that movement. There is an awareness today that didn’t exist before.” PHOTOS: COURTESY OF TWO TEN TWO TEN @ 75 × WIFI ECCO CONGRATULATES TWO TEN ON 75 PROUD YEARS OF SHOEPEOPLE HELPING SHOEPEOPLE eccousa.com MILESTONE TWO TEN @ 75 × Firsthand Accounts HOUSE CALLS SURVIVING SANDY: Mickey Yanes, now 54, lost his Seabridge, N.J., home to Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The sales executive for Wolverine World Wide and his son (aged 7 at the time) had sought refuge from the storm with friends; when 24 | | NOVEMBER 24, 2014 they returned to town, the ranch-style home was in ruins and ultimately had to be demolished. Yanes did what he could to cope. “I got into a cruise-control mindset, ‘Alright, everything out.’ I didn’t want it to get the best of me,” he said. PHOTOS: FAMILY MATTERS: COURTESY OF CHRISTINE CRUZ; SURVIVING SANDY: COURTESY OF MICKEY YANES Two families, two stories. Impacted by natural disasters, Two Ten stepped in to help rebuild. BY IRENE PARK MILESTONE Firsthand Accounts × TWO TEN @ 75 The Federal Emergency Management Agency was first on Yanes’ call list to get whatever assistance he could. But no aid came. “Where’s all that money that people were donating going to? I don’t know. We didn’t get anything,” Yanes said. Then he called Two Ten. The foundation quickly contributed $2,000, which he used for clothing for his family. “It was like an emotional hug,” he said. The family now lives in their new — and elevated — home. FAMILY MATTERS: One early morning in June of 2013, Christine Cruz, 27 at the time, awoke to the stench of smoke and the wailing of fire truck sirens. She discovered it was the result of a three-alarm fire in an apartment two floors above. Though the fire didn’t reach her home, extensive water damage would displace her family for seven months. “I could literally swim in my room,” Cruz said. Cruz contacted Two Ten on the recommendation of her coworker at Eastman Footwear Group, the CFO’s assistant. The foundation promptly provided a $500 initial check for food and clothing, then another later for first month’s rent toward her new home. “Think of big disasters: You get intimidated trying to go to a big organization like Red Cross,” she said. “Knowing that Two Ten works specifically at helping people within the industry is more comforting.” MILESTONE TWO TEN @ 75 × Director Sound Off BOARD CERTIFIED BY BARBARA SCHNEIDER-LEVY BLAKE KRUEGER Chairman, president, CEO, Wolverine World Wide Inc. “Two Ten’s the Switzerland of the industry. It’s a place leaders can get together and forget about the competitive nature of the business. They work together for a higher cause. Neal Newman and his team have brought a fresh perspective and commitment to the organization and the industry. They’ve expanded the reach of WIFI and YP [as well as] the numbers of individuals and scholars being served. Around four years ago, I led the strategic planning process focused on Two Ten’s plans for the next five years. It set forth a new road map and future goals that includes expanded relief efforts for [those in need].” DIANE SULLIVAN Chairman, president, CEO, Brown Shoe Co. “I’ve been involved with Two Ten for 15 years, hosting the [annual] dinner and [participating in] WIFI. Brown Shoe has also been very supportive of Two Ten. We feel it’s our responsibility to not only help our company, but 26 | | NOVEMBER 24, 2014 also help our industry. Everyone’s had challenges in their life coming when you least expect it. It’s fantastic there’s an organization that helps people when they don’t have another place to go. The scholarships are a wonderful aspect as well. Credit [for this work] goes to the amazing Two Ten team, whether it was Peggy Meill, who brought a great emotional connection between Two Ten and the industry, or Neal Newman and his team, who are [moving to] grow WIFI and YP. It’s important to continue to increase the awareness of what Two Ten does and increase industry involvement.” STEVE HILL VP of merchandising, Zappos.com “I’ve been a member of Two Ten for 10 years and on the board three. Sonny Shar, who’s been a mentor and instrumental in my career, is a big part of the reason I got involved. [Seeing] how passionate he is about Two Ten, I thought it was something I needed to be involved in. [Living] on the West Coast, I’ve tried to help extend the awareness of Two Ten here. I’ve been on the [organization’s] dinner committee for the last few years and also worked on Zappos’ Halloween charity golf tournament, held [annually] to raise money for Two Ten. Neal Newman’s great leadership is now taking it into the future.” DANNY SCHWARTZ CEO, Schwartz & Benjamin “Being involved in Two Ten has been a way to give back to an industry that’s been very good to me and my family. It has helped those who’ve come across hard times, from Hurricane Sandy to personal tragedies. Several years ago, I was chairing the solicitations committee. I was proud of the amount of monies we raised. Over the last few years, I’ve been involved in running the operations committee for the [annual] dinner. A few years ago, Two Ten honored me with the A.A. Bloom award. [Today], Neal Newman and his team are taking Two Ten to another level. There’s lots of room to grow. However, you can’t grow the number of people you help if you don’t have the money.” CHRIS QUINN EVP North America, New Balance “Two Ten’s a group of companies PHOTOS: COURTESY OF COMPANIES Two Ten board members share candid thoughts on years of service. MILESTONE TWO TEN @ 75 × Director Sound Off WENDY MADDEN Director of operations, Steven Madden Ltd. “When Steve and I chaired the dinner committee, we chose a Beatles theme of ‘Come Together.’ After the cocktail party, we segued to the dinner with dancers performing to the song. It exemplifies what Two Ten’s all about. While we can compete fiercely in the marketplace, we can also come together to support shoe people in need. I’ve seen the impact Two Ten’s causes have had on associates at Steve Madden. It’s provided counseling services, financial assistance, scholarship money, smiles on so many faces, and put hearts at ease. As part of the auction committee, it was a thrill to experience the record-setting fundraising that took place. Once, I bid on a vacation home without knowing my competition was a longtime business associate and friend.” 28 | | NOVEMBER 24, 2014 ANNA BAKST Group president of footwear and accessories, Michael Kors “I feel camaraderie with [Two Ten members]. You’re coming together with your peers, not about business, but to give back to this wonderful community. When people are in need, we can do something quickly. Footwear Cares is also a way for [members] to support each other. The [Michael Kors] team had a great opportunity to participate in the ‘God’s Love We Deliver’ food program. Here, everybody wins — those that benefit from the organization and the team participating. I’m also involved with WIFI, where we can engage up-and-coming professionals within the industry, as well as establish the mentoring program.” DANNY MUSKAT National sales manager, Deer Stags/No Sox “I’m new to the board and proud to be made chair of the YP committee. As chairman, I hope to help broaden Two Ten’s reach on the West Coast and [connect with] emerging leaders in the business. [Closer to home], Deer Stags held a small Two Ten potluck lunch earlier this year, where contributions were made by attendees. We invited our employees to contribute a small amount. Over half the company participated. One employee suggested an additional contribution of some change when [having a beverage] provided free-of-charge by Deer Stags. The initiatives, coupled with a match from Deer Stags’ management, will total over $4,000 for the year.” SUSAN ITZKOWITZ President, Marc Fisher Footwear KATIE BUTLER “I’m a member of the social services committee that ferrets through requests from people [in need]. It’s heartbreaking, but at the same time, we have the ability to help. We not only help them, but we give them hope. So many people come back and say, ‘When I’m back on my feet, I’m going to help others.’ In an emergency, people think of the Red Cross or government. Two Ten’s an organization many people don’t know about. There are always opportunities to help more people through “This year, Joe Ouaknine and I are on the solicitations committee for the December dinner and gala, the main fundraiser for the year. Being a part of WIFI has also been fun; I’ve [even] had the chance to speak at one of the [events]. Both WIFI and YP are important programs that are in their infancy. We hope through outreach and marketing, they’ll expand nationally. Reaching out to [industry members] in Los Angeles is [also important]. Next: How do we engage [footwear] people all over the globe?” Longtime industry executive PHOTOS: COURTESY OF COMPANIES that normally would be competing, but [are working together] in their love and commitment to serve others. An important initiative has been the Footwear Warriors Scholarship Fund, where we try to help those who’ve dedicated their lives to our country. We’ve rallied to identify how we can develop and more effectively source new funds to help [veterans]. I’ve also worked on a five-year strategy plan with Blake Krueger. We all came in from various parts of the country and created a strategic plan [regarding] where we wanted to take Two Ten. An [important initiative] is helping people in the industry outside the U.S. We’ve made progress, but can make even more in serving the global footwear community.” scholarship and mentoring programs. Through board meetings and retreats, I’ve met some incredible executives. I’ve always been impressed by their passion, intelligence and dedication.” Micro-Pak® stickers and sheets are now registered in ALL FIFTY STATES. While anti-microbials fall under the jurisdiction of the EPA at a federal level, state authorities may have their own special requirements. As required by state laws, Micro-Pak has now completed registering it's products in all 50 states to ensure that our customers will be in full compliance with both state as well as federal regulations when using Micro-Pak’s anti-microbial packaging. EPA Reg. No.88401-1 EPA Reg. No.88401-2 www.micropakltd.com MOLD PREVENTION FROM FACTORY TO RETAIL. MILESTONE TWO TEN @ 75 × Data Bank HELPING HANDS 30 | 2012 2013 2014* $1.8 million to 1,737 families $1.5 million to 1,177 families $1.6 million to 1,200 families $717,000 to 417 scholarship recipients $750,000 to 322 scholarship recipients $800,000 to 346 scholarship recipients Housing: 912 evictions prevented Housing: 783 evictions prevented Housing: 778 evictions prevented Car repair: 249 awards for emergency loan assistance and repair Car repair: 276 awards for emergency loan assistance and repair Car repair: 282 awards for emergency loan assistance and repair Utilities: 664 emergency utility payments Utilities: 559 emergency utility payments Utilities: 570 emergency utility payments | NOVEMBER 24, 2014 *PROJECTED FIGURES. PHOTO: COURTESY OF TWO TEN A breakdown of Two Ten’s assistance to the industry, by the numbers. Thank you for all you do! A Special Congratulations to Tim O’Donovan for receiving the Bob Campbell Humanitarian Award FFANY December 3rd-5th New York Showroom: 1370 Avenue of the Americas, 3rdĘPPSt/FX :PSL/:tUFM CorporatePGGJDF#PMTB"WFOVFt )VOUJOHUPOBeach$" t UFM XXXUJUBOJOEVTUSJFTJODDPN MILESTONE TWO TEN @ 75 × Scholarships Shoe School design class in Brighton, Mass. Ars Sutoria fall class Two Ten is aiming high, with a hefty focus on providing a variety of scholarships for footwear’s youth. BY MARGARET SUTHERLIN K ate Swanson always knew she’d have to find funding for her college education. But when Swanson’s father lost his job in a series of layoffs, the need became much more pressing than she initially anticipated. Enter Two Ten, which awarded Swanson the aid she needed. “[The foundation] has been an absolutely huge help for my family and me,” said Swanson, now a senior at Northeastern University who will graduate in December. “My brother was in school, too, so college was a big challenge for my parents. It’s so much easier knowing that I’m financially secure. It’s taken the stress of money off of me.” Two Ten’s offerings go far beyond need-based academic scholarships. From design grants to veterans’ aid, the organization has focused on finding new avenues to support young people as well as continuing education in the shoe business. More than 300 people in the shoe industry receive some form of aid from Two Ten annually. Scholarships are available for students who have been in the shoe industry — or whose parents have been — for at least two years. “It’s important that we’re helping people on a variety of fronts,” said Beverly Goldberg, VP at Florsheim and a member of the Two Ten scholarship committee. “If we want the best talent in the 32 | | NOVEMBER 24, 2014 industry, that means supporting education [and shoe-design programs]. The scholarship committee supports academic and training scholarships because both are important.” Two Ten introduced its first design award in 2003. Five years later, the Ars Sutoria scholarship — which allows students to participate in a specialized shoe-manufacturing and design course — followed. On the executive side, Two Ten has teamed up with companies from Pensole to Boardroom Rockstars to help provide ongoing education to members of the industry. Youth Vote Career development has become an increasingly important focus for Two Ten in the past several years. The Young Professionals group was established in 2009. It sponsors a variety of events each year, from fireside chats with industry experts to festive, casual parties. Now the group boasts about 1,000 members. “YP210 was established as a powerful way to connect emerging leaders in the industry,” said Danny Muskat, national sales manager of Deer Stags and a Two Ten board member who leads the YP210 program. In the coming years, Muskat said, the YP branch will do more to help Two Ten expand its influence. The group wants to promote small-donor giving, develop small-business support, and tap into microfinance opportunities. YP210 also aims to grow nationally, with regional chapters on the West Coast and across the country. “We want YP to work toward becoming a group that is self-sustaining,” Muskat said. “We want to [build] the same momentum that other branches of Two Ten have, such as Women in Footwear.” PHOTOS: COURTESY OF TWO TEN PAY IT FORWARD Footwear Warriors, launched in 2013, has been one of the organization’s biggest initiatives. Spearheaded by Kevin Donahue, chairman and CEO of Quabaug Corp., the fund aims to support veterans. The $250,000 initial endowment was one of the largest ever for Two Ten. Earlier this month, Two Ten kicked off the Footwear Warriors Phase II Campaign, a threemonth fundraising effort in support of the Footwear Warriors program. The goal is to raise $60,000 by Feb. 28, which would bring the scholarship fund’s total to $360,000. “There are so many worthy causes to support, but it can become overwhelming,” said Martin Berman, managing director of Micro-Pak Ltd. “Even ‘scholarships’ can be a somewhat overwhelming topic. By focusing on veterans or specific areas of the industry, donors can easily connect with causes and may be more willing to give.” Moving forward, the organization hopes to increase donations from companies in the industry. Goldberg said Two Ten is also focusing on getting the word out about its programs more regularly and with a more concentrated effort. “Scholarships are tremendously important,” Berman said. “For some students, these scholarships mean the difference between attending or not attending college. For others, it means being able to graduate with a manageable amount of debt.” MILESTONE TWO TEN @ 75 × Footwear Cares 13 restoration projects FACTS Footwear Cares is on the move. The annual monthlong April initiative, which works with the industry to support a broad range of charities, has the numbers to show for it. Here, a look at the program’s reach. The Vans team working hard 20 environmental 2. projects tackled, including cleanup and landscaping along coastlines, highways and public parks 3. Number of states participating in Footwear Cares activities: 83 charitable nonprofits served by Footwear Cares 5. Footwear companies that supported the cause: 100 6. 474 “selfies” posted to the #footwearcares tag board on Two 4. Ten’s website (during the month of April) 1,242 children provided with clothing 8. Comfort kits assembled for active military families: 1,480 9. 3,200 pounds of frozen peas packaged by sponsor Amazon Fashion 7. Amazon Fashion for families in Washington state 10. 4,170 shoelaces used to secure volunteer T-shirts 11. Footwear Cares T-shirts ordered: 4,170 12. 6,500 volunteers contributed time 13. 11,300 pairs of shoes distributed Industry members pitch in to children 14. Total hours of volunteer work: BY CHRISTIAN ALLAIRE 15. 34 | | NOVEMBER 24, 2014 22 15,000 517,549 meals sorted, packed, prepared and/or served PHOTOS: COURTESY OF TWO TEN 15 1. performed, including painting and cleaning classrooms, building homes and repairing playground equipment 75 Y E A R S FOR OVER 75 YEARS To our friends at the Two Ten Foundation, thank you for 75 years of helping our local communities and the footwear industry. Here’s to Shoepeople Helping Shoepeople. Proud makers of the New Balance 990. In 2013, 1 out of every 4 pairs of shoes we sold in the USA was made or assembled in American factories, by American workers. We’re proud to be the only major company making athletic footwear in the USA. Where domestic value is at least 70% we label our shoes Made in the USA. com/USA ©2014 New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. MILESTONE TWO TEN @ 75 × Employee Feedback STAFF SECRETS Two Ten insiders share emotional anecdotes and why their work is meaningful. BY IRENE PARK SUZANNE MURRAY Development Manager “When you leave at night, instead of working at a place for profit where you’ve made profit or done something for yourself, you leave the doors of Two Ten TANYA ROBINSON “We give people an easy way to help out their coworkers. Sometimes we’ll hear from people, ‘[A colleague] was diagnosed with cancer, what can I do to help her?’ It’s not a situation where you can often give directly to somebody you know is having a hard time, but you can give to us, and we can help them. It’s something people can’t always find.” Intake Specialist “When I hear that sigh or sob of relief, that affects me the most because I know that we made a difference. It means that was a job well done, not only for that person, but for the entire family.” KELLI-BETH VECCHIONE Development Manager ERNESTO TEIXEIRA Accounting Associate “One day, I was joining my colleagues for lunch and jumped into the elevator. As the door closed, the elevator speaker system started ringing. At that time, we’d been experiencing some technical issues where the elevator just randomly rang and then stopped. On the other line, I heard somebody say, ‘Hello?’ So my instincts kicked in immediately to respond with ‘Thank you for calling Two Ten.’ This gentleman proceeded to tell me he was calling me to apply for a scholarship. I had to explain to him that somehow he called the elevator of our building. I gave him my direct number, and I ran back downstairs to my desk. I helped him start his application, and he got the scholarship.” “I get to show people what their gift does directly. It’s getting to show that every gift to Two Ten makes a difference, whether you’re an individual giving $2.10 or you’re a company giving $100,000. It’s making a real impact, and I like to be able to share those stories.” JOHN MEISENBACH Intake Specialist “We’re a unifier in the footwear industry in that we bring the footwear industry together as a whole, even though [certain brands] might be your sworn enemy. We get people from Aldo and then people from Converse all together in the same room doing something good for everybody. It’s a cool thing.” PHOTOS: ADAM DETOUR MARY HEHIR Assistant to President knowing you’ve done something for someone else. It’s a rewarding life-giving experience every day. We are kind of insular where we work in Waltham; there are 15 of us making the wheels turn. I’ll never forget my first annual dinner. I went up on the balcony to get a full view of [the dining floor]. Everyone was there in support of Two Ten. There were 1,200 people there. That’s when I realized, this was the [result] of the foundation. I was very proud to be a part of that.” All new. All comfortable. All Dansko. Like what you see? Contact your Sales Rep or visit us at FFANY Booth #2104 Dansko, Dansko and the Wing Design, and the Wing Design are all trademarks of Dansko, LLC. © 2014 Dansko, LLC.1.800.326.7564. MILESTONE TWO TEN @ 75 × History TIME TRAVEL FN takes a look back at the biggest milestones in Two Ten’s 75-year history. 1949 The T. Kenyon Holly Award is established, named for the late president of Two Ten. 1950 The Regional Chairmen group — a variety of shoe-industry members who serve on a relief committee — is formed by Two Ten’s board of directors. 1964 Two Ten marks 25 years of industry service. 1969 Two Ten’s first golf tournament, in 1939 Two Ten Associates is launched at 210 Lincoln St. in Boston. Founding members include A.A. Bloom, Abe Borkowitz, Morris Rosenston and Al Schachat. 1939 Imperial Ballroom in Boston. Tickets sell for $5. 1944 Two Ten begins to support U.S. troops, providing donations to servicemen at the Boston Port. The foundation hosts its first golf tournament, at the Kernwood Country Club in Salem, Mass. 1945 1940 1948 First annual “Banquet and Entertainment” event is held at the Hotel Statler Fred Bloom joins Two Ten; his career with the foundation will span over 40 years. Two Ten goes national. 1975 Two Ten transitions from Two Ten Associates into the Two Ten National Foundation Inc. 1975 38 | | NOVEMBER 24, 2014 The 36th annual Two Ten Banquet is held in Chicago, featuring headliners Ella Fitzgerald and comedian Jack Carter. PHOTOS: COURTESY OF TWO TEN ARCHIVES 1939 The National Scholarship Program is launched. In its first year, 20 scholarships totaling $13,500 are awarded to high school students. To t a l MOTION i n s t a n t C O M F O R T. R O C K P O R T. C O M © 2 0 1 5 T H E R O C K P O R T C O M P A N Y, L L C . R O C K P O R T ® Glove like fit. Controlled flexiblity. T h a n k Yo u TWO TEN for HELPING SHOE PEOPLE for 75 years. MILESTONE TWO TEN @ 75 × History In 1989, the World Shoe traveled across the country, donating shoes gives away about 10,000 pairs of shoes. 1991 A support network is activated for servicemen stationed in the Persian Gulf for Operation Desert Storm. 1999 Two Ten relocates to its current headquarters in Waltham, Mass. 2001 Peggy Kim Meill takes over as president. Peggy Kim Meill with Jim Salzano 2008 1989 1980 Two Ten marks 50 years of industry service. Comedian Bill Cosby headlines Two Ten’s annual banquet, this time at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas. 1989 1981 The first $1 million endowment campaign is completed. 1982 Fred Bloom Michael Appel takes over as president. 1986 The foundation moves to new headquarters in Watertown, Mass. Kitty Dukakis, wife of Governor Michael Dukakis, is on hand for the ribbon-cutting. | NOVEMBER 24, 2014 The Young Leadership Seminar becomes Young Professionals for Two Ten (YP210). 2012 1985 40 | 2009 Neal Newman becomes president. 2014 Two Ten celebrates 75 years. Zappos founder Tony Hsieh at an HR Leadership event PHOTOS: COURTESY OF TWO TEN ARCHIVES The first Young Leadership Seminar is offered in Massachusetts. (Twentyseven years later, it will become Young Professional for Two Ten.) The World Shoe Campaign launches. The traveling exhibit visits 12 major U.S. cities and Women in the Footwear Industry (WIFI), a network for professional women, is founded. Congratulations A ON 75 YEARS OF SHOEPEOPLE HELPING SHOEPEOPLE. Surprise IN STORE MILESTONE TWO TEN @ 75 × Parting Shot HANG TEN Big dinner parties. Small group outings. Two Ten has always been about the schmoozing. Even in a different era, the foundation boosted its membership by turning up the charm, as evidenced here at a local drive in 1960. “Mad Men,” anyone? PHOTO: COURTESY OF TWO TEN ARCHIVES BY KRISTEN HENNING 42 | | NOVEMBER 24, 2014 CHILDREN’S FOOT WEAR AND ACCESSORIES FFANY DECEMBER 3 & 4 MIDTOWN LOFT 866.595.0872 2 67 F I F T H AV E N U E , 1 1T H F L O O R FN FEATURES TOP CONVERSATION STARTERS FOR THE NEW YEAR Season’s Highlights “I need to do shoes for the future,” declares Giuseppe Zanotti on his singular style, emboldened here by this pop-art crystal bootie. “To be modern, I look around me. I cannot create anything someone has designed before.” FN handpicks a selection of riveting showstoppers for spring ’15 and hears from the famous players themselves. PHOTOGRAPHED BY THOMAS IANNACCONE NOVEMBER 24, 2014 | | 45 SHOW OFFS Spring ’15’s outré footwear defies categorization and encourages dialogue. PHOTOGRAPHED BY THOMAS IANNACCONE No21 leather and satin twist-tie mules There was the will to emphasize a ‘couture mood’ with big embellished mules to magnify the surreal.” — No21’s Alessandro Dell’Acqua 46 | | NOVEMBER 24, 2014 VERSACE perforated lucite platform boot (left) and ALEXANDER McQUEEN open-wedge gladiator I was recently in Tulum, [Mexico], and created this ikat print to remind me of that wonderful place.” — Brian Atwood MANOLO BLAHNIK embroidered stiletto (left) and BRIAN ATWOOD heel ROCHAS paillette cap-toe slingback FENDI feather-back footbed sandal NOVEMBER 24, 2014 | | 47 Fashion Editor: Mosha Lundström Halbert Assistant Fashion Editor: Christian Allaire From top: SOPHIA WEBSTER bead stiletto, ALEXANDER WANG woven heel, PAUL ANDREW tasseled slingback DONNA KARAN polished wood mule (left) and CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA Western-motif wedge I was inspired by my yearly sojourn to the Greek island of Patmos; the beauty of the Aegean, the flowering hibiscus.” — Paul Andrew I love collage graphics inspired by Japanese poster art of the ’60s and ’70s.” — Nicholas Kirkwood CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION patent and lucite platform NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD platform wedge 48 | | NOVEMBER 24, 2014 Call for an appointment to preview our New Fashion Slipper Collection Market Week December 2 - 5 www.theSGCompanies.com 141 West 36th Street 22nd Floor New York, NY 10018 • 800-969-9016 MARKETPLACE WOMEN’S × MEN’S × COMFORT × CHILDREN’S × BUZZ What’s Inside? PHOTO: ANDREA DELBÒ Giuseppe Santoni welcomed Footwear News to take a peek into his world and find out the secrets behind his family’s Italian luxury brand. NOVEMBER 24, 2014 | | 51 MARKETPLACE WOMEN’S × A Day in the Life Luxury Origins G iuseppe Santoni has been steeped in shoes ever since his parents founded the family brand in 1975 from their garage in Corridonia, Italy. “The factory was my playground,” he remembered. A baptism by fire followed, with Santoni joining the business at 19 and being named CEO in 1990, at the tender age of 21. “It certainly made me grow up faster,” said the executive, 46, who still holds that position. Today, Santoni is focused on expanding outside Europe and attracting new customers. A U.S. flagship opened in October on New York’s Madison Avenue, and the growing women’s collection, which launched in 2005, now accounts for 30 percent of the business. Footwear News tagged along with this discerningyet-discreet leader for a busy Saturday during Milan’s fashion week. By Mosha Lundström Halbert 2:15PM 12PM Giuseppe’s next mission is to take his teenage children shopping. “They always need something, especially my daughter,” he says of 14-year-old Sofia, who, along with 16-year-old brother Gabrio, visits on the weekends from boarding school in Switzerland. Their headmaster recently asked for Santoni to provide uniform shoes. 1:30PM Santoni and I meet at the showroom on Via Monte Napoleone for a look at the new collection. Handsome men’s shoes are the brand’s strength, so Santoni’s design team wisely weaves in gentlemanly touches — kilties, monk straps, patina finishes — into the women’s offering. The effect is dashing. And it must be said: The handmade quality is a huge source of pride for Giuseppe. “We built a school [at our factory] to teach the next generation. It’s important to me to [help] new people to learn the craft. It’s how we will keep our [reputation].” 2PM Coffee break. Thankfully, Caffé Cova, a Milanese institution since 1817, is nearby, and Giuseppe comes here often for espresso. “Italian coffee is short. It’s like, boom — a quick break,” he says. 52 | | NOVEMBER 24, 2014 2:30PM Santoni stores smell intoxicatingly good. “It’s a custom scent made by a special nose that I worked with. I’m crazy for perfume,” Giuseppe explains. He visits the store regularly to get feedback and tweak the merchandising. Today, he gives notes on the window display and instructs one associate to polish his own shoes to a Santoni-level sheen. 3PM Outside the store, Giuseppe bumps into his wife and daughter, who are still out shopping. His wife, Alessia, works on the administration and finance side of the business. So do his children hear the siren call of the business? “Both of them have very good instincts for design,” Giuseppe shares. “In our house, we always talk about the philosophy behind luxury. It’s in our blood.” 3:30PM We arrive for a late lunch at the Hotel Bulgari’s hopping outdoor restaurant. “I’m friends with the owner, so I like to come here a lot and sit outside,” Giuseppe says. Not surprising, he bumps into several other pals on the way to our table. “Everyone knows everybody here,” he says. “Milano is really a small town. It’s friendly, easygoing and open. The quality of life we get in Italy is very hard to find anywhere else.” 4:30PM Giuseppe is off to another meeting, this time with the Mercedes team. “We have to talk about their new car, the GT, as we are creating a special style for it — sports shoes, but very elegant,” he says. PHOTOS: ANDREA DELBÒ 8:30AM “I didn’t get up early because last night we went out quite late with friends,” admits Santoni, who celebrated the showing of his brand’s spring ’15 women’s collection with dinner at La Risacca 6 and drinks at Hotel Bulgari. After breakfast, Santoni pops in to see his tailor. “It’s relaxing for me to visit him and talk about my fall wardrobe,” he says. Today, he wears a bespoke blue suit lined in signature Santoni pumpkin orange, finished with matching crocodile loafers. On the walk to his flagship store, also on Via Monte Napoleone, Giuseppe tries to take a work call, but is drowned out by the roar of a Ferrari. “Too flashy for me,” says the elegant designer, who prefers to drive a tricked-out Mercedes. “It’s a powerful vehicle that appears to be an old-man car, but it’s much faster and discreet,” he explains. MARKETPLACE WOMEN’S × Trend Trim & Her Who says guys have all the fun? Women’s brands are adding kiltie details to spring ’15 sandals and laceups, as a feminine spin on traditional fringe. Red slide with aubergine strap and block heel from CHARLINE DE LUCA PHOTOS: COURTESY OF BRANDS CASADEI’s wooden platform sandal with chain details MARKETPLACE Trend × WOMEN’S Classic slip-on flat in a deep navy hue by RUPERT SANDERSON THE OFFICE OF ANGELA SCOTT’s lace-up brogue with banana-yellow trim OSCAR DE LA RENTA’s multihued Amber oxford with metallic touches Tamaris USA INC. · Mr. Jan Brinkmann · 4767 New Broad Street, Orlando FL 32814 · office (407) 514 2734 · jan.brinkmann@tamaris.us · theschuh.com Gladiator-inspired sandal by FREDA SALVADOR THE SCHUH! COMING TO THE US SOON. MARKETPLACE WOMEN’S × 5 Questions A Toms bag for spring ’15 Blake Afire The founder of Toms is showing no signs of slowing down, with new categories and a retail expansion in the works. BY KRISTEN HENNING I 56 | | NOVEMBER 24, 2014 How do you handle competitors and copycats? BM: We focus on our own mission. The footwear industry is historically known for knocking off, which is unfortunate. Legally, there is nothing I can do about it, so we focus on our business. Competitors will do what they do. It’s just a fact of life. 2 The coffee venture seems like a big departure from your fashion projects. Could other non-fashion items be on the horizon for Toms? BM: Our focus is on what we can do to make an impact on the world. We think about categories in all the places [in need] where we give our shoes. It helps us leverage relationships in the countries where we work. We use this as the cornerstone of our retail strategy, as we are in all Whole Foods in America. It’s a $12 bag of coffee, so the specialty item further elevates our brand. It’s been a fun and disruptive thing to do, but our core focus will still be shoes, bags and eyewear. We have so much momentum in footwear that we don’t want to take our eyes off the prize. 3 What has changed since selling half of Toms to Bain Capital? BM: We just closed the deal [this month], and they are really bringing an understanding about our footwear customer. They have a lot of experience and are helping us to be the best in class. Bain helps us with a lot of resources, with our distribution strategy, and they are helping in the process of our CEO search, to grow as I continue to be the founder and chief visionary. 4 Blake Mycoskie 1 You’re vastly expanding Toms’ footwear selection for spring ’15. Why now? BM: We started globally, with one silhouette. [Back then], 100 percent of our business was the Alpargatas; now, it’s 68 percent. We built new franchises, like our wedge, which is selling in top department stores. Women are buying more fashion from Toms, so there are a lot of growth opportunities going into spring ’15. The men’s business is starting to take off — we’ve always had about 10 percent to 12 percent men’s product. Our brogue and lace-up category and Will there be any adjustments to your role moving forward? BM: My role will stay the same. Also, both Bain and I are creating funds to support social entrepreneurship. Toms is donating half of the [profits from the Bain sale], and we’re in the process of deciding on a foundation to contribute to. 5 PHOTOS: COURTESY OF TOMS t’s been a year of major change for Blake Mycoskie. His company sold a 50 percent stake to Bain Capital LLC in a deal that officially closed late last month. And Toms is set to launch another one-for-one model this spring, focused on bags. Plus, Mycoskie continues to evolve the brand’s shoe selection with new categories, such as wedges and boots. With all that on deck, it’s time for a retail push, too. Two stores will open by the end of the year — in Portland, Ore., and Chicago — with a third debuting in New York in the first quarter of 2015. The shops will offer the entire product range, including shoes, eyewear, bags and a Toms Roasting Co. café. “The goal is to open three to four more locations by the end of 2015,” said the founder of the 8-year-old firm. “We have more product, and eyewear is great for retail. Our strategy is to focus on neighborhoods and community spaces.” The debut bag collection consists of duffels, cross-body purses and tablet cases, retailing for A spring ’15 $28 to $228, and takes bootie style on the issue of infant mortality in developing countries. “With each bag we sell, we give away a safe-birth kit [to expectant mothers],” Mycoskie said. “We are saving lives by [building] a deeper connection to our female customers.” When asked about Toms’ next steps, the often guarded Mycoskie remained enigmatic. “Bags is our big launch for 2015, but maybe something [will debut] for 2016,” he hinted. “I don’t know what it’s going to be — and I’m not just saying that.” Here, the brand leader does open up about product evolution, the coffee business and why he’s banking on Bain Capital. chukka boot [allow] us to see a lot of new accounts. We are doing a fashion sneaker. The customer knows and expects all of these things from us, so we’re playing a little more into trends. And we are really seeing volume. MARKETPLACE MEN’S × One to Watch The Stockholm-based brand is growing its line of sleek unisex sneakers with strategic retail placement. BY CHRISTIAN ALLAIRE M ax Schiller and Jonathan Hirschfeld had sion and offer an elevated product at affordable a dramatic start for their brand, Eytys. “Our entire shipment was on a freight prices. “I would never want us to ship that broke in half and sank in the be considered Indian Ocean,” said Schiller. “But when we finally a premium or launched three or four months later, people had luxury sneaker,” Schiller been waiting for the shoes. It made us sell out said. almost immediately.” The Mother style Nevertheless, the founders Since debuting in April 2013, Schiller and have been very selective about their wholesale acHirschfeld — sole owners of the business, which counts, focusing on markets in North America and currently has no outside investment — have imAsia, though they sell in Europe as well. pressively grown the Stockholm-based brand. For Currently, Eytys is carried in influential concept 2014, Eytys (pronounced like “eighties”) estimates stores such as Dover Street Market, LN-CC, United that revenue will be 1.5 million to 2 million euros ($1.88 million to $2.5 million at current exchange), Arrows and Opening Ceremony, as well as a new shop-in-shop in Our Legacy’s Göteborg, Sweden, with 40 percent of sales coming from Japan. location. For the spring ’15 season, the brand Despite its widespread expansion, the brand maintains a tight focus: It offers only two unisex lace-up sneakers, retailing for $150 MAX SCHILLER & to $300. JONATHAN HIRSCHFELD The high-top Odyssey and low-top Mother are both produced in Vietnam and Age: 29 (Schiller) and 30 (Hirschfeld) Hometown: Stockholm come in leather, suede or canvas. They Most memorable trip: Hirschfeld: “Max feature cork footbeds and the brand’s nowand I went to Tokyo in 2012. Tokyo, for signature thick rubber sole, inspired by a me, is like New York on acid. They do vintage favorite. everything different, but better. We “I was always on eBay tracking down old looked at each other and said, ‘We have to take this energy and do something.’” deck shoes,” Schiller said. “But whenever I The flagship location: Schiller: found pairs, you couldn’t wear them because “It used to be a historical part of the rubber was so dried out. So I decided to Stockholm, but it was completely make one.” torn down in the 1960s. You could Best friends Schiller and Hirschfeld are no say it’s one of the most hated parts of Stockholm because it now has strangers to entrepreneurship. “We worked architecture that was popular 50 with each other during high school, selling years ago. But we like it — it’s a part shirts with the school logo on it that Max of Stockholm that’s not perfect.” designed and I sold,” Hirschfeld said. Humble beginnings: Hirschfeld: After graduation, the two went their “Our first showroom was in a hotel room in Paris, where we also slept at separate ways. Hirschfeld attended businight. We would just roll up the beds ness school at the University of Stockholm in the morning.” and became an investment banker for Art fixation: Schiller: “A few years Crédit Agricole. Schiller worked his way up ago, I went to the Dia:Beacon, a at Acne Studios, eventually landing a job museum in upstate New York. They have a massive room there with designing menswear. paintings by Agnes Martin. I loved it To create Eytys, the two tapped their difso much that I went to the paint shop ferent skill sets — Max is the creative force, and matched all of the colors from while Jonathan handles business operaher art [for our flagship].” tions — but they have a common goal: to conceptualize millennials’ sneaker obses- 58 | | NOVEMBER 24, 2014 From left: Jonathan Hirschfeld and Max Schiller PHOTOS: COURTESY OF BRAND Eytys Pops will launch with Canadian high-fashion e-tailer SSENSE. “It’s all about working with stores we like,” Hirschfeld said. “They have to add something different to the market.” Retailers said that they are attracted to the brand’s minimalist aesthetic. “We picked up Eytys at the start of this year, not long after the brand launched,” said Damien Paul, head of menswear at Matchesfashion.com. “There’s something about the proportion that feels totally modern. The simplicity of their design makes them feel smarter than sportier styles, and [the shoes] work as well with tailored trousers as they do with jeans.” In August, Eytys opened its first flagship, in Stockholm. Designed with cabinet maker Axel Wannberg, the store offers a curated selection of books, home accessories and merchandise from other brands in addition to the Eytys footwear. The flagship is located on a back street of Stockholm’s city center, an offbeat choice that mirrors the brand’s nontraditional sales strategies. “In Stockholm, we’re stocked in high-end stores that have Lanvin and Balenciaga, but we’re also stocked in a basement skate shop,” Hirschfeld said. “I like that about us. We’ve said from the start that we want to be inclusive, not exclusive.” PARTNERS WITH purpose MARKETPLACE COMFORT × Good Taste MEN’S HOCKEY TEAM I’D LIKE A SPOT ON: “Montreal Canadiens. They’ve won so many Stanley Cups.” MOST COVETED TROPHY: “My Olympic gold medal. It’s so special to represent your country.” STAYING WARM ON A COLD NIGHT: “I have a heating blanket I start before I get into bed. That’s heaven to me.” When Canadian women’s hockey player Caroline Ouellette isn’t scoring goals for the Montreal Stars, she’s serving as brand ambassador for Pajar Canada and promoting hockey among the country’s young women. “I’m very passionate about coaching and growing the game,” said Ouellette, who helped bring home the gold for Canada in the 2014 Olympics. “The opportunities I got through hockey have been incredible.” The crossover between athletes and fashion continues to escalate, so it’s no surprise that when Ouellette slips off her skates, she dresses up in a pair of low — yet stylish — heels. “I’ve gotten more comfortable walking in heels and now enjoy wearing them,” said the 5-foot-11-inch Ouellette, who ranks Michael Kors among her favorite shoe brands. However, on a recent trek to the North Pole with True Patriot Love, Canada’s charity honoring the country’s veterans, she opted to cozy up in a pair of Pajar boots. Here, a few more of Ouellette’s choice items. By Barbara Schneider-Levy 60 | | NOVEMBER 24, 2014 LANGUAGE I DREAM IN: I have no idea, since my dreams are mostly images.” MY CELL PHONE USAGE: “I like to text. I don’t enjoy getting messages to call someone back. I’m focused on the task at hand.” BIGGEST SIBLING RIVALRY: “My sister and I love to cook. Sometimes we challenge each other to make a dish for family gatherings.” PHOTOS: PORTRAIT: COURTESY OF CAROLINE OUELLETTE; ALL OTHERS: GETTY IMAGES Caroline Ouellette THE OUTDOOR RETAILER ISSUE ISSUE DATE: 1/19/15 SPACE CLOSE: 1/8/15 . R R E U H O T Y R U E F K A E T G A S S ME BONUS DISTRIBUTION: OUTDOOR RETAILER JANUARY 21–24 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ADVERTISING, CONTACT SANDI MINES, VP & PUBLISHER, AT 212.630.4872, OR YOUR FN SALESPERSON. MARKETPLACE COMFORT × Closet Case For the Lagasse family, food and fashion make up the perfect recipe. BY BARBARA SCHNEIDER-LEVY L bought Donald J Pliner dark brown booties years ike father, like daughters. Celebrity ago with a too-high heel.” chef Emeril Lagasse’s daughters — Most expensive pair: “Black Prada booties. I Jilly Lagasse and Jessie Lagasse bought three pairs, and together they were $300.” Swanson — have been busy in the kitchen themselves. The two just released their second cookbook, “The Jilly Lagasse and Jessie Lagasse Girls’ Big Flavor, Lagasse Swanson Bold Taste & No Gluten,” targeting the growing gluten-free market. When the two are on kitchen duty, they opt for functional yet comfortable footwear. Jilly Lagasse prefers a pair of Nike Dunk sneakers, while her sister is loyal to Dansko. “My father always wore them,” said Jessie Lagasse Swanson. “When we were younger and helped him at cooking events, the first things he got us were a chef coat and clogs.” The two are not about to give up on comfort in their downtime, either, relying on driving mocs or flip-flops. Here, the sisters compare footwear wardrobes and reveal their favorite shopping haunts. JESSIE LAGASSE SWANSON Number of pairs owned: 57 Brands: Bruno Magli, Chaco, Dansko, Ferragamo, Merrell, New Balance and Tod’s, among others. Personal style: “I have two small boys, so we’re always outside. My go-to these days is a Chaco flip-flop in neon purple and green. In winter, it’s a Merrell slip-on or my Tod’s driving shoes.” Kitchen duty: “I always have my Dansko clogs in black on hand. Their support is unsurpassed, while black helps hide nasty kitchen spills. And they’re cute.” Favorite occasion look: “Bruno Magli pumps I bought in Italy 15 years ago.” Most comfortable pair: Tod’s driving mocs. Most uncomfortable pair: “I 62 | | NOVEMBER 24, 2014 JILLY LAGASSE Number of pairs owned: “A modest 37. With traveling and constantly moving, I’ve scaled down my wardrobe. I focus on things I need, peppered with a few fun pairs I wear twice a year.” Brands: “I have a bit of Dolce & Gabbana, Jimmy Choo, Frye, Chanel and Christian Louboutin. I also have practical styles from Steve Madden, Nine West, Fit Flops and even a fun, cheap pair from Shoedazzle.com. And I have an obscene amount of Nike, Adidas, Vans and Reebok.” Personal style: “I’m a sneaker girl. I love to throw on a pair of Adidas, Vans or Reebok. Whenever I travel, it’s Nike Wedge Dunk all the way.” Kitchen duty: “I love wearing my Nike Dunks. It’s all the things you need in a work shoe.” Favorite occasion style: “Anything by Dolce & Gabbana.” Most comfortable pair: “A skulland-crossbones pair of Vans I’ve had for 10 years. They’ve been all over the world with me.” Most uncomfortable pair: “An amazing pair of Jimmy Choo tan, patent leather, basket-weave flats.” Most expensive pair: “I have the most yummy pair of satin-and-jewel Dolce & Gabbana heels. Originally, they were 520 British pounds, but I stalked them at a Boxing Day Sale at Selfridges and got them for 165.” Least expensive pair: “Flip-flops I bought in Mumbai for about 90 cents. This sweet lady was selling things by the side of the road with her little ones. It’s a lovely travel memory.” Favorite store for shoe shopping: “In the U.S., Saks, Bloomingdale’s and TJ Maxx. New York has an overload of fab shoe stores and boutiques, so I just poodle around and see what I find. In New Orleans, I go to Sports Plus on Canal Street for all the latest trainers. In London, it’s Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Topshop and Office. I also go to TK Maxx, [the U.K. version of TJ Maxx], where I find interesting shoes no one here will have.” PHOTO: COURTESY OF LAGASSES Cooks’ Choice Least expensive pair: “A brandless pair of ballet flats I bought at Marshall’s on sale for under $10.” Favorite store for shoe shopping: “I hit the outlets. I love Ferragamo and Cole Haan.” SAVE THE DATE M AY 11–13, 20 15 T O A T T E N D : KIM_MANCUSO@FAIRCHILDFASHION.COM 212.630.4212 T O S P O N S O R : AMBER_MUNDINGER@FAIRCHILDFASHION.COM 212.630.4824 MARKETPLACE CHILDREN’S × Trend SEE KAI RUN’s peep-toe Mary Jane LIVIE & LUCA’s patent shoe with heart cutout Lemon Squeeze Designers are adding a sunny twist to girls’ styles this spring. The cheery color shows up in shades from bold citron to pale buttercream. Thong sandal with bow detail by ISAAC MIZRAHI Yellow punches up Fun & Fun’s spring ’15 ready-to-wear line Jute-wrapped wedge with polka dots by CLARKS 64 | | NOVEMBER 24, 2014 PAZITOS’ Mary Jane with laser-cut detailing PHOTOS: MIZRAHI: ROBERT MITRA; KEDS: THOMAS IANNACCONE; FUN & FUN: GIOVANNI GIANNONI; ALL OTHERS: COURTESY OF BRANDS Buckle sandal with decorative cutouts by PEDIPED FFANY December 3rd-4th 267 Fifth Avenue, 11th Floor 800.325.6116 Under License by BBC INTERNATIONAL LLC, Distributed by TRIMFOOT CO., LLC MARKETPLACE CHILDREN’S × 5 Questions Getting Picked One entrepreneur survived the “Shark Tank” and is thriving in her bid to redefine baby moccasins. BY ERIN E. CLACK S usan Petersen didn’t let a shoestring budget stop her from chasing a big dream. The Utah mom sold scrap aluminum from her brother’s window installation company to raise startup capital for her business, Freshly Picked. Working from home, she crafted simple leather soft-sole baby moccasins and began selling them online in late 2009, utilizing social media to spread the word. By the end of 2013, Freshly Picked’s sales topped the million-dollar mark, and its Instagram followers swelled to nearly 300,000. “We’ve been able to do what a lot of brands can’t do: get to our customers directly,” Petersen said. “The great thing about building a business online is you don’t need to raise as much money as companies that take the traditional route.” Petersen’s fledgling business got an even bigger boost when she appeared on “Shark Tank,” the ABC reality series in which aspiring entrepreneurs pitch to a panel of investors. During the episode, aired in January, Petersen was offered a deal with shark Daymond John, but she eventually opted to maintain exclusive ownership. Soon after, Nordstrom came calling. The retail giant added Freshly Picked to its roster this summer. “We were waiting for a big, top-tier retailer to kick off [our move into] wholesale,” Petersen said. This year’s sales are expected to quadruple. While continuing to focus on e-commerce, the brand is now building its wholesale business. Petersen said a large number of retailers are clamoring to carry her shoes, priced from $45 to $60. “It’s a great position to be in, but we’re trying to go slow and not rush into things,” she said. Here, Petersen talks about diving into the “Shark Tank” and the tremendous power of social media. Susan Petersen question. That’s where we’ve had our biggest success; that’s where our supporters live. We’ve been able to organically grow this amazing community of moms through social media. Last year, we did $1.2 million in sales without any advertising [investment]. We’ve had a lot of success on Instagram especially. Instagram lends itself to a one-finger scroll. There are many moms doing late-night feedings with their babies while surfing their iPhones, and they find us. How did your “Shark Tank” appearance boost business? SP: “Shark Tank” has been incredible for our brand. Even though it was one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever done, I would do it again in a heartbeat. Immediately after the episode aired, we picked up 34,000 new followers across our social media platforms. And we’ve had a ton of new opportunities come about. The sharks were amazing. They’re obviously looking out for their own businesses, but they’ve all been on the other side of that table. They’ve been the scrappy entrepreneur, so they want to help others make it. 3 4 1 Was there a moment when you knew you’d made it — that Freshly Picked would be a success? SP: I wish I felt that way. We’re still so young and trying to find our footing. There is always a chance a big company could come along and rip us off and that would be it. So we’re hustling as hard as we can. We like to feel we’re the underdog because it makes us work twice as hard. Also, I’ve found that being a woman entrepreneur in ecommerce, people don’t always take me seriously, which is fine — I’ll let the numbers speak for themselves. I’m really comfortable working from a place where people underestimate me. [What matters is that] I know where I’m going. 2 Would your growth have been possible prior to the online boom? SP: We’re a business the Internet built, no You’ve built your brand around a single silhouette. How do you keep the collection fresh? SP: We try to tell a story each season with color. And we’ve just started printing our own leathers, which is a fun process. It allows us to get creative. So that’s how we’re keeping the product fresh. We actually tried to change up the silhouette a bit, but we found people love it the way it is. 5 What’s next for Freshly Picked? SP: We want to continue to expand into more stores and different countries. We’re getting some international distributors in place, [and we’re planning to add] apparel and other products. We often say we’re not in the shoe business, we’re in the memories business. When babies wear our moccasins, their footprint becomes imprinted on the bottom. And there might be scuff marks from when they were learning to walk. The moccasins capture that brief, magical window in time. That’s what we want to sell: products that capture those memories for parents. PHOTOS: COURTESY OF BRAND Freshly Picked moccasins are offered in a range of fabrications 66 | | NOVEMBER 24 , 2014 MARKETPLACE Spring ’15 Launches × BUZZ Relax Mode PHOTOS: BARBARA SCHNEIDER-LEVY California Footwear Co. will hit the comfort market with a collection of laid-back women’s sandals for spring ’15. The debut line includes the Sunshine collection, produced in Mexico; Caliente, made in Spain; and City/Artisanal, manufactured in the U.S. All styles incorporate soft, cushioned footbeds. Retailing from $80 to $130, the line is expected to deliver in February to independents and department stores. A companion line of boots and closed-up footwear will be added for fall ’15. Good Company Marchez Vous is expanding its consumer reach with a sister collection of younger, more moderately priced looks under the Marchez Vous Blue label. According to company founder Yeardley Smith, the series of modern, trend-driven shoes is meant for women ages 25 to 35, but it will remain true to the brand’s core focus on comfort, incorporating Poron footbeds. Retailing from $200 to $300, the line is aimed at department stores. Delivery is slated for January. Core Competency Ten Toes, based in Felgueiras, Portugal, has put its own twist on tradition with a collection of men’s contemporary classics for spring ’15. Included in the offering are casual ankle boots and tailored monk straps. Retailing from $120 to $150, the line targets independents and etailers and is available for immediate delivery through commercial@tentoes.pt. Down Time Comfort collection Supersoft by Diana Ferrari is making its way to the U.S. The Australian brand — available through Roar Asia Pacific, which is based in Beverly Hills, Calif. — includes a full range of styles, from casual moccasins and ballet flats to mid-heel slingbacks and sandals. Made for thirtysomething moms or career women, the series features cushioned footbeds and soft leather uppers. Retailing from $99 to $159, the line targets department stores, better comfort chains and independents, with delivery set for January. FOOTWEAR NEWS 2014 EDITORIAL CALENDAR ISSUE DATE SPACE CLOSE NOVEMBER 11/3 10/23 EDITORIAL FEATURE DEER STAGS Milestone, Comfort, Rainboots Distribution: NSRA Leadership Conference 11/10 10/30 Sneakerhead Issue, Materials & Components 11/24 11/13 TWO TEN Footwear Milestone, FFaNY Pre-Show Issue Distribution: Two Ten Footwear Annual Dinner, FFaNY DECEMBER 12/1 11/20 12/22 11/25 12/11 Relaunched in Fall 2013, Shellys London is looking for established Global Distribution partners to expand the business to the next level. Shellys London is the heritage Junior Fast Fashion brand from the UK, with unique product, design and branding. WWW.SHELLYSLONDON.COM FN Achievement Awards, FFaNY Show Issue Distribution: FN Achievement Awards, FFaNY 12/8 Shellys London Footwear is looking for a US Distributor & distribution in other global markets. Women’s, Comfort Int’l Tradeshow Guide: 1st Half 2015, Year In Review If you are looking for a fresh project to leverage your extensive retail network, reach out to Julie Papineau juliepapineau@shellyslondon.com and make an appointment to visit us at our NY Showroom during the FFANY show. Footwear News is the premier destination for the footwear industry’s classified and career listings. 800.423.3314 OR FAX 212.779.7248 DEADLINE: 2PM (ET) WEDNESDAY PRIOR TO DATE OF PUBLICATION Tamaris Leading European women’s fashion footwear line launching in FW 2015 is looking for 3 Sales Agents in Mid-West, North-West, and North-East Please send resume via email to Jan Brinkmann: jan.brinkmann@tamaris.us Hunger Strikes PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES Jennifer Lawrence, star of the latest installment of the “Hunger Games” film franchise, has Hollywood talking about her unstoppable ability to produce hit after hit, and had box office counters estimating more than $150 million in opening-weekend ticket sales. 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