And our winner is… Heather! (comment #170)
Winner was chosen randomly as there were too many good questions to choose from!!! I’ve forwarded the most interesting questions to Danny S., he should get back with the answers soon. :)
Best questions will be passed along and answered by Danny!
I’ve been obsessed with Irregular Choice shoes for years – interviewing Danny is a dream come true. Wanna know something even more amazing?? We are shooting over at their brightly-colored Soho store this weekend!!! Ahhh!
Where do the names for the shoes come from?
I love the Flick Flack in the red heart print, it’s such an unusual shape, like a pump bootie hybrid and the different patterned fabric is pretty and unique.
Do you base your shoes off of fairy tales, the desire to see people wear beautiful things, or do they come to you at odd moments like when taking tea in a little cafe? What inspires you to be so utterly amazing? Is there a secret fetish involved? What exactly is it that gives you the ideals that you so beautifully turn into reality? Also do the names come to you with the ideas or are those something that occur once you’ve executed the masterpeices?
I have to say my favorite pair as of this second at the black Tickling Loris. I was having such a hard time deciding but the details on these just won me over. I love that the heel is decently thick because even though I love heels I am a clod and cannot walk in them to save my life. I’ve actually broken stilletos before with my shoddy walking. The inside of these shoes looks so inviting and my feet are dying to try them on. These shoes are like my magical unicorn for feet. Everything about them makes me love them. In fact I’m plotting dresses and jackets and all sorts of things to get just to accompany these shoes. There isn’t a single thing about them that I don’t love. They are beutiful and shiny and they make me want to entirely redo my wardrobe just so I can wear them every day. They are absolutely lovely and aside from that I think that I could actually wear them and not fall over. They make me feel like I could be the girly girl I’ve always dreamt of being were it not for the clumziness I posses. In fact I’m going to end up buying them as soon as I can if I don’t win. It’s odd but I feel as though I could write sonnets about these shoes hehehe.
Oh, their shoes are really cute!
The question that came to my mind was:
How do you feel when you see someone wearing one of your designs? Do you have a person in mind when you design, and do the people wearing your designs usually fit that image?
The shoes that I think are really wonderful is the “Mirror Mirror” design. I’m really into star-influences and I think it would coordinate really well with all kinds of great outfits.
Where do you find your inspiration for design?
Party pants (size 8), I love these because of how the heels and toes have a smooth arch. It’s perfect and different from most boots. The bow is adorable!!! They would be super cute for a night out in the cold climate I live in. Also perfect for just strolling around. There are super cute.
If he had to choose one pair of his own shoe collection to wear for the rest of his life, which one would it be?
Picking my fave out of these amazing heels and boots is a tough question, but I totally go for http://shop.irregularchoice.com/womens/product/3316/apple-turnover.html?offset=2 ‘Apple Turnover’
Danny, if you could be any one of your shoes which would you be and why?
my favorite are definitely Bow-Belle (sz.9)in light blue because i am the girliest girl ever and the color, the bow and the size of the heel made it the most perfect shoe for me EVER!
im gonna dream of those shoes tonight for sure!!
NeryLoo
What makes your shoes special?
I LOVE Northern Lass. This shoe is so adorable. I enjoy the all the cute embroidery detail, moccasin looking, stitching, and striped wedge. Definitely haven’t seen a shoe like this! I’m pretty sure I’d let lots of compliments walking the streets with these! Such an eye catching shoe!
*get lots of compliments….
[sorry for the typo!]
what’s the overall aesthetic you try to play with for irregular choice shoes, and how has that aesthetic fluctuated or stayed the same throughout the years?
i love flashing lights (sz 36), mostly because they’re HUGE and at 5ft i adore huge shoes. i also really like their curvy, minimalistic shape.
The shoes are so creative and you can tell that a lot of thought went in to the details so, how long does it usually take to decide on a final design?
It is so hard to choose because I would wear almost every pair. But my all together favorites are the blue Scotty Dog heels. I love how they look like something I would have imagined when I was six; I wanted a dog and I loved shoes. Not much has changed since then.
Danny, in a world that for the most part, is lacking in unique and quirky ideas, where do you find the vision and inspiration to create such exuberant designs?
My current favorite, would be the Flashing Lights boots in black (size 10)
I adore the contrast between the black leather, the wood, and the gold studs, as well as the lines of the curvy platform seam, and the pointed top. They are inspirational!
Longer Lashes in Black/Grey. They remind me so much of hooves – which fits perfectly with the new fantasy/animal winter trend that has been appearing lately. Not to mention how wonderfully comfy they look despite the platform.
What was the defining moment that changed the way you looked at shoes and inspired you to start designing more unique footwear?
Irregular choice make the best shoes, I love their designs <3
My Question:
If you could style any person alive or dead, real or fiction who would they be, why and what gorgeous shoes would you make for them?
What has been your biggest setback or difficulty in your carreer yet and how did you overcome it?
I love the Chica Wedge in rainbow (or red as it says on the website). They are so eyecatching, colorful and full of attitude, just like I would like to be percieved. Also I love how high they are!
- Elina
Omg!!!!! I love irregular choice shoes!!!
Well my question is: I know that there are irregular choice shoes for men and also there’s nothing saying that is prohibited for a men to wear girls shoes…
But would you like to be born again as a woman just so you could use your amazing girls’shoes designs?
And my favorite shoe is carol rocks in black, because they’re croc leather oxfords with pompoms!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If I had those I would sleep with them on!
I love all the fun colors, fabrics, and shapes of Irregular Choice shoes.
My question for Danny would be:
In your design process, do you ever look for unique fabrics and dream up a shoe design around the fabric choice?
My favorite shoe is Making Moves (size 10 US). Its such a fun shoe!
Question:
It can be hard for any creative person to stay motivated at times. What inspires you and keeps you focused?
I actually haven’t seen my favorite and most coveted shoe on the Irregular Choice website, but it is on modcloth.
http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModCloth/Womens/Unde+feet+ed+Boot
I want it simply because it’s SO BLUE! It looks like a dream with color and the shape of the heel, and even the texture.
If that’s not possible, then Little Fish, in orange. It’s so sparkly and slouchy, and I don’t have anything quite like it. I think it would go fabulously with Lime Crime’s “My Beautiful Rocket” too.
us size 6, so european 36?
Wow! I have always loved Irregular Choice! So I have always wondered, Danny, Who would your DREAM client be and why?
I love Flashing Lights style shoe! It reminds me of that feeling you get when it is raining outside and you are on your way to a show, dressed to please, and you get soaked and even though you know your makeup is running you look even more fierce than before!
Question for Danny: How do you incorporate history into your designs? Fashion is forever moving foreward making constant references to the past- is this translated into your work, and how?
I love the Miaow boots. I love the combination of ‘texturizing’ (excuse me as I make words up!) the boots by the fabric choice even though it’s all in a dark color scheme. J’adore the kitty accent as well!
Aaaah– I’ve been wanting a pair of Irregular Choice for forever! It’s so hard to choose a favorite, but if I really had to pick just one, I’d go with the Oz. Because if Marcia Brady was in Marie Antoinette’s court these are the shoes she would wear. The print, the bow, the carved lucite heel, the printed sole– all psychedelic perfection! And even though they’re crazy they would still work with a ton of things in my closet.
My question is: What visions do you have for the future of Irregular Choice?– I see that you’re venturing into t-shirts and accessories so do think you’d like to expand to a full clothing line in the future?
Danny:
How does it feel when you see the finished shoe that you designed for the first time?
My favorite IC shoes is the Bump in the Night; I’ve wanted a pair of green heels for so long, and these are the perfect color and style! <3
What a fabulous opportunity!
Here’s my question:
What’s the strangest things you’ve ever been inspired by? I’m a writer, and I’ve found myself inspired by some pretty odd things (random comments from my roommate, trippy dreams, vintage music, people’s names, colors, etc), So what inspires the designer of fantastic footwear — and what’s the weirdest inspiration that ever made it into shoe form? (Also — what did the shoe end up looking like?)
It’s hard to pick a favorite off the site — there are just so many gorgeous shoes!! — but I am head-over-heels in love with the Sweet Tatties heel in the red-orange (http://shop.irregularchoice.com/womens/product/3388/sweet-tatties.html?offset=142). J’adore it! I like to punch up my wardrobe with shoes, since I can’t always dress to the nines at work, and those shoes would be at home in my work wardrobe AND in my fabulous fun one too!
Danny, in life, do you regularly make irregular choices?
I hope so cause i’m sure they would all have fabulous outcomes! Love the shoes! Love them all!!! I would love to get the Poetic Licence Backlash although all Poetic License ones stole my heart!
Danny, if you could create a pair of shoes out of absolutely any substance in the universe(that typically is not physically possible to do), what would you use and why?
My favorite shoes are definitely the Poetic Licence Encoure (in black, size 40/41). It is classy, unique, fabulous and totally me!
-Ariel
Question: Maybe too personal, but I’m curious and it doesn’t need to be answered. What is the most scary nightmare you’ve ever dreamed?
Dream shoe: Since I’m a purple-addict, I’d go for Bump in the Night. Sweet Jesus, nice shoes!
Thank you for the opportunity to look at fancy shoes.
Ingrid
Question: If animals wore shoes which animal would be the most fun to design for?
I think my favorite shoe design are the longer lashes. They almost look like Japanese school girls loose socks so cute~!
My favorite shoes are SWEET AS. While they are obviously bling-y, they still seem quite versatile.
Here’s my question: So, there is a Women’s line and a Men’s line. Have you considered creating designs for men that are as flashy (and high) as some of your women’s designs are?
How do you name the designs?
And I have been OBSESSED with the “What an Angel” wedges, they are soo good, I did a post on them here: http://droolingisntpretty.wordpress.com/2009/12/24/sole-mates/
My question is: Do you ever feel that you have to take one step back when creating so as not to make more of a surrealist sculpture and not a working shoe? I mean, have you ever just gone on and on until it looks amazing but no one would even eb able to walk in it?
Favourite shoe is Flashing Lights in Black. They are my favourite because they have such a distinct shape and could be used to get a slightly abnorm and deformed silhouette, wich I adore. They aren’t “pretty” or “sexy” as most shoes are but simply wierd. Like having a giant deformed foot. Amazing.
My Shoe: Paddy Pats, which you must admit are an irregular choice when shopping at irregular choice! I’m sure I would wear them all the time. Wearing high top sneakers and ankle boots makes me feel powerful and pretty.
My Question: Some of your mens’ flats feature floral patterns and big loopy bows. What is your interpretation of American masculinity? How do you imagine masculinity will be portrayed in the future–both in fashion and cultural attitudes?
I can’t get on the Irregular Choice website! Oh no! I’ll see if I can get on later.
Danny, what or who were your creative influences as a kid, and how can we see them/it in your work today?
I haven’t picked a shoe because I can’t get on the site. If I can’t get on today, I’ll see if I can get on at school tomorrow.
Question: In the United States it is evident that the recession is effecting people from all different backgrounds, Irregular Choice shoes are sometimes too pricey for people making lower wages and they are unable to buy these fabulous shoes. Are you considering designing shoes that can be sold at a lower price but are just as fierce as the rest of your designs?
Favorite Pair: The Sazzle boots in black. I love them because they are boots, which is great for this time of year especially in Upstate NY & because the heel is so unusual and funky!!! Loves it! :)
My question is what made you want to become a designer? My favorite shoe that I came across was Tea for Two(size 7). I thought these were too cute. The bow makes them so fun and I think fashion should be all about fun and expressing your very own personal style. I thought that they were also a very versatile shoe that can be pair with some dressy or casual. I just love them!
Do you find strange objects/buildings/things/people inspiring for shoes? such as industiral building sites, or just a strangly dressed person on the street?
My favourite shoes are Longer Lashes, i love boots so much and spend my life in them, but they are becoming more popular in fashion, and my look is becoming less original! longer lashes are the most amazing ones i’ve seen and they remind me of animal legs, or walking on tippy toes! :D
My question: Why don’t you have your shop in Finland, because i know for truth that here are so many dull people who would need some chearing up.(sorry my poor language)
Favourite shoes would be Trinklettina with big red bow. With those shoes there wouldn’t be anymore unhappy mornings, only happy evenings;) and i know for sure, that then i would be the only one who would have such as wonderful pair shoes in my town.no one would beat me!
My question is: If Proper English Gent, had a Proper English Lady, who would she be and what would she look like?
My favorite pair is Poetice Licence Backlash.
OK, so here’s my question: It is said that wearing heals in bed is extremely sexy. Which of your heals should I wear for an unforgettable night and why?
*big grin*
I’d love to have Power Struggle:
http://shop.irregularchoice.com/womens/product/3317/power-struggle.html
I love purple, I love gold, I love the huge bow, and it is hard to find awesome shoes like these in my size.
1. How did you get started? And why did you choose to pursue mainly footwear?
2. http://shop.irregularchoice.com/womens/product/3429/stitched-up.html?offset=138
Have you SEEN them! They’re rainbow glitter with a faceted diamond shaped heel. They’re pretty much everything I don’t need yet want with a dying passion in shoe form! Also the insides look like they’re lined with velvet *melts*.
Becca Rainbow Reply:
October 15, 2010 at 1:21 pm
OMG I went to the NYC shop when they premiered the fall line and met Danny, and those shoes made me scream! They’re the best!! They’re lined in royal blue velvet!!! :D
Arika Reply:
October 15, 2010 at 3:28 pm
YES! I was right!
Doe Deere Reply:
November 8, 2010 at 2:06 pm
I saw them and was blown away with them, too!
My question would be: from where do you get the ideasand mostly inspiration to design such unique wear? does she get it from dreams, books or what… and how she could enter the footwear market that at this far is so closed and boring ! hahahhahaa … that’s what I’d like to know :)
And my favourites so far are 2:
miaow: the cat makes them so unique + the have a little a lot going with the mystery thing and that makes them perfect for halloween evening :)
mirror mirror (green ones): They are a planet themselves, they are like a total universe full of bright and elegance that would make nobody indifferent. They are just awesome :)
Question: Has inspiration ever stricken you so hard that you had to stop what your doing and write it down, or is it more of a casual process?
Favorite Shoe: Most definitely Poetic Licence Delish in the purpley color. They are just so classy and cute with a touch of understated fierceness.
Question: Would you ever make a shoe line inspired by fruit &/or vegetables? (A Wedge of lettuce. Star fruit heels. YUM!) <3
Favorite shoe: Dance the Night Away. They are ravishing! The red is beautiful, & the heel looks perfect.
I would ask ‘If you could make up a flavor for a shoe, what would it be?’
I love love love ‘Yes Charlie’ in the pink/purple color because I’m such a comfy girl so of course I need flats, plus color, and shimmer = perfect. ^__^
Hannah
“Where does the inspiration for your shoes come from?”
I absolutely love “Patty”! I love floral patterns, and the colors are so pretty. Even though I don’t wear heels very often, I’d make these an exception in a heart beat. <3
Hello! I was surfing around the internet, saw this super cute hat, and of course immediately thought of you. Maybe something to wear when the air gets colder?
http://www.polkadotrobot.com/product/unicorn-hat
(You are the most creative and sweetest person on the Internet.)
Doe Deere Reply:
October 14, 2010 at 10:17 pm
Awww it’s so CUTE! Thanks Hanna. :D
Today’s women aren’t the only ones to have favored unique and fashion forward footwear. Throughout history, there have been many famous women with a weakness for gorgeous shoes. Marie Antoinette even sustained a great part of the French economy with her clothing and shoe purchases. If you could design a shoe for any historical figure, who would it be and what would the shoe look like?
My absolute favorite shoe one the site was the Patty shoe in the red and blue. The Union Jack element was used in an unexpected way, which I’m sure earns any lady rocking the Patty shoe plenty of double takes. I would love to wear those because it would remind me that even though I live in America now, I will always be an English girl at heart. I love the way the bold graphic pattern is juxtaposed by the soft fabric and sweet details. Those shoes are truly a work of art and if I had the chance to wear them, I would never take them off.
I’d like to ask: what is the strangest or most unlikely source of inspiration you’ve had for a shoe design?
My favorite shoe (although it’s extremely difficult to choose!!) would have to be the Longer Lashes in black. I’ve been in love with those for a long time!
Question: When you are designing your shoes do you make them with the idea that you would wear them (if you were us) or do you make them with the intent of expressing your creativity (in a way that we just can happen to wear)? In other words, would you say you make shoes for you or for your customers?
I have got say my favorite shoes are Abigails Party. They’re fun, sweet, and cute looking. And with the various patterns present in the shoe it would be quite easy to pair them up with an outfit. Plus I already have a bracelet that would go quite nicely with them!
Q:Devising and designing a shoe that isn’t like all the rest, especially in todays fashion world where you have every type of flat and heel imaginable, must be difficult, inspiration comes in all forms, what was your personal favorite moment of inspiration or inspirational streak, and what was your favorite creation that came from it?
My favorite shoe, being a collector of shoes its very difficult to choose, if I could I’d fill my room with all of them, but right now its between Apple Turnover, and Itsy Bitsy Betsy.
Apple Turnover catches my eye because I adore jewel tones, especially that green blue. How its used with those natural tones, and the fabric choice it just looks so comfortable plus its cute as all hell. I can imagine myself strutting it down 7th Ave in NYC and around Hollywood and Highlands in LA, in those and getting the best compliments just because of a fierce set of shoes. Another selling point of me on those shoes is the details. From the fur, which is actually one of my favorite types of shoes, to the geometric shapes and the pattern underneath the show. I’m absolutely in love with them.
Itsy Bitsy Betsy, reminds me of Betsey Johnson, not just by name but by look. From the bright flora patten to the big bow, it screams one of my favorite Designers, I would not be shocked if she was your inspiration for them. Plus, I gotta love girl shoes, its always a plus when you find something new and girly.
Though out of the two, its gotta be Apple Turnover…it just sounds delicious as they look.
-Flip
Becca Rainbow Reply:
October 15, 2010 at 1:24 pm
I own the Itsy Bitsy Betsy in green and they’re adorable :D:D:D Good luck!
Flip Reply:
October 16, 2010 at 11:39 pm
LUCKY!!!
Thank you so much dear.
Being half English myself, I grew up traveling in the UK often. I am always struck by how much fun Brits have with fashion and how much less serious they seem to take it all compared to the rest of the world. Why do you think this is? Your brand certainly represents the colour and lighthearted attitude I envision when I think of British fashion; one reason why I love it!
Fave shoe- Bangers and Mash (in the star print!) The cut of this shoe mixed with the pleasantly faded shade of the stars and rust coloured heel really does it for me. Vintage super girl all the way!
http://shop.irregularchoice.com/womens/product/47/mioaw.html?offset=247
If you had to pick a hat to be, what kind of hat would you choose?