Why did you decide to start your own line?
I had been asked for a number of years but just hadn’t found the right partner that wanted to do what I wanted to do. There were many talented and successful people in the footwear industry that had asked me to launch a shoe line/collection, but more of a mass shoe line. That meant, it wouldn’t be the quality that I expected of myself and what people expected from me. I didn’t feel that I could ask for people’s hard earned money if they weren’t shoes I was really proud of. I wanted to make shoes in Italy – the way they used to be made. I wanted them to be at a price point that was affordable to some, if not everybody. And, I wanted to really re-visit and sort of re-dedicate myself to this single sole which had gone out of fashion and colour as a neutral. Then, I had the courage to call George Malkemus and ask him if he would consider partnering with me. When we met, we realized that we wanted the exact same thing. Finally! I could do it the way I wanted to. I really felt honour-bound to live by those ideas and standards.
There are lots of different colours and shapes in the collection. What was the inspiration behind the collection?
In Dubai, we have an opportunity to do what we do not get to do in the States. Luckily, we met a distributor here who is really aware of what consumers want. It was thrilling to hear that she wanted more colour because it is what I have always wanted. The retailer in the States wouldn’t agree because it’s just not as typical, since the weather does not allow it and it’s not part of our culture as much. The Dubai customer also loves satin. In the States, a satin shoe is kept aside for a special occasion but here – you can wear it every day. I am really living out the collection I’ve been wanting so much over here.
You know, during the signing session at Harvey Nichols, Mall of the Emirates – I signed 80 percent coloured shoes and 20 percent black! It was really exciting. Here, we have colours, ornamentation and fabrication choices that we’d never have in the States. It’s a privilege and been very good for us as our first launch outside the U.S. Territory, with the exception of Canada. The bar has been set very high now for other foreign territories which is great.
Do you plan to expand with different product lines apart from shoes?
Well, we have bags now. Bags are hugely successful in the States. We have bags both in Harvey Nichols and Bloomingdales. And yes, we will, but we have to be thoughtful, careful and prudent and not work too quickly. We need to think about how to make a difference and bring to the market what others have not. We do not want to arbitrarily grow because then mistakes are bound to happen. We have every intention to grow but we have to be smart.
Do you have a favourite from the collection?
I never pick a favourite. I love all of them. I always love a pink shoe and sometimes I just love the black. We did the black bobby here and it’s so beautiful.
You are so well known as Carrie from SATC. If you want to tell people who Sarah Jessica Parker is, what would you say?
I don’t know that I could describe myself. Let’s see…I am a complicated person, thoughtful, shy, sensitive and empathetic. I am a reader. I like to stay in a lot, cook and clean. I am a mother, a wife and a friend.
What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy and love reading, the theatre and ballet.
How do you define your style?
I don’t think a lot about that. I am a working mother and some days that is all I am. I could be dressed for days or end in simple, practical ways and then get all dressed up for work or an event. So, I couldn’t really describe myself and style. I am a lot of different things, just like many women. I think we are appropriate on occasions, in appropriate purposely on occasions. We are lazy and sloppy sometimes and choose comfort over anything else. Sometimes, we just decide to be practical and I think it’s actually what your life dictates in some ways. That’s more the truth!
After movies and after launching your own shoe line – what’s next for you?
More movies and more shoes. I will also continue my work with the New York City Ballet and philanthropic efforts.
Are you into arts?
Yes, of course. I work in Arts a huge amount. It’s a big part of my life. I am on the Presidential Committee of Arts & Humanities so we work a lot on bringing art into schools. I go to museums all the time and live in a city that is consumed by arts and culture.
What are the three things every woman should have in 2015?
I really don’t know. What I want and need would be different from other women. I would say…a bra, underwear and a tooth brush?
What are three things you would never wear?
I probably wouldn’t wear a tube top anymore. I can’t really think of anything else because as an actor, I am so accustomed to wearing anything and everything.
Can we expect a third part to SATC?
Not that I know of.
Are you working on any projects now?
There’s a bunch. There’s one in Italy and I am going to do two or three more projects in 2015.
Where do you and your family like to spend your holidays?
I just like to spend it with them, wherever that may be. We don’t really have a specific place.
Interviewed by Lara Mansour Sawaya
