When did your Love Affair with shoes begin?

My love affair began as a little girl, around 5 or 6, when I got my first pair of Kmart jellies. I was so excited about the Jellies because of all the colors they came in and all the colors I was able to get! My first pair was purple with sparkles, with a little peep toe!  I wore them all the time and remember that pair specifically.  My love affair even goes to sneakers! I can’t get enough of them either!

What encompasses a well made shoe?

This may sound corny, but I would have to say it first starts with an idea, a moment of inspiration (no matter the designer or company).

To get technical, in my opinion, a sturdy heel with good height embodies a well made shoe. Good height to me is 4 inches or more, but that’s not for everybody I know, lol.  A well made shoe has some type of extra support, whether it’s a cushion sole, a platform on the outside of the shoe or a built in platform.  Platforms really help with comfort. Depending on what the shoe is made of, leathers and fabrics are essential to the shoes overall attractiveness.

From your point of view, what are some characteristics a shoe must have to be considered “To Die For”?

Colors, a nice heel, and platform! A platform gives the shoe more character…it’s very sexy.  Bright colors, textures, and contrast make the shoe unique and standout among most others.  The little “extras” that can play towards a person’s personality, like where a bow, spike, strap, or trinket is placed, color usage, and any other small details can make a shoe “To Die For.”

How much time and detail does it take to create a Custom Made Ms Mary Mac™. Shoe?

It typically takes 3-5 hours to create a pair of shoes. I don’t draw anything out. I just go off what the client tells me they want as far as their custom shoe or what comes off the top of my head when just creating shoes for fun.

A custom pair can take a little more than 3-5 hours, it just depends on the client and how detailed they are in what they are wanting. There are times when a client wants a custom shoe and they just tell me the colors that want and I do the rest, but there are also times when clients are very detailed in what they want and having to go out to find the materials to create the shoe can take a little bit longer.

When it comes to shoe trends, what would you advise a potential client as well as the public on how to incorporate the trend into a wardrobe or look?

When it comes to the shoe, I always say let the shoe do the work. Over the years shoe have become like playing dress up with your feet.  If you have a unique shoe, go with simpler outfit. Don’t over saturate any trend! Trends should be kept to a minimum since they are for the most part temporary. Trends do not provide longevity for your wardrobe!

How does a Ms Mary Mac™. Shoe stand out among other brands?

I think the fact that 90% of the time I work with a lot of colors, and different prints makes my shoes stand out. Often times designers have certain seasons where they work with colors and print, but I do it all the time. My signature is buttons and bows, so this is another way they stand out. I also allow my fellow shoe lovers to design their own pair of shoes if that’s what they would like to do.

If you could, what celebrity would you design a Custom Ms Mary Mac™  Shoe for and what would be some of the shoes features?

I would love to do a shoe for Katy Perry! She is my BEST friend in my head (as Wendy Williams would say). It would definitely have to have some sparkle to it, a platform, and I would probably incorporate 3 or more colors in it. That would be a dream come true!

For the future, Branching out? What do you see Ms Mary Mac™ adding to the line?

Boots and Sneakers!!

Visit Ms Mary Mac Shoes at www.MsMaryMac.com
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