Model Turned Designer Wows a Shoe-Obsessed Crowd

Kudos to Stanley Korshak for landing British shoe designer Tabitha Simmons for its final scheduled personal appearance of 2015 — the result of Simmons meeting Korshak’s own Cindy Pierce in New York recently. Naturally, when asked if PaperCity wanted to be involved in a private luncheon celebrating Simmons, our answer was an immediate yes.

I am, admittedly, a bit obsessed with Simmons — and not just for her collection of footwear, which is altogether whimsical and fierce, classic and exotic. Simmons is a bit of a style icon, a former model turned fashion editor and stylist, then designer. I highly suggest you follow her on Instagram @tabithasimmons. I happen to love the fun little snaps (and gleeful commentary) she will post of her travels, designs and everything in between. Just two weeks ago, before making a hop to the United States, Simmons was in Dubai taking pics from the top of the Burj Khalifa.

But back to Dallas. Monday afternoon, Alyson French invited a gaggle of her girlfriends to come over from Fort Worth for shopping with Simmons and lunch at Korshak. Simmons greeted them all with the quintessential British loveliness she is famous for, sporting a pair of her own glitter heels that remind me of a grown-up version of the sparkly, Oz-worthy Mary Jane’s I had to have when I was a little girl. Simmons’ design is perfect for holiday parties, and with its thick heel is said to be very comfortable. I suggest you call Korshak and order a pair.

Shoe-obsessed bloggers Jane Aldridge and her mom, Judy Aldridge, were there shopping, too. I’m curious as to which pairs the duo went home with.

Simmons has been a bit of a fashion phenomenon since her debut shoe collection launched, in 2009. She has won numerous accolades, including a British Fashion Award and, most recently, the CFDA Accessory Designer of the Year Award. She finds out in a few weeks whether she will win another big title: Simmons was nominated for the British Fashion Award’s Accessory Designer of the Year, alongside Charlotte Olympia and Sophia Webster. Just before her Dallas arrival, I caught up with Simmons about all things shoes and her dedication to English style.

CG: Being born and raised in England, which British traditions inspire your own sense of personal style?

TS: I am inspired by English history, specifically the Victorian era.

CG: Which travel destinations have most inspired your collections?

TS: One of the most inspirational trips I took was to Peru. We even designed a Peruvian print for one collection. But England will always be a source of inspiration to me.

CG: I’m allowed only three pairs of shoes from your collection. Which should I pick?

TS: The Alexa, the Leticia and the Pace — they are classic and timeless.

CG: Why Dallas?

TS: I have never been before and I look forward to experiencing [Texas women’s] sense of fashion.