Exclusive iStylista interview with Shoe Designer, Jerome C. Rousseau

I wanted to find out about the man behind the creations……..

Sarah-Jane Gardiner (SJG) - Your shoes look like they are made with love, the shape is immaculate and the designs are unique so where did your love for footwear come from?

Jerome C. Rousseau (JCR) - Thank you for your nice comments. I fell in love with footwear as a young teenager in Quebec. At the time there was a band called Deee-Lite, and they had vibrant videos. The band members were wearing colourful and distinctive shoes and I got hooked there.

S-JG - You worked alongside Matthew Williamson, Isabella Fiore, John Richmond and John Rocha did you find them inspiring?

JCR - Yes of course. It was a great chance to work with them, especially as I was quite young and it allowed me to learn quickly.

S-JG - Where did you start your career, could you tell us a bit more about your background, and what made you become a footwear designer?

JCR - I started drawing these shoes in high school during art classes. Drawing shoes became something I wanted to do all the time, and after researching the history of shoes it evolved into a strong passion. I ended up moving to London to study at Cordwainers College, which turned out to be the start of a brilliant journey for me.

S-JG - You were born in Québec. What was it like moving to London?

JCR - It was very exciting. Some of my best friends today are people I met on my first day in London. I fell in love with the city, with the people, the music scene, the nightlife, the galleries and the museums. It has been a smooth transition, again I was young and I was absorbing all the different influences coming towards me. My first few years in London have shaped the designer I have become today.

S-JG - Is there another area you would like to break in to?

JCR - I have an equal passion for mens footwear, which is what I’d like to do next. I am really interested in adding categories as the label grows, and I have a keen interest for all accessories areas. The label is still young, so for the moment the focus is to continue with a strong women’s collection.

S-JG - If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?

JCR - I’ve recently done a collaboration with Peter Pilotto for their London Fashion Week show, which was great. I’d be happy to repeat this collaboration at some point. Other designers I’d like to collaborate with are Roland Mouret and Alexis Mabille. Outside the fashion circle, I’m rather obsessed with two young actresses at the moment, Roxane Mesquida and Bojana Novakovic. And finally, I’m currently working on another fantastic film collaboration, it’s too early to talk about it but I’ve rarely been this excited!

S-JG - Sounds exciting!! What has been the highlight of your career so far?

JCR - Launching my collection has been the most rewarding experience. Sharing my design vision with great retailers and customers has been exciting. The strong press the collections have received is also wonderful, as is seeing my designs on famous feet. It’s hard to choose!

S-JG - Who is your favourite footwear designer?

JCR - Andre Perugia. He has created some of the most beautiful styles in the history of footwear, and his designs continue to influence shoes today.

S-JG - If you were not a footwear designer what would you be doing?

JCR - Oh! I would be going out dancing late every night of the week.

S-JG - Do you still get nervous when you bring out a new collection?

JCR - I don’t think nervous is the right word, but I definitely am very emotional about my work and there’s always a worry that a new collection’s influences and direction might not be well received. As a designer I try to evolve the line every season. When I’m happy with the collection and that the samples look strong, I tend to get a lot calmer. But showing a new collection for the first time definitely makes me agitated!

S-JG - So I have to ask about The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, staring Heath Ledger, Johnny Depp, Lily Cole. and giant versions of your stiletto line on the ocean floor. How did that feel seeing Johnny Depp dance around your designs?

JCR - The Parnassus collaboration was fantastic. I am a huge Terry Gilliam fan so it was most special to me to have my designs featured in such a unique set-up. The entire film is beautiful and the visuals are breath taking, but I must admit seeing the shoe scene for the first time on the big screen was magical for me.

S-JG - Tell us about your next collection, and what your influences are?

JCR - AW2010 is tougher and harder than my previous collection. I was inspired by the late 70’s, from Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood, and also by the disco era. Women were sexy with a certain nonchalance, it’s really effortless and it appealed to me. I also looked at films like Metropolis, Tron and Queen of Atlantis, which brought a more architectural, graphic approach to the silhouettes in the collection. The key colours are grey, red, dark blue and nude. Materials are either very clean and matt, or distressed and textured.

S-JG - What has been your favourite piece of footwear from any of your collections?

JCR - Probably style “Antinea” from the new collection. Inspired by Tron and Metropolis, but with a 70’s disco influence in there also. It’s fun and serious at once.

S-JG - When you started your own line, what was the most difficult part of getting your designs out into the industry?

JCR - To be honest getting the designs out was not too difficult. The hardest part is getting the collection started, from finding a reliable factory and suppliers to setting up a structure etc.

S-JG - Which shoe do you think no girl should be without?

JCR - A fantastic and outrageous pair of heels that capture her imagination and make her feel special, on a good or bad day.

S-JG - What’s the one thing you couldn’t be without?

JCR - Just one? My ipod.

S-JG - How does it feel to have your designs sold worldwide, and what is your favourite city?

JCR- It’s great to have my collection all over the place, it’s rewarding to share a work that I’m passionate about with shoe lovers in many countries. My favourite city is Los Angeles at the moment. It has so much untapped potential but it’s really coming together and I think it’s a city where great things will happen this decade. It’s exciting to be in a place where emerging talents are coming together and building something unique. I wouldn’t say it’s the city that inspires me the most yet, but it is my favourite city right this minute, probably because I’m sitting outside answering these questions and the sky is blue and the sun is bright and it’s March!

S-JG - Very jealous!!! Who is your style icon?

JCR - It changes often, but I would have to go with 60’s icons such as Brigitte Bardot, Nico and even France Gall, or the most beautiful Elli from 80’s French new wave act Elli et Jacno.

S-JG - I know a lot of celebrities’ such as Katie Holmes and Charlize Theron (along with many others) wear your designs, so who else would you love to see in a pair of your shoes?

JCR - Cyndi Lauper.

S-JG - What do you think are the pros and cons of being a footwear designer?

JCR - I can only think of pros, I’m fortunate to be doing what I love and I don’t take it for granted.

S-JG - How would you describe your design style?

JCR - The detailing is in the cut and silhouette, as well as a studied colour and material palette. The shoes are designed to look perfect on a woman's foot, the lines elongate the leg, the heels are sensual and strong, but they also have an edge and a point of view. I like this fine line between elegance and edge, and my shoes walk that line beautifully.

S-JG - What was the first thing you ever designed?

JCR - I have to say it was probably shoes!

S-JG - Do you have any advice or tips for any one wanting to follow in your footsteps?

JCR - Find a clear direction and stay focused. Work hard and enjoy what you do, it would be an awful job if your passion is not in this field.

S-JG - Thank you Jerome.