Designer Features

We at Zelda’s absolutely love Bettye Muller! Season after season, her shoes always make us swoon! We were elated to have the opportunity to interview Bettye about her life, design inspiration and favorite things  in this month’s Designer Profile.  Read on and get to know the woman behind the all those fabulous shoes…

“My shoes are like Hitchcock Blondes. Like Kim Novak and Grace Kelly, they have a distinct look that is mysterious and beautiful. Each one tells a story” — Bettye Muller

With a collection of vintage designer shoes that once exceeded 500 pairs, Bettye Muller is what you might call a connoisseur- though, she didn’t always realize footwear was her specialty. Instead, the New York native spent her early years as a competitive ice skater and ice skating instructor, graphic designer, shoe model and soap opera actress before she created her first small collection of shoes while living in London in the 1980s.

When she returned to the States, Bettye designed shoes for labels including L’Emporio, Henri Bendel, Marc Jacobs for Perry Ellis and Linda Allard for Ellen Tracy before taking her professional pursuits to Miami, Florida. She eventually returned home to New York City and in 1998 started her own label with just a handful of styles.

Attracting modern-day blondes from Katie Couric to Cameron Diaz, the artist says that women who wear her pieces must have a great sense of self and a distinct style. “They’re a statement, so the women who wear them must be very confident,” she says.

Our Interview with Bettye Muller!

Zelda’s  asked Bettye to give us an insight into her life and design inspiration….

Z: When reflecting back, which individual (or event) do you feel has had the single most significant impact in the shoe industry and how? Is there someone( or something) who has had a significant impact on your design aesthetic?

BM: One of the first names that comes to mind is Manolo, Manolo Blahnik that is.  He has had the single most staying power of almost anyone in the industry.  And then of course with the success of Sex and the City, he came a household name.  The person who has repeatedly influenced my design aesthetic is Joseph LaRose.  I have numerous pairs of his amazing shoes in my archives and they always inspire me.  I think he was truly one of the greatest shoe designers and not that well known.

Z: Zelda’s is currently carrying the “Sage” and “Tone” styles from your Spring/Summer 2010 collection. Can you share some thoughts on your inspiration  when designing these shoes?

Bettye Muller

Bettye Muller

BM: My inspiration is always to do wearable footwear.  You wear the shoes, they don’t wear you.  And even though my style, Tone is a wood platform, I try to get the right balance of comfort and style.  And one day, it just all comes together.

Z: How much does a changing trend in clothing fashion impact your design style for that upcoming season?

BM: Trends change all the time, almost too quickly.  But I almost always have the same attitude to my shoes.  They are always classic and feminine with little twists of color, clean lines, and a touch of mystery. 

Z: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

BM: Stick to your guns and stick to your creative instinct.

Z: I see that you’ve had experience as a soap opera actress! Tell us more!  What type of character did you play?

BM: Yes, I was on Ryan’s Hope.  It’s no longer on the air.  I was a reporter  doing a story on the opening of Delia’s Crystal Palace.  My name was Betty.  I never really was a big star.  I was what was called a day player or under 5 lines.  I also was in a few Woody Allen movies,  Zelig and Stardust Memories.  That’s how I got my SAG card which believe it or not, I still pay dues on to this day.

Z: Beer, wine or cocktail? Do you have a favorite drink?
BM: Macallan 12 year, neat.

Z: You do a lot of traveling. What items can you not live with out when traveling?

BM: Elemis Marine Cream and all of their products.

Z: What city most inspires you?

BM: I find inspiration in everything, but I really do love Tokyo and London.

Z: What is one single food that you would never give up?

BM: Pizza!

Thanks, Bettye!

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Claudia Ciuti’s shoes have appeared on the pages of Vogue, Bazaar, Elle. They have been seen on the smash hit Ugly Betty and E! Entertainment . She has garnered her share of celebrity fans: Angelina Jolie,  Mena Suvari, Vivica Fox and Ivanka Trump – to name a few.  She is a world renowned shoe designer, but her road to the top began at the tender age of 16 in her father’s small shoe factory in Tuscany . There she learned the importance of meticulous design and craftsmanship – the guiding principles in her line of fashion forward and timeless footwear.

The Claudia Ciuti brand was born in Italy; however, Claudia explains that her inspiration comes from the global events in fashion and the incredible energy that thrives in New York. ” I design for a naturally elegant and modern woman,” she says, “[one] who is not afraid to develop her own personal allure when building her wardrobe and shoe closet.”

Take a look at these beautiful new additions to the Zelda’s collection from Claudia Ciuti…

Claudia Ciuti

Claudia Ciuti

Claudia Ciuti