Deborah Baker, a British born shoe designer and owner of Fiorentini + Baker shares some ‘secrets’ with Haute Living. Baker has three stores internationally dedicated to her unique and widely acclaimed designs with celebrity clientele like Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Aniston, and Victoria Beckham. The original location in Bologna, Italy launched in 2003; followed by the store in London in 2009. Her newest store on Mercer Street in Soho is the brand’s first store outside of Europe. The brand has been sold through Barneys for several years, however the opening of the U.S. location is bringing the whole line to the states.
Deborah was able to take some time out of launching her newest location to answer a few Haute questions.
Haute Living: How did you start designing boots, etc?
Deborah Baker: I developed a mild obsession with shoes from an early age! I attended Cordwainers College and then the London College of Fashion alongside Emma Hope and Patrick Cox, but it was in Italy where I honed my skills. After freelancing for various companies, I set up my own label – in 2001 Fiorentini + Baker created its very first collection.
HL: Which celeb do you hope to “boot”?
DB: I’m very flattered by the many young “stars” who love and wear Fiorentini + Baker, but I would love to dress my favorite rock n roll icons such as Debbie Harry, David Bowie, Keith Richards and Marianne Faithfull. They’ve been a continuous inspiration throughout my life and career so it would be an honor to create something for them.
HL: What styles will we see for spring in the stores?
DB: The collections are more eclectic through spring/summer, we are showing a lot of colorful, wearable wedges with a real nostalgic feel to them as well as heeled sandals, but our staple styles are ever present.
HL: Any plans of opening more stores?
DB: Yes–We are considering other cities in the U.S. as well as Europe.
Check out Deboarh Baker’s favorite haute spots in New York at Haute Secrets.
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