Farylrobin Footwear - A Shoe-In for Success

Trying to figure out how to land on your feet in the fast-paced industry of luxury and retail? Wondering how you can indulge the creativity in your sole by pursuing a career in fashion and design? Or, just looking for the perfect pair of shoes to help you put your best foot forward at an upcoming job interview or networking event? Well, then - don't be a heel - read on! To learn more about the luxury and retail industry and to catch a glimpse of the latest in women's footwear for the Fall, I checked out the Farylrobin Footwear Fall launch event on Saturday, September 16th, 2006, at Bloomingdale's SoHo, where I also had the chance to catch up with Faryl Robin Morse, the Founder and Creative Director of Farylrobin.

Upon arrival at the women's shoe department for the launch event, I was immediately struck with the uniqueness and vibrancy of the Dutch-masters-inspired Farylrobin Fall line, which is infused with brilliant colors and distinctive materials that include suede and snakeskin. I intuitively knew that these were not just ordinary shoes. Rather, each shoe has an emphatic personality that comes through in its design --- for example, a functional peep-toe style shoe with a patent leather green heel; a sassy chestnut pump with fine white stitching and a cranberry-colored embellishment; and, a sleek brown boot accented by a hint of orange.

I soon learned that Faryl Robin Morse is just as inspirational and energizing as her company's shoe designs. Wearing a tall black pair of Farylrobin boots for the Bloomingdale's launch event, Morse exuded passion and vivacity when discussing her company, Farylrobin Footwear. Born and raised in Manhattan, Morse is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology and has also studied at Italy's Ars Sutoria, a leading footwear design school at which other footwear icons (including Salvadore Faragamo) have studied. With a resume that includes experience at the US Shoe Corporation, a well-known Canadian footwear company, and BBC International, Morse has worked in every aspect of the shoe business. With a fresh approach, an eye for fashion, and a keen business sense gleaned from her experience as a shoe buyer, designer, and marketing executive, she launched Farylrobin Footwear after recognizing that "nobody was making smart, fun shoes for today's smart, fun women."

Morse describes Farylrobin as "an aspirational brand for the post-college woman who needs a shoe that is functional but not generic." Farylrobin Footwear, which celebrates its fifth business anniversary this year, offers shoes that "can be worn not only to a job interview but also with a pair of jeans," says Morse. The Farylrobin price points, which range from $134 - $242 for the Fall line, are below that of more expensive luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and are therefore more accessible to upwardly-mobile women who are looking to signal sophistication.

Morse's advice to those who want to launch a fashion company of their own or who want to get a foot in the door in luxury and retail? "Be true to yourself and trust your gut." In addition, she warns that aspiring fashion entrepreneurs should "create a business plan, but then double the numbers," as it can be extremely challenging to accurately forecast the costs of starting up a business in the ever-evolving fashion industry. Morse has also learned that one should "always take the high road" in business. "A focus on ethics and a commitment to relationships is extremely important. You should always feel confident that you can run your business on a handshake and that your customers can trust your word."

Thus, with a sound business approach plus innovative shoe designs - and judging from the glaringly positive reaction of customers at the Farylrobin Fall launch event - Morse's young shoe company has only just started along the footpath to success. For more information regarding Farylrobin Footwear, please visit: www.farylrobin.com.