In the bridal world, we all remember her as a leading bridal designer and a celebrity on the U.S. television show, “Say Yes to the Dress”. After court battles with her former employer, a well-known New York based bridal fashion house, she is unable to use her real name or continue designing wedding dresses. But that hasn’t destroyed her unique creativity nor has it stopped her from achieving her dreams…
Bridal Times had to honor to catch up with CHEVAL to tell us what she is up to now, and more about the launch of her sparkling new CHEVAL shoe collection.
After designing wedding dresses for so many years, how did you decide that designing shoes was going to be your next big step?
For me, finding joy means finding ways to make women feel beautiful, special, and strong. While I spent a great deal of my life, education, and industry experience nurturing one category of design, an updated court ruling in July of 2022 made it very clear that I had to find a new trade and a new way to express myself creatively. Women’s shoes is a fashion category that was not only legally safe for me to practice publicly under a new name, but also an area I felt a real connection to the development process from illustrating and pattern making to embellishing and mold building. What inspired me on a sentimental level is the fact that shoes, as a product, can help you manifest the way you carry yourself. A real “walk the talk” kind of product. I quickly grew excited about developing my aesthetic language in this industry, and even better, I loved the fact that I could potentially reach even more women in this space.
Many have followed you on your journey to becoming CHEVAL. What has it been like for you when fans and followers return to buy your shoes?
Of all things that came from my former career, I am most proud of the empowering relationships and memories I made with so many women, brides, and bridal stores. The public support I’ve received has been my saving grace and greatest source of inspiration in starting a new chapter in the women’s shoe space. I see it as a privilege to be able to grieve part of my journey, yet I also feel a loving accountability in moving on. There is a special form of gratitude I have for people that felt the residual stress of my lawsuit, yet still showed up to support me and encourage me to find a new way to create.
When it comes to designing shoes, where do you get your inspiration from? Who do you have in mind when designing your shoes?
The inspiration for this collection came from holding onto who you are, especially when life gets complicated and gritty. I found a comforting sense of nostalgia in the shoe making process; exploring the tiniest of details and sentimental moments that make you feel most connected to your imagination. From childhood treasures and unbreakable bonds to familiar pop-culture references and song lyrics that transport you to a whismy wonderland: there is a lot of sentimental messaging to unearth. I want this first collection to feel like an exciting treasure hunt that puts a little pep in your step, reminds you to walk (or fly) your own path, and encourages you to leave an optimistic trail for someone else to be inspired.
Tell us about your latest collection?
“What’s in a name…” was the question I wanted to answer in 2022. In coming up with a new name for myself, I wanted to make sure my very first shoe collection had a strong sense of self and personality. Naming each style based on the artistic inspiration and expression of that style has to be one of my favorite personification rituals. From style names like “Le Tigre Dynamite” and “1980 Year of the Lady” to unique colorways like “Teen Witch” and “Space Fairy”, I have only just begun my big book of creative story telling.
In terms of texture, I am particularly proud of the resin technique we used to preserve real life hydrangeas in the acrylic heels of styles, “COURT ME” and “DID MY HEART LOVE TIL NOW”; a homage to the magic of self-preservation.
Can you tell us about a personal favorite shoe?
I will always identify as a lover of “high heels”, but one of my rogue favorites is, “Blame It on the Boogie” sneaker with the stylized platform and rhinestone Velcro. For me, this style embodies a “get up and glow” attitude; it makes me want to bounce and bedazzle my way through life…. especially when circumstances try to pull me down.
And it’s not only shoes that you are working on?
As cliched as it sounds, I believe that when one door closes, you go open new ones. Launching shoes has given me the confidence to navigate new creative mediums, but I’ve quickly realized that time and specialized focus is paramount in a career pivot. Not all skills transfer so easily and there is a whole lot for me to learn in this space. I feel it’s important to be patient with yourself and know that so much of putting yourself out there is about persistence not perfection.
I’ve also relied on feedback from my community in what they want to see from me. Shoes were the top priority … quickly followed by hats; which is such a guilty pleasure of mine. Both of these product categories are challenging in their own right, so I am going to spend some quality time in these categories before finding the next step.
Do you imagine we will get to see another stunning dress designed by you?
I have always wanted to be a wedding dress designer and that dream is very much still intact. I might be restricted in how I can identify at the moment, but I am very proud to pick up the titles of business woman and creative director under SHE IS CHEVAL.
For those who are overseas, can we also purchase shoes and hats from the CHEVAL website?
We offer international shipping! While there are some limitations, we are very new and very eager to reach more women around the world.
Looking back at the last challenging year’s, what would you say you are most proud of?
I am most proud of my relationships. Love, loyalty, and support have become life’s greatest treasures for me.
For further information on CHEVAL and her shoe collection, visit SHE IS CHEVAL