In Conversation With Malone Souliers

CURRENTLY THE NAME ON THE L IPS OF ANY SELF -RESPECTING STYLE AFICIONADO, THE LONDON BORN SHOE BRAND HAS RISEN TO CULT-STATUS IN LESS THAN FOUR YEARS, QUICKLY GARNERING THE ATTENTION OF THE FASHION EL ITE WITH IMPECCABLY CHIC AND COMFORTABLE SHOES. EMIRATES WOMAN TALKS TO THE CREATIVE PAIR ON THEIR RECENT SHOE STARDOM

- Jade Chilton

The sun, the beach and the blue sea is glorious to wake up to,” exclaims Mary Alice Malone, the creative director and founder of Malone Souliers. Lounging on the capacious sofa in the hotel suite overlooking the Burj Al Arab, her velvet slipper-clad feet are the first thing we see when we walk into the room.

Sitting next to her is her co-founder, managing director and best friend, Roy Lulwolt. The duo – who are in Dubai with luxury online retailer The Modist – open up to Emirates Woman about why they believe their shoes have become so popular in the region, how comfort is the core component to the brand and Malone’s love for the “bold and unapologetic” style of women in the Middle East.

How did you end up in the field of shoes?

MALONE: I don’t have an incredibly logical explanation for that. I’ve always been intrigued by humans and women and why we do what we do and I love making things – so shoes are kind of the juxtaposition of the two of them.

Do you remember the first pair of shoes you designed and why?

MALONE: Yes, absolutely – Savannah, the open-toe lace-up booties. It wasn’t corsets specifically but foundational garments and how they work in shaping the body.

Why do you think Malone Souliers’ shoes has achieved instant cult-status?

MALONE: I’m going to let you answer that [turns to Roy]. I’m too much in the centre of the storm to answer that.

LULWOLT: Because she makes good shoes.

Do you think it has anything to do with the woman who wears them?

MALONE: The shoes are meant to enhance whoever is wearing them. They are meant to become you. Hopefully it is a very personal experience wearing them.