For the past two weeks we have been working on creating Open Runway’s new concept video. A few days ago, we finally finished and uploaded it to our Youtube Channel! Andrea described the video to her friend as “my life’s work,” and even though it only took us a couple weeks to create it, it is one of our proudest accomplishments! We hope you like it as much as we do!

Open Runway Concept Video

Andrea’s Experience: When I started the project I was familiar with iMovie thanks to an overzealous Egyptology professor who liked to incorporate media into his curriculum by having us make movies about everything from the Sphinx to the typology of pre-dynastic pottery. But now that we’re done I can say with confidence that I am an expert! Kailai and I created scenes and animations that I didn’t know were even possible. When Monika, Open Runway’s founder and CEO, requested we have words flying in one at a time over an image, I was tempted to say, “Impossible! Lower your expectations lady, I’m not a professional film editor!” Instead I sucked it up and tried to discover a way to accomplish the task. Ok, I may have complained about not knowing how to do it, but I still figured it out! With a combination of Kailai’s supreme Photoshop skills, some PowerPoint innovation, and an application called Camtasia that allows you to record your computer screen, we created our masterpiece! So if you are looking to make an expert promotional video using only the resources found on your computer, take some advice from me. The help tab is your best friend! Without it I would never have known there is a green screen effect in iMovie or that you can group objects in PowerPoint in order to make them animate at the same time.

Kailai’s Experience: Working with Andrea on the concept video was really fun. In the beginning I was worried that I would not be able to contribute much to this project as I’m a total rookie on video editing but my powerpoint and photoshop skills combined with Andrea’s iMovie expertise proved to be a great combination. In my humble opinion, the video looks awesome! I am really amazed how different the final video looks from our first version. After we came up with the first draft video, we spent hours discussing and getting feedback from the entire Open Runway team to make sure that we were conveying the right message concisely and effectively. We are basically using the same storyboard for the video as what we first developed at the very beginning of this project. However, after two weeks of polishing and MANY versions later, the video looks much more professional.

As we were resource constrained we found a way to create the video just using using Powerpoint, Photoshop and Camtasia to fake the effects of professional video editing software. We think we did a great job of fooling people’s eyes. Well, at least my friends’ eyes.

Good luck in all your movie making endeavors and don’t forget to check out our masterpiece!

Do you love shoes as much as we do?

Tell us about your favorite pair for a chance to win $100!

Today we’re excited to share with you an interview we did with local fashion designer Kristina Kozak. While Kristina’s preparing her Spring/Summer 2011 collection, she took a quick timeout to answer a few questions. So check out the interview and some of Kristina’s design’s, we promise you’ll fall in love with these heels!

First things first, how and when did you get into the wonderful world of shoe design?

Momma's Old Disco Platforms

“Well, I’ve been interested in shoes since I can remember and I had always dreamt of designing my own but I never knew it was actually possible.  It wasn’t until I worked at Louis Boston, where I was exposed to beautiful, almost art-like footwear and clothing, that I knew I had to find a way to design and make my own.  I found a class in New York City so every weekend I would travel to take classes with Emily Putterman.  She taught me everything there is to know.  Originally it was just for fun, but after I made my first pair I knew it was what I wanted to do.  That was in 2004 and I’ve been designing ever since.”

Having your own shoe line in this day and age is pretty impressive, how did you go about accomplishing that?

Lucky Stripe Pump

“Thank you…  It’s been quite an interesting and enlightening journey!  I didn’t follow the traditional route of going to fashion school and/or interning for a designer so I knew I really had to be resourceful.  I did as much research as possible and then contacted everyone I could think of in the Boston area and tried to set up a meeting with them.  I picked their brain and soaked up as much advice and knowledge as I could.  I volunteered my time, worked for free, attended shoe shows and events where I learned and also networked.  Those contacts combined with endless research and determination helped get me to where I am today.”

Your shoes are very bold and anything but ordinary, where do you get your inspiration from when designing them?

“My mom says I can find beauty in a pile of junk… so I guess that’s a big part of how I see things and it becomes reflected in my designs.

In a nutshell, I find inspiration from everything!  Walking around the city, people watching, pieces of artwork, architecture, nature, old films and music never fail to provoke great design ideas.  I know it sounds a bit cliché, but I truly believe beauty can be found in all that surrounds us.  There is so much wonder in the world if you just open your eyes and allow yourself to see it.”

Red Python Sandal

We agree, the world is a beautiful place. You mentioned you were working on Spring/Summer 2011 collection what can we expect to see?

“For Spring/Summer 2011 you’ll find my signature fun, quirky designs. The collection will feature a mix of high heels, kitten heels, and ballet flats in a variety of bold black and white patterns, neutral tones and bronze metallics, crystal and grommet embellishments, bow ties, and beautiful textured python leathers.”

Now that you’re working on your Spring/Summer 2011 collection what’s a typical day like for you?

Cravatta a Farfalla

“I wish there was such a thing as a “typical” day! But no such luck.  The responsibilities for each day vary so every day is always different and brings it’s own challenges and opportunities along with it.  Since it’s a small company I’m in charge of everything from designing to marketing to selling to shipping to contacting stores and replying to customers.”

Wow, it sounds like you’ve got your hands full. Out of all the shoes you have designed do you have a pair that is your favorite or a pair that is your ‘Sistine Chapel’ so to speak?

Gold Minx 4" Heels

“This is a hard question to answer because all of my shoes are so different from one another.  Plus they are like children.  I love them all!  But if I had to pick it would be the Gold Minx – 4” metallic gold Mary Janes decorated with mink tails on the back strap and a silk magenta ribbon closure.  They were the first pair I ever made.  After making them I realized that I had to follow my dream of designing shoes.”

Your shoes are absolutely adorable where can we find them?

“You can find my entire collection on my website (http://www.kristinakozak.com).  Around the end of April 2011 they will be available at selected small boutiques such as Stel’s on Newbury Street in Boston and Surfaces in Marblehead, MA.”

Is there anything else you would like to add?

“Thank you so much for including me on your Open Runway Blog!  It’s been wonderful to discuss my upcoming Spring/Summer collection.  If anyone has any other questions or wants more information about my shoes you can contact me at kkozak@kristinakozak.com.”

Remember The Cobblettes we recently did a blog about? Well they are taking their shoemaking expertise on the road to Atlanta (well Athens). The 2 day Beginner Shoemaking Workshop will take place October 30th and 31st in Athens, Georgia.

This is a really unique opportunity to learn how to make a pair of custom shoes from NYC’s own shoemaking guru Emily Putterman-Handler. If you have any interest in shoemaking, this workshop is highly recommended.

Listen to what Rhae, a former student of Emily’s, had to say about her experience in the class:

“I am a shoenista, but it can be hard to find shoes that fit. After taking Emily’s class I’ve learned to make my own custom shoes. I love making unique designer quality shoes with my own hands.”

There’s only a limited number of spots and registration closes 7 days before the seminar so you better sign up soon. For more information on the workshop and to reserve a spot head over to The Cobblette’s website.

Recently  the Open Runway team went on the road for our first formal fit testing for our upcoming collection of DYO (design your own) shoes. The 200 women over at Communispace,  a community-driven marketing agency in Watertown, MA,  invited us to commandeer their cafeteria for the day and set up shop.

The event (aka The Great Shoe Try-On), took place to make sure that the shoes fit to true-to-size. Although we will be offering a full guarantee on all orders, we want to do everything possible to make sure customers are wowed in every way when they open the box of shoes that they created and that includes making sure the fit is right.

The response was outstanding; we couldn’t even unload the sample shoes before the ladies were all over them.  Like sharks with blood in the water these women were ready to attack when they saw the hot new Open Runway styles!  In fact, they spent so much time trying on shoes that productivity at Communispace actually dipped (sorry Commispace!).

Ladies of all shapes and sizes were in a shoe trying frenzy. Even the ones who didn’t have the right shoe size were trying to squeeze into the heels. We had lots of varieties to choose from including stilettos and wedges with leopard print, fishskin – all design options that shoppers can choose when designing their shoes using Open Runway’s online design studio. Our lime green wedges were definitely a crowd favorite “I’m a sucker for a nice pair of wedges, and these are so comfortable” said Charlotte Birkner, a Communispace team member.

While we were there to test the fit of the shoes, we also wanted to get some feedback on the Open Runway concept. Charlotte said “The ability to design your own shoes is great for someone like me. I have trouble finding cute shoes in my size, so the idea of being able to design your own sounds fantastic. It’s also perfect for those times when you have the perfect dress but can’t find the perfect pair of shoes to match.”

The event at Communispace reinforced that women love to express their personal sense of style. “I express myself through fashion. What I have on and how I present myself is very important to me,” said Lindsay Hutton, another Communispace team member. “That is why I really like the fact that I’ll be able to design my own shoes.”

The feedback we received was great, so thanks again to all you ladies at Communispace for taking time out of your day. Open Runway is going to be doing some more demos and focus groups. Interested in participating? Send us an email!

A guest blog post by Personal Wardrobe Stylist, Mahjuba

Revamp your black pump to a Platform pump

Fall 2010 brings us a luxe color palette on Footwear. Many designers are using muted colors of black, gray, dark blue, light purple and beige.  Exquisite trimmings on Footwear are the highlights of this season. We are seeing details such as lace up, feathers, fur trim, leopard and zebra prints.

There are 3 particular trends that I am insanely mad about.  These trends can instantly update your wardrobe essentials and help you stand out.  The first being a Flat over the knee boot. This is a great look for walking around town shopping on a casual day.  For a more fashion forward look, choose a high boot with fur trim. Last but not least, revamp your black pump to a Platform pump.

Some of the other styles seen on the runway for fall are extreme height, corrugated soles, booties, and leather and metal finishing’s.

Zebra prints are hot on the runway

Soon you will be able to design your own shoe on Open Runway. Go for trims and textures that represent your style. Choose a style that will bring your wardrobe to the next level. The best part of designing your own shoe is the individuality and thought you have put into your design. When building a shoe wardrobe I start with the classics. I then will add pieces that are right on trend and current. Building a shoe wardrobe is essential and takes time. At times choosing a fabulous stand out shoe is just as fun as choosing a fabulous piece of jewelry. It goes hand and hand.

Make the most of designing your own shoe and most of all have fun doing it.

Learn more about Personal Wardrobe and Fashion Stylist Mahjuba

Open Runway is all about putting the creative power into your hands so that’s why we’re very excited to tell you about The Cobblettes, a shoemaking workshop that does just that.

Emily Putterman-Handler, known as the Shoemaking Guru of NYC and Kimberly Ayoung, an attorney by day and a burgeoning shoe designer by night are the dynamic duo behind The Cobblettes.  As The Cobblettes, Emily and Kim will be teaching intensive two-day beginner shoemaking workshops, starting this month in NYC. From there Emily and Kim plan on taking the workshop on the road across the US including Washington DC, Chicago, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.

Snake skin mule designed by 1 of Emily's students

The workshop is for aspiring shoe designers who want to learn the art of designing and cobbling shoes from scratch without the financial burden of enrolling into a fashion institute. In the workshops, students will learn how to create a mule by hand. They can choose the type and color of fabric and adorn them with buttons, ribbons, buckles and more. “Your imagination is your only limitation,” Emily says.

Adorn your own accessories!

Emily Putterman is an award winning shoe designer and shoemaker who has been teaching shoemaking classes for over 20 years at the Fashion Institute of Technology and the Pratt Institute. Her students, who come from diverse professions such as magazine editors, physicians, fashion design students and hedge fund managers, have gone on to work for well known designers including Kenneth Cole, Steve Madden and Coach and some such as Kristina Kozak and Andrew Chesler have started their own lines.

The classes are for both serious designers and people looking to start designing. One obvious advantage of the class is that students will be able to walk away at the end of the workshop in a pair of handcrafted shoes they created themselves, but the far greater benefit is the craft of shoemaking each student will leave with.  The techniques taught in the workshop do not require any special machinery which means students can continue to hone their craft and make shoes at home even after the class.

Shoes Designed by students of Emily's

Open Runway is excited to be giving graduates of The Cobblettes workshop the opportunity to promote and sell their creations.  As part of the workshop, students will be invited to submit their designs to Open Runway’s ongoing, open call design contests. Winning designs will actually get put into production and sold on Open Runway’s website.  “The chance for a student to have their designs manufactured and actually sold is a dream come true to many,” says Kim.  With an emphasis on promoting emerging designers, Open Runway will provide the platform to make that dream a reality.

Visit The Cobblettes, to sign up for a workshop:

http://www.shoemakingclasses.com/

We’ve let department stores and apparel companies dictate what was fashionable for too long. Now its time for you fashionistas to decide for yourself what’s in style. At Open Runway we’re all about democratizing fashion by empowering shoppers to co-create their own style and giving designers a community to showcase and sell their designs.

Open Runway is a fashion 2.0 retailer changing the way women shop via a social commerce experience. Open Runway connects shoppers to emerging designers through crowdsourced design contests, and empowers shoppers to customize and purchase their own made-to-order fashion using our interactive design studio. We’re starting with shoes but we’re not stopping there. Soon you’ll be able to co-create all sorts of fashion items including handbags, apparel and more.

Designers – are you looking to get your designs in front of shoppers? Submit a design to one of our ongoing design contests and promote yourself by sharing your creations on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, everywhere! Get your friends to vote for your design on OpenRunway.com.   If your design is chosen by the Open Runway community and team, we’ll put it into production, co-brand it with your name, and sell it around the world.You’ll be awarded a cash prize and have your profile featured on OpenRunway.com.

Fashionistas – Didn’t go to fashion school? Can’t sketch? Not to worry! Not only will you be able to discover up and coming designers and vote on your favorite designs by participating in our design contests, but you too can have the opportunity to “play designer” by using our interactive design studio to design your own dream shoes and express your personal style. Choose from a wide assortment of styles and then make them your own by choosing your material, heel, trim and more. We’ll make your shoes to order and deliver them to your doorstep in just a few weeks. While you wait for your dream shoes to arrive, you can share your creations with Open Runway’s community of fashionistas and critique and comment on each others designs. Our idea is to build a vast vibrant community where shoppers and designers can interact with one another and define the brand.

We have a lot of exciting things in store for all you designers and fashionistas out there. Open Runway is getting ready to launch real soon so check back or join our newsletter at www.openrunway.com to stay up to date.