On The Road Designers

https://www.simonaruskshoes.com. SIMONA RUSK is an independent British luxury footwear brand. Unapologetically feminine and romantic, SIMONA RUSK shoes are designed following the principle that elegance is timeless. Selected to take part in the Flying Solo One’s to Watch FW2020 Couture show at Pier 59 Studios, Simona showcased a collection of heels and boots in sumptuous velvets, rich suedes and luminous brocades. Drawing inspiration from the furnishings and interiors of British National Trust homes, Simona sought to capture the romance and glamour of a bygone era and boldly re-imagine it for the modern, global-minded woman. Hand-made in Italy, the collection included statement fringed thigh-high boots featuring a dragon motif inspired by an antique folding screen. Another standout from the collection was a knee-high boot featuring a Toile du Jouy based on an archive design by the heritage wallpaper printer Cole & Son. Simona also collaborated with UK mills and Maison Henry Bertrand to develop a brocatelle for a cut-out ankle boot. A beautiful cameo adorns many of her shoes. Inspired by her own precious family heirloom, the cameo surround was crafted by a master jeweller in the Arezzo region of Italy.   

Claire Elisabeth is a New York based designer originally from Texas. Everything is created out of the designers Brooklyn apartment, and many designs showcase hand beading or embroidery. Claire Elisabeth is a formal women’s wear brand and everything is custom made. Each garment is designed to make a woman look and feel as confident as she ever has. Natural embroidery and custom hand beading sets these designs apart – it evokes a fantasy, that can become reality. 

Jacqueline was born in El Salvador and came over to the United States at a young age.  As a child she was obsessed with shoes as it was in her words "the most important part of her outfit." Her obsession with shoes gave her the idea and desire to design her own shoes. She then found out that she wasn’t the only ones who loved them. That’s how Per Fidem was born, a woman’s shoe company. Per Fidem is Latin for “through faith” because she believes everything we do we do through faith, faith in ourselves, faith in others, faith in a higher power, etc.  Faith keeps us on our path. She aspires to grow her brand to include a variety of styles and sizes for different customers.  She still has a ways to go but with every passing month she inches forward.  She’s a hard working woman, strong and creative, self taught and always willing to learn more and share her knowledge with others.  At NYFW she was asked to collaborate with a few designers, she appreciated the opportunity and although inexperienced did her best.  Overall everyone was satisfied with the outcome.  

I founded Glow Within Institute, a 501(c)(3) in Silicon Valley in August 2019. My ultimate vision is when the next generation grow up, they want a pair of rose quartz or amethyst earrings instead of diamond earrings and they know how to use crystals in mediation and self healing. As a designer, my highest honor would be one day when the public think of designer crystal jewelry, they can think of Christine Joy. 100% of our crystal jewelry proceeds goes to fund our educational center - the teaching of crystals in meditation and holistic healing. 

Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, Alicia Calero developed a unique and signature style at an early age. Alicia put her creative skills to use; working as a stylist for a large retailer. With dreams of one day launching her own label, this self-taught designer turned her vision into reality with the release of her inaugural collection last fall. Alicia designs sophisticated and aspirational ready-to-wear styles for the modern woman. She hopes to invoke strength and passion in the women who wear them.