Australian designer Mary-Kyri Pallaras leapt into footwear design for a very valid, practical reason—“an overdrawn monthly credit card,” she tells WSAToday.com.

Mary-Kyri Pallaras

That, and a love of spindly stilettos. “From the very beginning, stilettos have always been my absolute passion; it seemed to be my destiny to design beautiful footwear.” Her eponymous line of women’s footwear has plenty of stilettos, all of which support knee-high leather boots, ankle booties and pumps. Pallaras is thrilled to be launching stateside this year. “[I am most looking forward to] being able to share my passion with millions of women.” Of her home country’s consumers, she says, “Australians are now becoming more flamboyant in their choice of shoes, similar to American women. Five years ago I do not think my business may have been so successful, as I launched in Australia and back then my designs may have been too expressive, too over-the-top. [But] I believe the world is ready for me now. As they say, everything has its timing.” Timing certainly is everything, and things are certainly looking up for Pallaras. Here’s what she has to say about her latest collection and her picks for the latest trends.

Larra

Tell us about your spring ’09 collection.
My spring ’09 collection reflects chic elegance interacted with old school glamour of the ’50s and ’60s. There will be square, round and pointy open-toe stilettos with such features as chain and ring detailing, glamorous buckles, rouching effects, layered feather-like inserts and soft lines. Metallic two-tone shimmer colored patents, textured two-tone nappa leather and textured two-tone calf leathers will be some of the materials you’ll see, while black, ivory, turquoise and Barbie pink will appear on the color palette.

What are some of the biggest trends in women’s footwear?
Very high heels, or flat shoes—from one extreme to another.

How do you help buyers and retailers?
I always deliver prompt service. If there is a problem, I fix it quickly and I find a solution. I get to know them as a person aside from their boutique(s) or department store(s). This business is built on relationships and I believe it’s all about trust. They are all very supportive.

Sallas

Who is the Mary-Kyri woman?
I love the way a pair of stilettos can change a woman’s demeanor and also her physique. My shoes are made for elegant, sophisticated, passionate and flamboyant women who are not afraid to express their individuality. My designs are not about a woman’s age; they are about the essence of what characterizes a woman.

What is your brand’s niche?
I believe I display a unique creativity while being extremely commercial. Mary-Kyri shoes are wearable from day to day while offering comfort. I perceive my shoes to be quite sensual.

What have been some of your biggest challenges as a designer?
I do not find designing a challenge. I find my challenges are always about running an international business.

Samera

What are the next big trends in women’s footwear?
I think designers are becoming more experimental as time goes on, almost futuristic. Colors seem to be taking the lead more and more. I design based on what I love: some may be classic, others elegant and others highly fashionable, yet all my designs have glamour in common.

Would you ever consider expanding your collection into handbags or other accessories?
Absolutely. I have already begun developing handbags. Once I have established the bags I will also launch hats. I am a hat lover, also.

If you could change something about the industry, what would it be?
That sample sizes are a size nine instead of a size seven. This way, I could keep all of [the samples] for myself—that’s just me being greedy, but what woman is not greedy when it comes to shoes? I would like to build a house just to display my babies.

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