tastemakers

Jessie Randall Hates Men in Skinny Jeans

So many heels, such little time.Photo: Melissa Hom

After winning a CFDA last year for her killer shoes and bags, Jessie Randall did what anyone would do: She had twin baby boys. Following that magical feat, she came out with Target collaboration that won a lot of people’s hearts (and wallets), including ours. So what’s next for the queen of flats? Womenswear, obviously. Find out who her favorite shoe designer is, where she shops, and more.

You made the move recently from shoes to a RTW collection. How did that go?
It’s been really great. I always start the collection with the shoe designs, and the clothing follows that (because of the way the calendar works). So by the time I get to the clothing, I am a bit more relaxed and it’s a lot of fun for me to design. Plus, with clothing, the sky’s the limit — there aren’t any restrictions really.

Are you planning on showing during Fashion Week?
We show the collection to buyers and press at our offices and showroom in Soho. Eventually, when the time is right, a runway presentation is something I would like to do.

Did life change after winning the CFDA award?
Yes — especially because I gave birth to twin boys two weeks later!

You’re kind of going at things backward — accessories first, then clothes. Do you think it helps to be established in shoes and bags already before
branching out?

I don’t know if this strategy is for everyone, but for us it was the right one. I started with shoes because they’re my first love but always with the knowledge that eventually the line would include clothing.

We think she’s adorable, too.Photo: Melissa Hom


Your clothes are feminine but with simple cuts, much like your accessories. Is this the aesthetic you hope to keep even with the changing trends?
I want to design the kind of clothing I want to have in my closet – clean yet interesting, current yet wearable season after season.

Other than you, who is your favorite shoe designer?
My favorite vintage line is something called Stuart Weitzman for Mr. Seymour — really great eighties stuff. For current shoes, I am a big fan of Miu Miu. For bumming around I am constantly in a pair of Vans.

Everyone loved my Loeffler Randall bag from Target. What was the feedback on your Target line in general?
I was very pleased with the way the Target collection turned out. And it was very exciting for everyone I know to be able to purchase the product at such an affordable price, including my 93-year-old grandfather who bought out his entire local Target in Florida to give as gifts!

Flats or heels?
Lately, shockingly, I have been wearing a lot of heels for a change. But I am a flats girl through and through.

What’s up next?
The plan is to catch my breath for a week or two. My husband and I have been going at breakneck speed for the past four years. That said, our next big goal is a retail store in New York. Once we find the right space, that is going to be the next project.

What was the first designer item you bought?
Not sure of the first, but most memorable was the pair of Stella McCartney plastic and Lucite heels I wore for my wedding.

What accessory do you have your eye on right now?
I want belts with everything.

What trends do you personally love for the season?
I like the more masculine look, dressing like your boyfriend (or husband).

What trends do you wish would go away?
Skinny jeans on men.

Where do you shop?
I spend all my free time and money buying little baby-boy clothes. My favorite places to shop for them: Pomme in Dumbo, Sweet William in Williamsburg, the Melting Pot and Acorn in Boerum Hill, Makie in Soho.

What designers do you love?
Miuccia Prada (especially her Miu Miu line), Vanessa Bruno, Alber Elbaz for Lanvin.

What designers and labels do you actually wear the most?
APC, Miu Miu, American Apparel.

What staple item should every man or woman have in his or her closet?
Women: white undershirts. Men: wacky socks

What can’t you live without?
My babies and a great boot that goes with everything. —Amina Akhtar

Jessie Randall Hates Men in Skinny Jeans