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Bettye Muller at Perchance Boutique
With a collection of vintage designer shoes that once exceeded 500 pairs, Bettye Muller is what you might call a connoisseur- though, she didn't always realize footwear was her specialty. Instead, the New York native spent her early years as a competitive ice skater and ice skating instructor, graphic designer, shoe model and soap opera actress before she created her first small collection of shoes while living in London in the 1980s. Today, her 60-piece collection is informed by her love of luxurious fabrics as well as experiences living abroad in England and Italy and travels to the Far East, and Central and South America. In styles that range from 50s modern to 20s and earlier, Bettye Muller shoes are vivid, pretty and as colorful as the designer's own eclectic tastes. Inspired by vintage fabrics and intense colors such as Bordeaux, granny apple and tangerine, her collections create a sense of fantasy for women. "My shoes are like Hitchcock Blondes. Like Kim Novak and Grace Kelly, they have a distinct look that is mysterious and beautiful. Each one tells a story," Bettye says with smile. Since they're unique, her shoes aren't for just anyone. Attracting modern-day blondes from Katie Couric to Cameron Diaz, the artist says that women who wear her pieces must have a great sense of self and a distinct style. "They're a statement, so the women who wear them must be very confident," she says. Mirroring the designer's individuality, the beauty of her Italian-made pieces lies in the details: faux fur-lined interiors, vintage brocades and vibrant beaded accents are just a few special touches that distinguish her footwear. "They're original, and I always want to keep them that way," Bettye explains. But no matter where Bettye's design inspiration takes her, some things will remain consistent about her shoes: they will be sophisticated and feminine, stylish and fun- and always unexpected. |
