Flat-out Chic
When stilettos have your dogs barking and ballet flats feel too prim, what's a girl to wear short of a squishy sneaker or bulky boots?
That was the question that led L.A. stylists and sisters Maryam and Marjan Malakpour to design and manufacture a flat, slipper-like leather shoe in 2009 that resembles both an Englishman's slipper and a Japanese spa shoe. Newbark, their made-in-L.A. footwear company, was born.
And this season, the sole sisters are expanding on the low-key shoe model (which also could be percieved as a dressy Tom's slip-on), with new fabrications, including snakeskin and stripe canvas — to be sold on Net-a-Porter and at Maxfield locally.
We caught up with the duo to see just how their mini footwear empire blossomed....
GOLD MINE: A new snakeskin and leather look from Newbark.
Style Section L.A.: What was the original idea behind the shoe?
Maryam Malakpour: Ballerina flats have a certain look, and we don’t always want to look cute. We wanted a shoe with a rock and roll edge. It was Marjan’s idea. She said, 'We should do this because it’s so cool. I’m so sick of not having something to wear on set that's comfortable but looks good.'
Marjan Malakpour: We wanted something that you could slip on and off really easily....and still look cool.
Where did the name come from?
Maryam: From 'My dogs are barking.' We had a hairdresser friend who always said that. Newbark also has an English flavor; we wanted something that sounded like it had been around forever.
When did you know the idea was really taking off?
Maryam: We definitely owe our big launch to Net-a-Porter. I ran into [founder and president] Natalie Massenet in Paris and she came up to me and said 'Hello, I know you.' At that time we had a little collection – 67 pairs of shoes with matching pouches. I was in Paris with shoes but no agenda. So she got very excited, literally the next day we met up and she saw everything. She really supported our concept and loved it."
Marjan: Natalie has given us some amazing advice. Roland Mouret has also been a big supporter. We will call them and ask for advice.
L.A. isn't known for making great-quality shoes — why did you decide to manufacture your footwear here?
Maryam: I think one of the biggest charms is that we can say we’re made in Los Angeles. When we do our sales in Paris, Italians come and they’re surprised, like 'Whoa, you’re making these in L.A.? They're surprised at the quality."
Where do you see the company heading in a few years?
Maryam: I think for sure we will be expanding. We’re working on several pieces that will be part of Newbark – the same sort of chic luxury but comfortale on-the-go things. We’re talking about adding another style – a pair of boots for next fall — and handbags are to come. We should do kids, too. There are just so many things we have to do.
PRETTY PACKAGE: Gold-flecked Newbarks with handy-dandy pouch.