Teri Edmonds, Owner
If The Shoe Fits, Maui
21 N. Market St, Wailuku, HI 96793
808-249-9710
Website: www.teriedmonds.com
Facebook: If The Shoe Fits
How many years experience in the industry?
12
How did you get your start in the Fashion Design and/or retail industry? When was this? Did you have any formal training?
I opened ITSF in 2001. Created Hot Biskit Hawaii, my shoe lines specific for wide feet. I own the only shoe repair and opened Maui Shoe Academy in 2010. I have had no formal training just designed for necessity, and continue to today.
How did you manage to launch your own fashion line?
It was easy because I had my own store already, so I managed a large database of customers and promoted it best through editorials, such as Maui Time.
What is your philosophy of design?
Comfort and style are absolutely the most important factors. I have found that only infrequently will a customer purchase a shoe that is cute but not comfortable. My Hot Biskit Hawaii brand is one inch wider than the industry average, last for many years, and is extra comfortable for an all day wear.
Where do you draw your style inspiration from?
My most famous sandal, the tall Hot Biskit, was desinged after a CANDIES brand sandal that I sold until the company decided not to make it anymore. I also used the SCOTT slipper concept, combined the two, and came up wtih a comfortable platform sandal that kept the toes from falling off the shoe.
Who is your favorite style icon?
My favorite style Icon is Coco Chanel for pioneering important fashion concepts. My favorite shoe icon is Salvatore Ferragamo because he was creative in using recycled materials and expanded his earning potential by industrializing for the masses, and not just exclusively to famous people.
What are the current trends in your industry?
Wearing tall platforms closed toe pumps that ruin your feet. The shoe industry is behind the times. They make their shoes too narrow and for a limited market. I say, be brave…make me a shoe that is cute and comfortable in a size 14 and you’ll have my respect.
What are your top 5 hot trends for the upcoming Summer and Fall seasons?
The moccasins are on trend right now. The simple, not to hot boot. People even want to make them themselves in my classes. You can never go wrong with a good slippah that is your go-to shoe everyday. Metallics are always nice, they go with everything.
Sandals from If The Shoe Fits
What is your signature style?
The Hot Biskit. Practical, durable, dressy and casual. I am into my 7th season of it.
What is your favorite piece from your collection?
My dark brown mocassins.
What shapes and styles are found in your clothing designs?
Please tell me about the textiles you use in your designs. Any specific fabrics and colors that you love to work with? I love to use the naturally tanned deer hides from upcountry. They are soft, waterproof.
Tell me about how you obtain them and your process.
I use findings (buckles, rhinestones, beads) from vintage shoes and incorporate them into my designs. I also have been using rubber bases from an older batch of sandals that were never worn and were headed for the landfill, cut off the tops, and added new ones.
Do your designs feature upcycled textiles? Tell me about how you obtain them and your process.
Totally upcylcled! I also use all scraps and am careful to measure waste in order to minimize landfill impact. Shoes are very polluting.
Do you ever work with vintage fashions? With vintage are you refashioning those styles? Why work with vintage?
Shoe repair is the all-time vintage upcycling! If you love them, just fix them, spruce them, dye them, add heels or shorten heels. Go for it!
What clothing/accessory lines do you carry in your store?
Touch ups, Italian Shoemakers, La Plume, Sanuk, Danner and Hot Biskit Hawaii
If we took a peek in your closet, what would we see? What is your ‘can’t live without’ item?
This is the best question and funny for me! I have about 10 pairs of old Hot Biskit sandals and I just can’t live without them…I have repaired them, re-rhinestoned them, take them to the beach, etc. Lots and lots of Biskits!!! Just like my customers, they will tell you how long they have tried to extend the life of them!
What is the staple clothing item or accessory every woman on Maui be sure to have?
A sparkly sandal in neutral tones.
Tell me your top 5 styling tips.
Natural hair and makeup, for all-time ease, coral lip gloss for easy after-beach spruce up, A small heel to lengthen the leg.
Biggest fashion no-nos?
Cutting off your pinky toes to fit rediculously high heels (actually done in this day and age)!
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