So I’m at home nursing a sad eye infection (story of my life), but not after having a pretty eventful day yesterday, starting with a preview of Zendaya’s new shoe line, Daya, and ending with cocktail party celebrating Bally’s collaboration with J.Cole!
So, yes! You read that correctly. Zendaya has teamed up with her longtime stylist Law Roach to create a line of chic, affordable heels! Pierre and I popped by their showroom to take a look at what we can expect come Spring 2016, and ask a few questions about the collection.
Why Shoes? Zendaya says, “The obsession is real! And Law is the reason for that. We’re both obsessed with shoes. I’ve built my own shoe collection. And it’s the perfect baby step into the fashion industry. Not in front of, but behind the scenes.”
Law added, “No matter how old you are, no matter what size you are, shoes are always a way to make a woman feel good. We just want to see girls happy. We want girls to get something they can afford and they can love. People always say, ‘It’s affordable, but the quality is [not so good].’ We always wanted to make sure that we focused on both and have a great aesthetic but also have something that is comfortable, affordable, and is gonna last.”
Zendaya expounded, “I don’t want girls to feel like they’re getting the knock off or getting the look for less. They’re getting the look. It just doesn’t cost as much.” Law said, “We wanted to create something that wasn’t a knock, but was still affordable.”
So what’s the price point? Zendaya says, “$125-$175. Price is so important. I’m not making a shoe that’s anything more than $200. I don’t even want to touch $200. $200 is as crazy as I want to get!” Law offered, “We wanted to give something tangible to everybody that’s been so supportive and shown us so much love. That’s why the price point is so important. Because everyone can’t buy a $1,000 shoe!” I know that’s right!
Aside from shoe design, what’s next for lady Z? She says, “Music is such a thing for me. I’m 18 years old and I started doing music at 16. I’ve learned so much about myself as an artist and as a person. There are so many more things for me to explore. I’ve become so much stronger in my personal vision. There’s noone that can tell me what to do at this point, especially when it comes to my music. I’m not gonna settle and I’m not gonna say it’s ok. You have to do what you believe, and you have to be confident in your vision. This time around there’s no exceptions. Everything’s gotta be dope. Everything’s gotta be amazing. Everything has to be exactly as I want it to be.” Tell em!
Afterwards Zendaya headed to her next appointment. She looked flaw free in a Solace London Divine jumpsuit in black:
Hot!
As for me, I sashayed downtown for a cocktail party celebrating Bally’s latest collection with J. Cole.
The historic house joined forces with the lyrical powerhouse to create an exclusive pair of hiking boots and a backpack, earmarked for the ‘Urban Explorer.’
Party attendees were treated to a short film about the collab, titled Off the Grid. Shot in Jamaica, it documents Cole disconnecting from technology and connecting with his surroundings.
I grabbed a picture with J. Cole, who admitted that he wasn’t very active on Social Media. He’s been putting loads of energy into new music. Can’t wait to hear!
And before ending the night, I also grabbed a pic with designer Rachel Roy. She was wearing pants of her design and a ruffled off shoulder shirt by Moda Zeta. Random, but you can see Joy Bryant in the background (just noticed that).
As for me, I went for ease in a Haider Ackermann Myrisiticin top and Frame Denim flared jeans.
My hairstylist is out of town until the 10th and I’ve been splashing around in the ocean. So I wore a Borsalino hat.
I plan to get very creative with head gear all this weekend, provided my eye clears up!
At any rate, learn more about the Bally x J. Cole collab at ShopBally.com.
Stay tuned to this space for updates on Zendaya’s shoe line. Also follow the brand on Instagram @SoleofDaya.
What do you think?
Images: Karl Pierre
