Designer Spotlight: Becki Coakley
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We sat down with Becki of Becki Coakley to chop it up about shoes and style. We were not only enthused with her passion, but we were also inspired. Becki hails from Charleston, SC where her mother was her biggest fashion influence. She launched her collection in May of 2015 after two years of planning and ideation. Becki has always been drawn to shoes and knew since she was in middle school that fashion was her calling; her vision became clear in high school. Her first collection was produced out of Brazil and is now produced out of Italy of course!
The collection is stylish and classic and has been donned by the likes of Sevyn Streeter and editorially featured in Composure Magazine, Head Magazine, and Paradise Magazine. Serving as an introduction to who she is, she designed only heels for well, the well heeled. From strappy sandals to tassel ladened booties Becki Coakley covers the shoe gamut.
With that said, it was only right that FTBUP sat down with this emerging designer - over google hangout - to get the scoop on how she got started and where she's headed. Check it out...
FTBUP: Who inspired you to become a shoe designer?
Becki Coakley: My mom was the ultimate dresser. We would go shopping in Charleston, South Carolina – my hometown – and she would come out of the store with 10 pairs of shoes. She had a great sense of taste and style. Shoes have always been the most important part of an outfit to me, forget the clothes! I start with my shoes and figure the rest of my outfit out from there. I admire classic, timeless brands like Gucci, that you can own and wear forever. Quality vs. quantity is my motto.
FTBUP: What is your design aesthetic?
BC: Timeless and classic with a twist. I am not into trends, but I want something that’s eye-catching and unique. I don’t want to look like every person walking down the street.
FTBUP: Out of your collection, what is your favorite style?
BC: Ooo that’s a hard one, it changes from time to time. I have three favorites.
The Kecia Sandal - its my favorite for running around. You can throw on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and still look chic.
The Angie – named after my mother and designed after the letter A. These are on my favorite simply because my mother was such an inspiration. She inspired not only the design of this shoe, but also the design of my logo.
The Charlene Bootie – great for day to night and can add a little flavor to any outfit.
FTBUP: Who are your style influencers?
BC: My mom of course and Jackie O. She was sophisticated and classy. Lena Horne was simply divine and her sophistication and classiness came with a bit of pizazz.
FTBUP: Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?
BC: My plan is to have a few store fronts nationally, distribution in stores like Barney’s and Neiman Marcus and to begin to get more recognition internationally.
FTBUP: Why shoes?
BC: That’s me. It’s my passion and heart. It’s in me. It’s all I’ve ever known. It’s everything. It’s all I see. Shoes make or break it all for me.
FTBUP: Describe Becki Coakley in three words.
BC: Stylish. Chic. Different.
Becki's next collection will include flats - though she herself is not a flat lover - slip-ons, thongs and color. She's playing with the idea of texture and materials like silk and pleats. And lastly, this collection, like the first will be inspired by architecture, symmetry, the budding colors in Charleston and of course her dear mother.
Shop her collection on www.beckicoakley.com.
