Interview with Krystal and Marilyn Lavoie
The designers and siblings behind Angela Mitchell — Krystal and Marilyn Lavoie — previewed their Fall/Winter 2018 shoe collection during NYFW at Industria.
The space was transformed to feel like a part of Morocco, the inspiration behind the FW ’18 collection. Complete with two floor-to-ceiling projectors playing calming sounds and soothing images of deserts and sand, the collection was pedestaled around red dirt resembling the roads leading to Marrakesh.
The collection showcased shoes for every occasion; from pumps to strappy evening, fierce asymmetrical ankle boots to glittering knee-high boots. For men, the same applied; mixed textures such as distressed leather paired with sleek reds and tuxedo-styled shoes with gold outline accents. The collection was held in part to benefit Care Morocco.
The collection showcased shoes for every occasion
According to its website, Care Morocco’s objective is threefold. First, they hope to increase access to basic civil services, such as education, transportation, and healthcare. Second, they hope to promote income-generating activities and services. Third, they seek to develop assistance for the most vulnerable individuals.
Well-designed shoes that benefit a great cause? Count me in.
Angela Mitchell NYFW FW ’18
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Q: What is it like working together as sisters?
It’s the best you can get because we balance each other out and we joined forces together and we created beautiful things. We got along very well growing up. We are business partners and best friends.
Q: You collection was inspired by Morocco. What specifically about Morocco was so inspiring?
The landscapes, desert, mountains, sky, sunsets, and natural colors! We also designed the collection from the dangerous route, Tizi n’Tichka, and the whole collection was inspired by that journey.
Q: I understand that proceeds from two styles of shoes go towards a charity in Morocco, is that correct?
Yes, all proceeds from the shoe Tizi, and the shoe Tichka, go to Care Morocco. It’s important to us because we were inspired by their culture.
Q: What do you want men and women who wear your shoes to feel?
We want our consumers to feel chic and sophisticated. The new Tishka FW18 collection embodies empowerment, confidence, and comfort.
Q: All of your shoes have a Swarovski crystal on the back – is there a legal reason behind that?
First, it is to honor our mother whose birth name was Krystal Angela Mitchell, but she had to give up the name once she was adopted as a child and unable to revert, unfortunately. Since then, my sister and I named the brand after our mother and trademarked the eponymous brand for keepsake purposes.
Q: Why shoes?
[Krystal has] a background in orthotics and prosthetics, as well fashion and it’s something we both wanted to be passionate about all our lives and shoes fit! Plus, they “make” your outfit!
Q: What is fashion to you?
Fashion is an art. We are creating experiences that we’ve built together as sisters and watching our dreams come to fruition, is everything we could’ve ever dreamt of and more.
Fashion speaks to everyone, everywhere. To us, it’s the perfect blend of art and culture.
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With love,
FWO
