Lifestyle

Cult wedding guest accessories label Loeffler Randall creates prettiest clothing capsule



Jessie Randall started her shoe label back in 2004 because she couldn’t find the exact shoes she wanted to wear. Shoes that were chic and feminine but not overtly over the top sexy.

The accessories brand Loeffler Randall, which she launched with her husband Brian, found success from the off. Bergdorf Goodman stocked them in their first season and Jessie won a CFDA Award early on. “It was really beyond my wildest dreams of what we could achieve,” she tells The Standard.

Since 2011, the brand’s sales have, according to Business of Fashion, grown an average of 27.5 percent per year, and this summer we have noticed Loeffler Randall’s signature knotted mules on the feet of many a well-dressed wedding guest.

Now, Randall has turned her attention to the rest of the outfit, with the launch of a capsule clothing collection.

Jessie Randall

The initial six-piece capsule consists of a skirt, a top and four dresses (jackets and trousers are in the pipeline for future drops), all of which are made in India and come in tiny batches. The idea is for each run to sell out before they release new designs, with signature details remaining consistent across the capsules.

 

This collection feels very summer event appropriate, but eventually Loeffler Randall plan to cater for every wardrobe eventuality. “For example our ruffle hem skirt comes in a dressier fabric for late summer but is coming in denim for fall,” Randall explains.

A standout from the first drop is the marigold cotton puff-sleeve maxi dress with ruffle hem. Currently on a waiting list, the bundle of sunshine has us yearning for an Indian summer.

We caught up with Jessie Randall ahead of the launch to hear more…

(Loeffler Randall)

What made you decide to launch ready-to-wear?

We started this capsule collection with the idea of designing dresses we’d like to wear with our shoes–from our signature Penny heels to our easy Lilla sandals to our tall Goldy boots. That was the inspiration behind this limited capsule of ready-to-wear pieces: a ruffle hem skirt, two dresses, and a top. I loved the idea of starting very small, making an edited selection of pieces in tiny batches that are only available on our site. Realising the full LR look from shoes to bags to jewellery and now clothing is a dream come true.

What was the inspiration for the collection?

We were inspired by femininity and the clothing we want to wear ourselves. We started with the inspo of “what’s the Penny version of a dress?” And it evolved from there.

Which of your styles will you be rocking to weddings this summer?

Well, I’m at a funny age now where I don’t have many weddings on my calendar. But for special events, Camellia in Bermuda Pink is my favourite wow shoe.

You don’t really make stilettos, was it a conscious decision to keep things comfortable?

Yes! And I don’t wear stilettos. It’s not my style. I’ve always preferred things that are a little more low key and easier to wear.

What’s it like working with your husband? Were you both in it together from day one?

It’s not something I recommend to others but it works for us. Yes, we started the company together but he kept working for several years after we started it so we could make it work as we grew the company. In some ways I love working with him because I like being around him and I like being so invested in something together.

Running a global business as a mother-of-three must be full on. When do you get time to yourself to unwind?

Certain things kind of fall by the wayside. My main focuses are my children and my business. The other stuff sometimes sits on the back burner, like exercise, unfortunately! I try to make time for myself. I’m in a writing group, I’m in a book club. I have a personal project I work on and I have one evening a week with my friends.

What are your vices?

My phone, Instagram and Diet Coke.

Jessie Randall

How many pairs of shoes do you own?

I really can’t count. I only wear LR shoes and I usually order a bunch of pairs each season. I have some that I keep in rotation season after season. I love shoes and to have a whole wardrobe of them is really such a dream come true for me.

Do you have a freakishly organised storage system?

No. Actually eight years ago when my son Harry was born we had to convert my closet into a nursery for him so I don’t even have a proper closet. I have shoes everywhere! Behind my desk, under my desk, in my bag, in piles by our door, in my car. Everywhere.

What are your three tips when it comes to buying shoes?

I’m really proud that our shoes are beautifully well made and designed. They are meant to be worn season after season, year after year. They aren’t disposable. Each pair is meant to last and remain relevant. So my first piece of advice would be to buy shoes that are well made and that you will love for a long time.

My second piece of advice is to wear and support brands that really care about what they are making. There is so much stuff out there. We make our shoes in small batches and really put a lot of effort into each pair being something intentional and beautiful. I love to support independent brands when I shop.

My third piece of advice is buy a pair of shoes that gives you an emotional reaction. Shoes have such power to make us happy, to make us feel comfortable in our own skin, to make us feel confident. I love the thrill of putting on an amazing pair of Italian leather boots or our Penny heels that are so special. I feel an actual jolt in my heart when I wear a pair I love. I hope other people get that same feeling from what we do.

What do you predict will be the big shoe trends come autumn?

Tall shaft boots are back and are a really big trend that I love and can’t wait to wear! All different shades of brown are really important this fall. We have boots in the most gorgeous vachetta cuoio color and deep chocolate brown embossed croc. I’m excited to wear them.

What does the future hold for Loeffler Randall? Will you move into men’s or children’s?

We are having so much fun at the moment creating the world of LR. While I don’t see us developing a specific men’s line anytime soon, some men already do wear our shoes and we are offering more inclusive sizing. We did a little collab with J Crew this spring and did kids sandals that way. But we are most excited about exploring new categories. We have lots of exciting projects on the horizon and launching very soon!

Shop the Loeffler Randall clothing collection online here



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