There’s something for everybody in the “Le Marais” district of Paris, which is filled with everything from flamboyant transvestites to traditional rabbis. There was even something for Catherine Chen and Haley Boyd, who took inspiration from the Parisian region to found their shoe company, Marais USA, with the same philosophy. Since visiting the area for a summer together, the duo has designed simple, versatile, and classic shoes that are actually affordable. Learn what else inspires Catherine and Haley in their 10 ANSWERS below.
1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Catherine: Classic, feminine, edited.
2. Who is your creative role model?
Catherine: Diana Vreeland.
3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
Catherine: Cook more!
4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
Catherine: Very predictable, but Paris because it brings back so many great memories.
5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
Catherine: I think I would be a good athletic coach because I am very competitive and I like to exercise.
6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
Haley: Hand-dipped beeswax candles.
7. What is your favorite object in your home?
Haley: I’m saving up for a Barcelona Chair. Until that happens, it’s a big bucket of fresh eucalyptus from the farmer’s market that I keep in my entry. The smell is so refreshing, I can’t live without it.
8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Haley: Don’t be afraid to admit the things you are not good at, and to delegate that work to other people.
9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
Haley: Jak & Jil, Selectism, Style.com, The Selby, Turned Out, Hanneli, Scout Holiday, Lonny Mag, Backyard Bill, Fashion Gone Rogue, and many MANY more.
10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
Haley: When Catherine and I have designed a pair of shoes that we are both excited about wearing day in and day out, we usually have a winner.
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