FitFlop founder Marcia Kilgore is an eternal optimist.
And no wonder: She has moved successfully from beauty guru to shoe entrepreneur in a very short time. After selling her remaining equity in Bliss Spa in 2004, Kilgore relocated to London and founded beauty line Soap & Glory. She followed that with FitFlop in 2007.
What began with just a $50 sandal is now a brand available in more than 44 countries. The latest style — a colorful clog called Happy Gogh — has just landed at New York retailer Kirna Zabête. And FitFlop is expanding its collection with several new styles for fall ’10.
But the Saskatchewan-born businesswoman’s life is not all work. The mother of two boys opens up to Footwear News about how she likes to spend her free time.
Best way to fly: “British Airways, if I’m trying to be nationalistic. Right now, with ash clouds and cabin crews, they can use all the help they can get.”
On my walls at home: “Slim Aarons, for the color and the fantastical nature of it all. Irving Penn, because of his mastery of still life. And David Montgomery, because I love rock ’n’ roll.”
Best TV series: “I’m still trying to find time to watch seasons 5 through 7 of ‘The West Wing.’ They’re still wrapped in cellophane, but I do aspire.”
My shade of nail polish: Essie’s “Macks” (at left) or “Leave It to Diva”
What do you enjoy doing most with your boys: “Giggling.”
Favorite runway designer: “Yohji Yamamoto, by a runway and a half.”
Favorite brands (apart from your own): Apple (at left), Comme des Garçons and Charvet
Best London haunt: “Hyde Park for weekend walks and catch-ups with friends, and as a great place to let my kids run free!”
Summer vacation destination: “Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where we have a farm. It’s great weather, food and history. And in the summer, the sky is bluer than blue.”
Must-have summertime drink: “The red wine of the region.”
