Dana Davis knows all about making dreams a reality.
The designer, who launched her fashion-comfort line in early 2009, has been expanding with new accounts. Her Beverly Hills, Calif.-based company has recently attracted high-profile retailers including Bloomingdale’s in San Francisco and Century City, Calif., which are set to bow the line this spring.
The shoes also have gained celebrity fans. Davis, whose father, the late Marvin Davis, once owned 20th Century Fox, now sees her signature Abigail style on Hollywood stars such as Carrie Ann Inaba, Juliette Lewis and Yvonne Strahovski of “Chuck.” “It’s fun to see someone [famous] wearing my shoes,” she said. “But I also see women in Los Angeles and New York wearing them, especially around Lexington Avenue, where they’re sold at French Sole Comfort.”
The former teacher developed the line to offer women a comfortable alternative to toe-pinching mile-high stilettos. Suffering from diabetes since she was a child, Davis worked alongside her design team and medical advisers to make high-fashion comfort shoes. The $275-to-$395 collection includes everything from daytime flats to evening pumps, all incorporating cushioning, arch supports and removable orthotics.
Here, Davis reveals her idea of true adventure and one thing that she and Oprah Winfrey have in common.
If I had a yacht, I’d sail to… “My idea of true adventure and luxury traveling would be a sailing trip down the Nile River, past the amazing landscapes, with the pyramids of Giza as my final destination.”
Best birthday memory: “My 40th was the best. I had just launched my company and celebrated with 40 close friends and family on a rooftop overlooking downtown Los Angeles.”
Number of Facebook friends: “There are 646 friends on my personal page. Family accounts for about 10.”
Reality show I’d like to be on: “‘The Amazing Race.’ I would love to travel to exotic places with a great partner and flex my competitive muscle.”
Dream duet partner: “Hands down, Kid Rock. He’s super- talented. I love his energy, plus I could half-sing, half-talk and maybe no one would notice my lack of talent.”
I never text while… “Driving. I’m with Oprah on that one.”
If I could turn back time… “I’d repeat the year I taught preschool in Aspen, Colo., fresh out of college. It was not only a rewarding professional experience but I got in some of the best skiing of my life.”
Store I’d like to be locked in overnight: “It’s a toss-up between the Apple store and Harrods — the Food Emporium, please!”
