Looking for a pair of bridal shoes that can be worn every day after the wedding? Try on a pair of J. Maskrey jelly shoes by Melissa.
Designed by the woman who popularised skin jewellery body art, these crystal-studded designs work with both formal and casual attire, and everything else in-between. In fact, Maskrey herself carries at least a pair when she travels to suit her avant garde style.
Some of her well-known designs include Ultragirl flat pumps, Night Sky Edition and the Wedding Collection launched two years ago. We speak to Maskrey about her design inspirations and thoughts on bridal wear.
What was on your mind when you designed the Lady Dragon Wedding?
As I was designing this, I thought about a modern bride. When you wear your gown, you want to wear a pair of sparkly statement shoes that peep out from under the dress. So I focused on embellishing only the front of the shoe with crystals and added some at the heel to look like a wedding ring. For ladies who prefer flats or are wearing a shorter dress later on, they can change into the Ultragirl Wedding crystal pumps – great for dancing!
How did you come up with this bridal colour for the shoes?
We experimented with a lot of shades, putting it next to different skin tones and materials. Strangely enough, this milky white-grey hue complements a lot of people. When you wear your white gown, the shoes look even more outstanding.
What is the ideal wedding dress in your opinion?
I really love Bianca Jagger's white skirt-suit when she married Mick Jagger in the 70s. It's so chic and comfortable. I would probably wear a nice fitted suit with a pencil skirt, a simple veil by Philip Treacy and Melissa shoes, which I will definitely customise for sure! Of course, if you think the perfect wedding dress is a big Cinderella-like gown, then that's the one for you. Every bride is different.
What do you think is a common fashion faux pas for bridesmaids?
I think a major one is wearing the same dress. You know, all bridesmaids have different personalities and assets. For example, you have a bridesmaid with a full bosom, and a bridesmaid with a very flat chest. Instead of everyone wearing that same off-shoulder dress, they should be wearing something that makes them feel comfortable and attractive, but in the same colour wheel or material.
Customisation is one your specialties. What do customers usually ask for?
Normally they would say, 'I want something extremely bling.' The strangest thing I've put crystals on would be a walking stick for Lady Gaga after her hip surgery. That took two weeks of intense gluing and I was like, I need to open the window, I'm sure I'm getting a bit high!
Will you be launching another Melissa collection for brides?
Not at the moment, because these wedding shoes are already timeless classics. I think a wedding is more about being traditional rather than following trends and fashion. Things don't need to change too much and it shouldn't date with time. People will only buy wedding pieces because they love it. I'm happy with this until I think of something that is going to be really amazing!
