As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, Kim Dingman made her first trip to Miami and I wanted her to write a little something about her visit here. Now reading what she has to say it makes me laugh a bit, because I can only imagine what her whirlwind trip must have been like for her without ever coming here in advance. It’s a little nuts to say the least….especially when it comes to the fashion industry. You have to be prepared for a little more BS, a little less structure and a lot more drinks than in the other major cities. To some that is what makes it fun, to others that is what makes it annoying and they high-tail it to NYC on the next plane. To me, you just have to take things for what they are and learn how to enjoy it. There are great people everywhere and fortunately for me, I have found some great people here in Miami. I hope Kim comes back because I do believe their line will be a big hit once they find their niche!! Kim has a few more fun articles coming to us, so stay tuned to hear more from her!!  

Jen + Kim Shoes visit Miami -For the first time!

Jen + Kim Shoes is a women’s shoe line based out of Los Angeles and we make all of our shoes to our customers preferences.  They pick the style that they like from our collection, and we customize it for them in material preference and fit.  Since we’re based out of LA and hail from NY, we know the fashion climate in both places pretty well. 

But in the back of our minds we always wondered about Miami.  Neon colors, teeny bikinis and long tan legs perfect for a pair of custom shoes is what we envisioned….and in reality, we were not too far off.  

Jen was scheduled to be in NY for a few meetings discussing our venture into the world of bridal shoes so I decided to come and check out the place for myself during Funkshion Fashion Week. I saw some really great shows (KRELwear and Bullets for Peace were my faves) and I participated in the Bass Museum fashion showcase that was presented during cocktail hours before and during the shows on Friday and Saturday.

So while I was there I tried my best to grasp the feeling of Miami fashion.  It was a little hard to feel the vibe because Funkshion Fashion Week is a little like LA Fashion Week in which the venues are all over the city. But did I see what I came for?  Neon colors?  Yup, all over the KREL runway show (make-up and all.)  Teeny bikinis?  Had to go to the beach to make sure, but they were there;)  Long tan legs?  Well we were at fashion week…come on.

As much fun as I had, we’re still searching for the right venue to present our collection in Miami.  We thrive off of women who want something unique to them.  That market is certainly somewhere in Miami, but a cocktail venue brings people looking for drinks…not so much shoes.  I think our market may have been attending the shows at Eden Roc and the Setai.  And maybe they were at the hotel salons/shops where I hear is a hot spot to sell high fashion.  They may be the women who attend the KREL2Go parties.  (That’s what I am hoping as we have plans to team up with their knits in an instant events in the near future.)  I have a feeling that a better venue for Jen + Kim shoes in Miami may be our private custom parties in which women view the collection and create their shoes with us directly. 

What is for certain is that Miami likes to party.  LA has me accustomed to bars and clubs that close at 2am.  I should’ve practiced before I went to Miami…. But the beach was beautiful, the friends that my lovely host Julia introduced me to were amazing and the shows that I loved….I really loved.  I had such a good time that it took me a week + 2 days to write this!

-Kim

www.jenandkimshoes.com