Loeffler Randall designer Jessie Randall gave what has to be the most moving fashion world acceptance speech we’ve ever seen when receiving her CFDA Swarvoski Award for Accessory Design back in June.
“Wow, I think I’m very hormonal right now,” the diminutive blonde sobbed at the podium while rubbing her pregnant belly as tears streamed down her cheeks. “But it just means so much to me to be up here with my little twins inside me.”
Fast forward seven months, and her little twins, Casper and Liam, have gone from conception to reality, as has the limited-edition Loeffler Randall shoe and handbag collection Jessie - a Katayone Adeli/Banana Republic alum - and her business partner husband, Brian Murphy, have just unveiled at Target stores nationwide. Priced from $20 to $50, the Target collection is quite a bit cheaper than Loeffler Randall’s signature wares, which run in the $400 - $700 range (they also added a few ready-to-wear pieces in fall 2007, three years after debuting their accessories collection).
The Fashion Informer chatted with the FIT/Parsons-educated Massachusetts native on the eve of her Tar-jay debut.
So, Jessie...
What is your favorite time of day?
My favorite time of day is the early evening when I get home from work and get to play with my twins, read them stories and kiss and hug them a million times.
Tell me about your pet(s).
My Chihuahua, Romeo, is such a personality. He is a golden retriever in a 7 lb. body - not Chihuahua-like at all. He has such a proud, happy bounce in his step walking down the street. On Court Street near where I live they call him "The King of Court Street."
Why accessories for you?
My first love has always been shoes so we started Loeffler Randall with them.
What did you have for breakfast this morning?
Nothing.
Who do you think is the most underrated designer, living or dead?
All the moms and grandmothers out there who have been knitting and quilting and making beautiful crafts and clothing for their children for generations.
What is the best holiday gift you've ever gotten, and what made it so special?
Brian had a jewelry designer make a necklace for me that says "La Biondina" - the nickname my factory in Italy calls me. It means "the little blonde girl."
What's the best gift you've ever given?
We got my mom a trip to St. Barth's for Christmas last year. She is always there for a pep talk, with sound advice and a hug when I need it. It was nice to be able to give her something extravagant.
Brunch: pro or con?
Con.
Have you made any resolutions for 2008?
Less Diet Coke!
What's your favorite book of all time?
My favorite book is a children's book called 'The Country Bunny and The Little Gold Shoes' by Du Bose Heyward. It's about dreaming big things for yourself.
What's your best New Year's Eve memory?
Standing outside in the snow talking on the phone to Brian at midnight our first New Year's when we weren't in the same city.
What never fails to make you cry?
Too many things to count.
When are you happiest?
Right now in my life.
Stay tuned next week for Random Questions For...Nina Garcia.
Loeffler Randall for Target can be found in stores now.
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