Nicole Schoefisch-Rebstock, Managing Director and Designer of REB Footwear.
Nicole Schoefisch-Rebstock launched her namesake brand REB Footwear in July 2016 with a business and law degree and a love of elegant footwear. Her simple but chic shoes are as comfortable as they are beautiful and although she is only just getting started we predict big things ahead for this young entrepreneur and her beautiful footwear brand.
We caught up with Nicole to find out more about her latest collection, what inspires her and what she can’t live without.
Tell us about your collection?
The latest collection is very much true to the brand – it captures elegance but also a bit of practicality. I often think having a simple shoe, with classic lines, but in a striking colour is what works best with outfits. Where the shoe is not over engineered, it just looks effortless and timeless and really just pulls the outfit together.
I’m also really intent on the fact that women don’t have to be wearing sky high heels to look elegant and feel beautiful. Of course there are higher heels in there for those who love a good heel, but most of the styles can take women from day to night in comfort and suit a wide range of occasions. All REBs also have a generously cushioned insole for added comfort. I think the need to find practicality in fashion is growing and if you are going to spend all day in a pair of shoes then they had better be comfortable! There is also nothing worse then spending big money on a pair of shoes you can only wear once or that only go with one outfit.
What made you become a designer?
I studied a double degree in Law and Business and after several years decided I didn’t want to follow the status quo. I knew I loved business and I wanted to get into the footwear industry because I wanted to get behind a product I genuinely love and I absolutely love a beautiful pair of shoes. However, to be completely honest, while I am a designer, I would consider myself more of an entrepreneur. Creating a brand is a far bigger task than simply designing shoes. Of course design is highly important and I thoroughly enjoy every aspect of design and bringing my designs to life, but developing a successful brand really requires you to focus on all aspects of the business you are running and at present I perform all functions in the business. It is incredibly busy but I love it and that is what matters.
What inspires you?
To be completely honest, I don’t have specific things that inspire me. I’ll often be walking down the street and something will just hit me and then I get carried away with it. I think the trick is just being open to your surroundings and finding the beauty in the little things in life.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your brand?
I love to look classy but like I mean business and I think my brand really portrays this look.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
My Jimmy Choo’s!
What wardrobe item should every woman invest in?
A good pair of shoes of course!
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
Absolutely not. If I don’t feel like dressing up then I don’t. I think women should be happy in their own skin and comfortable with their own unique fashion choices. We all have different moods everyday and I think our fashion choices often reflect those moods.
What had been the highlight of your career so far?
My career has only just started! However, two things really stand out. Firstly, having the opportunity to work with my manufacturer. They have so much expertise and have really helped me shape my brand. I think getting them on board with my brand was huge step for me.
The second highlight was meeting my stockist Amber Whitecliffe. Seeing how she built her brand, the way she operates as a businesswoman and having her advice and ever-positive attitude in my life is incredibly inspiring. We have really aligned our brands and I think big things will come from our collaboration. There is nothing two women and a can-do attitude can’t achieve!
What can’t you live without?
My best friend! She keeps me sane, or maybe she is just as crazy as me! Either way, life is always better when you’re laughing and I can always count on her for that as well as good advice and support.
Images supplied.