Maryon’s Shoes is one of the country’s iconic shoe emporiums. Elizabeth Clarke speaks with the boutique’s Claire Campbell about his and hers fashion tips and traps and the makings of a great shoe style
Ask any shoe aficionado where she buys her shoes and she will tell you Maryon’s. Four decades after Maryon Claire Campbell founded her eponymous Brisbane boutique, her daughter Claire continues the family tradition of dressing the city’s most stylish women. Stocking her four stores with coveted labels including Givenchy, Celine and Robert Clergerie, Maryon’s remains The Holy Grail of Shoes.
What fail-safe piece should the corporate woman own?
First and foremost, a beautiful slimline pump that is high enough to make you feel empowered and feminine but well built enough to be comfortable, so your focus remains on the job at hand – not on your shoes. A beautiful neutral handbag (not necessarily black) with functional compartments will save you from wasting time foraging for your keys and also, the “Mighty Purse” (a gorgeous leather pouch with a built-in phone charger), because there is nothing chic about bending down, talking into a phone while it is plugged into the wall!
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
His shoes, of course… then his hands.
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is…
The fit of footwear is so important. I believe there is no excuse for shoes that don’t fit the wearer properly. As women, we need to look after our feet, and this is where our staff prove to be invaluable. Most have worked for us for many years and have a great knowledge and passion for finding the right style and fit for different clients while maintaining their personal style and preferences.
Who is the Maryon’s woman?
The Maryon’s woman is stylish, confident and assured; such that she will risk the eclectic. She appreciates beautiful quality and loves to collect timeless pieces, as well as rock a little of what is hot right now.
Your favourite womenswear trend is…
That is a tough one because I love what is happening in fashion right now. So much so, that I feel overwhelmed with wardrobe excitement but perhaps a little cash poor. The contrast between masculine and feminine is something that is very on trend but also a look I feel comfortable with. I just purchased an oversized basketball style tee made of fine lace by Givenchy, and there are so many different places you can take it. That contrast of, say, a man-style lace-up shoe with a body conscious skirt or a sexy pump worn with slouchy denim just does it for me – it is very modern. Another notable mention must be the return of the lightweight scarf. It can give the plainest outfit that certain zhuzh. I personally love the characters of Givenchy – the madonna, angels or Bambi – and also the utterly amazing artwork of Azumi and David, an up-and-coming London-based label I sourced for our new concept store, Maryon’s “philosophy”.
When planning a work wardrobe, what is the most important rule?
Organisation! Call me a broken record, but a well-organised handbag can do so much for your headspace; I guarantee your day will run more smoothly, and you’ll be mentally less chaotic – so use those compartments, ladies. Also, if you organise your work wardrobe well, it can be relatively small as long as you invest in key pieces and look after them; give them the love and attention they deserve. I travel between my office, meetings and all of our stores daily, so I always take two pairs of shoes with me so I can look the part according to where I am at the time.
What is the most abhorrent shoe faux pas?
Poorly fitted shoes – full stop. Although the serial offender of open shoes with a verandah at the back give me chills down my spine.
What shoes should every woman own?
This is down to the individual, 100 per cent. I have brands and styles that are essential for me but not necessarily for you or every client, although I do know that every woman would benefit from wearing shoes that they’re comfortable in, that they love and feel express their own personal style.
The most important style rule a man should follow?
First of all, if you make an effort, don’t feel emasculated – every female will appreciate it. There is no doubt that a beautifully cut suit is very important, and from there, it is all about the shoes. They need to be polished and never worn down at the heel. I live in Queensland, so gee, get out the popcorn, we could be here a while. Listen up, men – a little, just a little bit of effort goes a long way.
