What if we told you you could change young women's lives by buying shoes? It's true: Designer Marc Fisher has launched a luxe new shoe line—Marc Fisher LTD—with a #MAKEYOURMARC social initiative designed to affect real change. And he chose the inimitable Karlie Kloss as its star, not because her perfectly-toned gams look killer in his boots, but because she's the perfect brand ambassador (if you haven't gotten the memo, her program Kode with Karlie gives scholarships to female high school students so they can learn HTML).
The brand will give $20 from each purchase of the Netty ($259), Tammy ($160) and Yale ($179) styles—all chosen by Karlie herself and all available in various colors—to her program, and for every photo or post on Instagram tagged with #MAKEYOURMARC, $1 will also be donated. (Told you we weren't lying.) In addition, you can head to the label's site to nominate yourself or others doing great things in order receive grants and have your story appear on the site. We caught up with Fisher to get the scoop on the campaign and why he decided giving back was an important part of his launch.
Marie Claire: What is your hope for the #MAKEYOURMARC campaign?
Marc Fisher: I want to inspire, encourage, recognize and help fund the activity of real-life role models who do extraordinary work. It's the moniker under which I hope to define my legacy.
MC: What did you have in mind when you designed the Netty, Tammy, and Yale styles?
MF: They're fall staples: Every woman needs a go-to pump, ankle bootie, and tall boot in her closet. These three styles are effortless and what I call "casual-luxe."
MC: As someone who grew up in the fashion world, why do you think it's important for designers to give back in their own way?
MF: We have a built-in audience and creating shoes that address women's needs and aspirations while contributing to their life in a more meaningful way has always been my goal. For designers to be able to use a single voice to impact many is very powerful.
MC: Why did you choose Karlie and her charity, and how does she speak to the Marc Fisher girl?
MF: After spending time with Karlie, I understood she was using her voice to advocate change and inspire girls and women to develop their own strong voices. That is something I've personally always encouraged in my daughters. Karlie and I also both love shoes, and my LTD collection is clean, effortless and understated, just like her style.
Shop these cool new styles hand-picked by Karlie at marcfisherfootwear.com. If you can't get enough, take an exclusive sneak peek at one of the Marc Fisher LTD Spring 2016 styles below.
