The Interview —

Jessie Loeffler Randall, Founder and Creative Director of Loeffler Randall

I founded Loeffler Randall with my husband, Brian, a little over 15 years ago now. We met working in advertising, but I have always had a deep love of fashion and decided to go back to school to study design shortly after we met. The process of crafting and making things is something that I love—it’s what inspired me to change course at the time and what still inspires us to this day as we design our collections. I’ve also always had a passion for shoes, so after a few years designing handbags for other brands, Brian and I decided to take the leap and start a label together. We were very lucky to sell to Bergdorf Goodman our first season. Now, years later, we are so pleased with the brand’s success. I love designing the things I want to have in my own wardrobe each season.

It’s not always easy, but we’ve found a balance that works for us. One important thing is not to talk about work outside of work! Brian is an entrepreneur and more naturally optimistic than I am. I’m generally more rational and risk-averse. I think our differences are what makes the partnership work. Brian is able to be tougher than I am in a lot of situations, but in times when he’s less strong, I’m able to step up and make hard decisions. We’re good at dividing and conquering. I always say that without Brian, I’d be hand-making shoes in my kitchen—he’s the one who has the big business drive and mindset, and I’m the one that helps to make the product special.

I find inspiration everywhere! I especially love to travel, and this year, I visited Oaxaca and Marrakech to get inspired. I like to work on craft projects, and I spend time writing to be creative in a way that’s outside of my job.

Every day is different, depending on the calendar. Mostly I am working with my team, making decisions, choosing raw materials, and thinking of new ideas. I like to try to get out of the office when I can to visit an exhibit or get out in the sunshine for a bit. Sometimes the best ideas happen outside of the office for me.

At the moment, I would say our Penny pleated family. It’s such a signature style for us. There are over 400 pleats on each pair. This design speaks to a lot of the signatures of our brand, from the attention to craftsmanship to the distinctive and feminine detailing, the comfort, versatility, and wearability of the shoes. 

I once got to meet Roz Chast, and she wore my shoes, and that was pretty amazing because I’m a big fan. Sophie Turner from Game of Thrones wore our shoes to her wedding this summer, so that was a pretty big deal too! But I feel the most pride when someone I know and whose style I admire wears our products. I was just on vacation in Jamaica, and so many women were wearing LR designs, and I loved seeing that.

I don’t know. I always have a ton of LR pairs in rotation.

Lately, I’m carrying our ruffle nylon tote in leopard. It’s a great bag to schlep stuff around in. At the moment, a weird thing I have in my bag is the thank you notes my kids wrote for their Christmas gifts that I need to mail.

I love Purl in Soho and Clic Gallery, too. Both are such inspiring places. In Brooklyn, I’m a big homebody and love my local restaurants Couleur Café and Fonda. For shopping, I love Bird, and I recently discovered a home store in Greenpoint that’s so great called Home of the Brave.

Stay tuned—we have lots of exciting news this year!