Style Life Fashion had the opportunity to speak with Artist turned Fashion Designer, Mark Schwartz.   During his interview, Mark discussed how his career started in the fashion industry, his greatest accomplishment as a designer, and the future for the High Heeled Art Collection.   Because Mark is originally an artist by trade, he also describes how art and fashion closely relates.

1.  How did your career begin and what inspired you to start a fashion collection?

I started out as an assistant designer to Roger Vivier.  Vivier introduced me to Andy Warhol. Warhol took a liking to my shoe designs and paintings and he pushed me to do what I am doing today.

2.  When you think of art as it relates to fashion, what does this mean to you?

Art to Fashion , they are the same thing. Art is in every aspect of our being , in buildings, in the way we speak, in every aspect of design . It means to me that you can be inspired by a movement or a glance and go back and make a great statement in a painting.

3.  What are some of your greatest accomplishments as a designer?

Some of my greatest accomplishments as a designer is working and designing for Oprah, Katie Couric, Sharon Stone and so many others .

4.  In terms of fashion, what are some of your favorite boutiques and websites?

As far as stores go, I grew up in New York City. I love Barney’s and Bergdorf’s.

5.  In your opinion, what do you believe makes a quality article of clothing?

A quality article of clothing is something that  looks like the time was put into it. The workmanship is so important .

6.  What do you like best about designing clothes?

I love the cut of clothing and how it transforms onto a womans body from sketch to finished product.

7.  How would you define the style that your line exemplifies?

My style is fun with a twist.

8.  What’s in the future for the High Heeled Art Collection?

High Heeled Art collection will  continue with original paintings , more clothing, bags, plates and other accessories.

About the Designer:

Mark Schwartz, an internationally-collected watercolor artist who creates dramatic and colorful paintings of high-heeled shoes, is now launching a fashion collection of women’s top and handbags featuring images of his art. His High-Heeled Art collection will make it’s debut at the Pool Trade Show in Las Vegas which takes place on August 20-22, 2012.

Schwartz began his career working as the assistant to top shoe designer Roger Vivier, and he subsequently designed shoes for Christian LaCroix, Gucci, Bergdorf Goodman and other high-end brands.  Many celebrity clients, including Oprah Winfrey and poker star Beth Shak have commissioned custom designs from him.

In the early years, Vivier asked his friend Andy Warhol to mentor MarkSchwartz and help him develop his style. They worked together for almost three years. Schwartz cites Warhol as a major influence on his art, and the person who encourage him to paint shoes as the theme of his body of work.

Mark Schwartz has a flowing, whimsical style that captures the feminine movement and grace of a stunning pair of stilettos, in a colorful sweep of abstract geometric shapes. His designs have elevated this everyday accessory into an iconic art form. Collectors all over the world own his original paintings, proudly hanging them in homes and offices.

Now these works of art are available on women’s long and short-sleeved T’s, handbags and totes for fashionistas  and art lovers everywhere to own and enjoy. The High Heeled Art line includes about a dozen designs each of the fashion tops and bags. Mark Schwartz will be appearing personally at the Pool Trade Show to present this exciting collection.

Future releases are planned, including merchandise for the home and dinnerware, as High Heeled Art expands it’s brand and provides beautiful, artistic images designed for fashionable living.

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