Tennis Star Maria Sharapova Talks to StyleList About Designing for Cole Haan and Her Passion for Fashion
Filed under: News
In the ad, Maria Sharapova models the Air Sarofina boot and small hobo bag, both from "Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan." To unveil the collection, she carries a black frame convertible clutch from the line. Photo: Andrew H. Walker, Getty Images
"Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan" is a well-edited collection of handbags and footwear, which serves up stylish hobos and chic clutches, as well as shoes featuring Nike Air technology. To put it in tennis terms: "Love!"
The line is available online now at Colehaan.com and will hit Cole Haan stores and select online boutiques this fall. Best of all, it's reasonably priced at $248 - $428 for handbags and $138 - $328 for footwear.
Sharapova is set to officially unveil her debut collection for the legendary brand at tonight's launch party (6 pm ET) at Cole Haan's Rockefeller Center, NYC store.
Between courts and clutches, Sharapova made time to chat with StyleList about what inspired the collection and her favorite fashion designer of all time.
StyleList: How was it taking on the role of designer?
Maria Sharapova: Designing has been a great new component of my life. I'm known as a tennis player, but collaborating with Cole Haan is an opportunity that I am excited to embrace. I love the creative process, from the initial sketches to seeing the final product.
The "Maria Small Triple Zip" satchel in plumeria nylon (left) and Air Milano Tall boot in black (right) both from "Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan." Photos: Colehaan.com
SL: What inspired you when it came to designing for the collaboration?
MS: I was inspired by my own lifestyle, and those of other young women. We lead busy lives, and need versatile chic pieces that go from day to night. With so much travel and a busy schedule, being able to pack a few essentials that are both functional and stylish is key.
SL: There are both heels and flats in your collection. When you're off the court, which do you prefer?
MS: Depends! For daytime, I love the ballet flats and over-the-knee boots from my collection. The ballet flats can be paired with pretty much anything I'm already wearing. For night, I definitely like to wear heels and dress up a little more.
SL: Have you always been a fan of fashion?
MS: Yes, I have always been interested in fashion and enjoy attending the [fashion] shows.
SL: Who are your favorite designers?
MS: I really admire the creativity and vision of many designers, but Marc Jacobs is my favorite.
For details on another tennis star hitting the style scene, click here.
zjmloving06 8-29-2009 @ 9:21PM
Life is so cool !!! a good place for us Seeking for the stimulation-
-----W e a lt h yl o vi ng -C 0 M ----i think u would like it,,,trust me u may find something make u excited.now join free
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les stockwell 8-29-2009 @ 10:17PM
maria would look good in ANYTHING!
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Donna 8-29-2009 @ 11:20PM
Maybe Maria should start admitting that she has gotten all o her success for the United States and stop pretending to be a Russian. I won't buy anything from her line. She's an insult to the USA. She's been living off the success of the USA since she was 9 years old and still claims to be a Russian. Go live in Russia then and start a fashion line there.
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