Corridor40

Lauren Tennenbaum might have an unhealthy obsession with shoes. But, unlike most footwear-obsessed women, that doesn’t translate to regular splurges on the latest Louboutins. Instead, Lauren creates shoes, which are more like works of art for the feet. Inspired by past decadence, grunge and anything that screams drama, this New Englander has crafted her signature style by juxtaposing extreme looks from several realms. And her designs don’t stop at statement-making, jeweled platforms; Lauren is also an interior designer whose decor captures the same aesthetic as her shoes; it is opulent, perfectly-crafted and causes one to wonder, “How did she do that?” (IN)DECOROUS TASTE is an inside look at Lauren’s creative projects, giving her fans a small escape from everyday life and allowing them to see into her world of style.

C40. Why did you decide to start (IN)DECOROUS TASTE?

LT. I started my blog as a sort of online scrapbook.  It’s a collection of things I find interesting or beautiful.

C40. If you had to pick one shoe to wear for the rest of your life, and it had to be either be a pair of Louboutins or Manolos, which would you pick?

LT. The sad truth is Manolo shoes are usually too dainty for me! If I could only wear one heel for the rest of my life, height and a killer silhouette would be of primary importance.  I’d probably choose a sky-high, black Loubi pump with a pointed toe and hidden platform.  I have a huge thing for hidden platforms.

C40. Where did you learn how to embellish/design shoes?

LT. Formally? Nowhere. I just have a scary thirst for extreme shoes.  I always end up falling in love with the insane footwear designers concoct for the runway, only to find that the version released for sale is, like, half the height and lacking most of the embellishments that made me love it in the first place. Domesticated footwear isn’t so much my thing.

C40. When you aren’t spending time on your blog, creating new interior or designing shoes, what are you doing?

LT. Dancing, and drinking martinis! And you could find me scouring thrift shops for hidden gems.  People throw away the most terrific things.

C40. Do you see a correlation between the way in which one decorates a room and the way in which a person dresses?

LT. I think of an interior as an extension of the personality behind it. Sometimes it’s surprising to see the differences in how one dresses versus how one decorates, but—in the end—fashion and interiors are just two pieces in a complete puzzle. They both say a lot about a person, as a whole. Based on my interiors, someone might expect to see me dressed in old gowns and elaborate costumes; it surprises people to see me romping around in neon pink heels.

C40. What are you currently coveting?

LT. In my dreams, I’d own something by Pierre-Karl Faberge.  More realistically, I’ve been coveting edgy manifestations of a) white leather, and b) nude leather.  Why aren’t more designers making dirty-looking white biker jackets? Oh! And a really delicious, cake-like, antique Venetian glass chandelier! I’m always looking for more crystal.

C40. How would you describe your personal style?

LT. I live for what I’ve come to know as the “3 Gs”: Grit, Grime and Gilding. I like contrasts. For example, the contrast between dirty, grungy elements and over-the-top decadence, or between the delicate and aggressive.  And I don’t take anything too seriously!

C40. What are the inspirations behind your shoes and interior designs?

LT. I’m inspired by strong personalities: eccentrics, rockers, artists, people living their own fantasies. Also, decaying opulence that speaks to the luxury of actually using and living with the things you love. There’s a Geoffrey Bennison quote that I live by: “Always put something mad on top of something very good, or something very good on top of something mad.” It’s that balance that I’m always striving for. That, and I’m captivated by anything I instantly find hideous.  It’s a challenge; there’s got to be a way to make it work.

C40. If you could meet one person—living or dead—who would it be, and why?

LT. Right now, Tony Duquette. I’m amazed at the scope of his creativity and his ability to turn junk into gold. He did everything—jewelry, costumes, interiors and gardens.

C40. Can you tell us what you have in store for your next shoe designs?

LT. I’m working on a few designs for a collection of shoe embellishments that I’m releasing this summer.  I’ve been playing around with a lot of different textures, including nude leathers, heavy metals and reflective surfaces. I’m very excited!

Images via (IN)DECOROUS TASTE