Photo: Marcia Souza – Founder, Puey Quinones – Creative Director, and Patrick Campbell – Founder
Autumn is officially among us which means LennyLu x Puey Quiñones have officially launched their new luxury shoe collection that is sure to inspire everyone’s Fall wardrobe. On Thursday Sept. 23 they were met with high appraisals and compliments all due to the success of this collaboration. High profile influencers, celebrities and all guests gathered up at the rooftop of SIXTY hotel in Beverly Hills to celebrate this momentous occasion with Puey Quinones, LennyLu™ brand owners, Patrick F. Campbell and his wife Marcia Souza, and celebrity It Girl collaborators Lauren Blake and Antje Utgaard.
The event, hosted by Now Magazine and Now PR, quickly became the most sought out event of the season. LennyLu™ is represented by Now PR, a leading public relations and communications agency based in Beverly Hills. The agency is run by Creative Director Tash Greizen and has helped brands and It Girls mold their story and stand out in a fast-paced and competitive industry. We spoke with LennyLu™ brand owner, Patrick F. Campbell and Puey Quiñones.
Tell us about your star-studded event recently to launch your new luxury shoe collection at the rooftop of the SIXTY hotel in Beverly Hills.
Puey: From ideas to creating prototypes were months in the making. Patrick and I really had a great time designing, choosing the perfect color palette, selecting the finest materials we could get, and at the Shoe Launch that we held. This pandemic makes it hard to put up a show, but our team manage to pull off a successful and very fun event. All our hard work definitely paid off when we showcase our collection and saw the smiling faces of our guests.
Patrick: It was a wonderful evening at the to be Beverly Hills and it was the perfect beautiful setting launch our amazing collaboration collection with LennyLu™. It was attended by a diverse group of influencer, dignitaries, Royalty and Artist. The most satisfying aspect of the event was that everyone loved the shoes. My favorite comment was just how much every liked the shoes more in person than in pictures which is a huge compliment and testament to our quality and attention to detail.
Celebrities and high-profile influencers joined you. What made the night so special?
Puey: When I was a kid we couldn’t even afford to buy a new pair of shoes. I am beyond thrilled and grateful that I started from nothing to something. So to watch another of my dreams come to life makes the event extra special. And not just that, Lauren Blake, Antje Utgaard, Samantha Richelle, and other celebrities, and influencers who joined us in the event made it more memorable and wonderful.
Tell us about your new shoe collection, LENNY LU X PUEY QUINONES
Puey: Actually, we tried doing the collection last year but due to the pandemic, we weren’t able to launch it properly. It was Now PR agency that introduced me to Patrick. They both asked me if I want to collaborate with them, and without any doubt, I said yes and the rest is history.
Patrick: LennyLu started by offering classic styling with an emphasis on comfort. Over time we have developed a core team of technicians and manufacturers that understand our expectations and attention to detail. To be honest, we weren’t fashion forward enough. Through a mutual friend, Tash Greizen, we were introduced to Puey and we loved his styles as they were different but always classy and it felt like we could help each other with a collaboration. For our part we were able to work with an amazing designer that has limitless creativity and a passion for fashion and sense of style that we needed. To help him, we were able to support Puey by providing him expertise in the shoe craftsmanship and fit so that he could be comfortable focusing on design while we focused on fit and function. It has worked out perfectly. This line is both beautiful and comfortable, many of the ladies that tried on our shoes were so impressed the soft supple leather and flexibility.
Patrick, “LennyLu is about more than shoes.” Explain.
Patrick: Our DNA is based on providing for children. We believe in contributing to Save the Children so that we can give back to the education. Puey and I have had discussions about working to help children in both Brazil and the Philippines because we recognize that both countries are developing, and our contributions could help eliminate more suffering. I really look forward to the day where we can develop our own charity and get to work with underprivileged children personally.
Puey, your sense of style is marked by innovation, femininity, and timeless appeal. What do you want us to know about your new collection?
Puey: When this pandemic started, women ditched wearing high heels and they used flats more often maybe to avoid being uncomfortable, lost interest in wearing heels, or for some reason. But our new collection screams for beauty and freedom that will surely recapture the enchantment of wearing heels. We also aim to provide the finest quality, comfort, and style to match every outfit by creating pieces that are magnificently designed for your errands, special occasions, and events.
Do you have a favorite design?
Puey: My favorite pairs are the ones with the bows. It’s what I call a “statement” piece, business-at-the-front-party-at-the-back kind of pump. Our team spent a lot of time, effort, love, and passion on creating each and every piece. But to tell you honestly, I love every design and color. I love them all
Patrick: Personally, I really love the Puey Unisex sport sandal. Obviously, it’s the only shoe as a male that I would be comfortable wearing and I really love it in the dove grey and white. However, I also really love the “Lenny “which is the slip-on sandal with the L shaped heel. It’s very striking and makes a statement, but it’s a shoe that a woman can wear comfortable all day. It’s the perfect shoe for travel shoe because it pairs well with just about any outfit as it skirts the line between formal and casual.
Which designs will celebrities be wearing this Fall?
Puey: Color blocking is a great way to initiate visual intrigue to autumn’s darker colors and pointed toes are back on track. It elongates your legs and adds a polished look to a rather simple dress. And with our Marilyn Metallic color-blocked high heel. We are allowing ourselves to go back to the statement and partying territory.
Patrick: We expect several celebrities to wear the Roz the thigh high mesh boots. These boots with mesh construction and an open toe are crazy sexy and you’ll see a few celebrities using them this Fall.
Share the appeal for mothers and daughters.
Puey: As a fashion designer, the first thing that pops up in my mind is the impact on each and every client. Lennylu and Puey Quinoñes collaboration separate us from the others because of the comfort that we could give to women of any age.
Patrick: Mothers are their daughter’s heroes. I see how my daughters look at their mom and how they love to wear her shoes around the house. We truly believe that creating a shoe for both Mothers and Daughter it just reaffirms that love and indelible connection.
Do you have any additional thoughts?
Puey: This year was a huge struggle for everyone in the fashion industry, and more likely for the whole world. I didn’t expect that our Shoe Launch would be a huge success beyond what I could imagine during the height of the pandemic. So I would like to give a piece of advice to all the aspiring designers out there, that there will be no struggle, challenges, and hardship that you couldn’t overcome. The seed of success will grow over time as long as you plant it with passion, hard work, and surrounding yourself with the people who believe in you and your talent.
Patrick: Please visit our site at www.LennyLu.com and look at our collection. We’re open for factory orders. If you place an order in the next 3 weeks we’ll send the shoes in special display box provide free shipping anywhere in the world. The shoes will arrive to months before they’re available anywhere else.