His exuberant designs appear to be finding a following among stylists.
Be they flats, heels, gladiators sandals, ankle boots or wedges, Mohd Faizol, better known as Zul Mohd, has his own way to make them look comfortable and classy.
“Most women like wearing heels, but the trouble their your feet will get tired if they wear them for long hours. I decided to put in a platform to cushion the feet. So you can still be comfortable, although you are wearing a five- or six-inch heels,” says Negri Sembilan-born Zul who started off as a wedding and fashion consultant before becoming a shoe designer.
Zul says he had always been interested in fashion, but since they were too many local fashion designers, he decided to switch to shoe design.
He was inspired to design hand-made shoes in 2011, which resulted in the formation of Emmett, the brand for his shoe designs.
He says he decided on the brand name “Emmett” after being inspired by the character Emmett Cullen in the Twilight movies.
Another feature article in Runway Entertainment magazine featuring shoes designed by Zul.
Through his agent in the US, Zul, who specialises in heeled shoes, slowly introduced Emmett to the international scene. “He got his break in 2013 when CSI actress Lauren Mayhew wore Emmett shoes to The 55th Grammys Awards. So did Kiara Belen, runner up of America’s Next Top Model season 19 and member of female R&B group Heiress .
Other Hollywood celebrities who have worn Emmett include actress Kristyn Burtt on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and former model Kimora Lee Simmons.
Notable Malaysians who have worn Emmett include Datuk Sheila Majid, Ana Raffali, Puan Sri Normala Shamsuddin and Tun Dr Siti Hasmah.
Emmett’s high heels have also been featured in Runway magazine under its “Deliciously Retro” fashion section for its Fall 2014 issue and Covergirl magazine in an article about Nancy O’Dell, a US TV host and entertainment journalist.
Not content with this, he was encouraged to present his exclusive shoes and clutch designs to Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton.
“Creating a brand is not easy. You have to customise the colours, materials, soles and even the packaging.
“For me, it is not just designing a shoe — I’m creating a brand,” said Zul, who founded The Persada in 2006, an event-planning, wedding florist, and decoration company, that has organised events for the Prime Minister’s Department, royalty, corporations.
Emmett’s shoes are custom-made. These days, this self-taught designer subtly incorporates the cultural Malay songket patterns into his shoes.
“Songket is a glamorous material. Besides the regal and unique look, songket’s charm adds uniquely Malaysian glamour to shoes.
“But whatever material I use for my shoes, I make sure it is comfortable and durable,” said Zul, who is also a co-founder of Tun Teja, a brand of cosmetics, personal care and healthcare products.
Though he has made a name for himself at the most prestigious fashion events in the world, Zul remains grounded.
“Besides a good shoe design, you must have a reliable, trusted manufacturer with a good track record and a professional agent who will help open doors for you.
“I also try to keep up with the latest trends in shoes by reading fashion magazines because I want to make sure Emmett stands out!” Zul uniquely.
Taken from http://www.thestar.com.my/Metro/Metro-Biz/2015/01/17/Out-to-make-tracks-Designer-starts-to-make-waves-with-his-shoe-designs/
