An Amorous Animus

Sometimes the story behind the shoe is just as thrilling as the shoe itself. The Grand Mademoiselle has found new inspiration in designer Amy Smilovic's whimsical line Tibi, which captures a spirit of jubilation interwoven with the dark courage to conquer the uniquely human anxiety about our own potential. A Tibi creation is intrinsically informed by a sense of enraptured divinity, such that each design imparts the loveliness of an awakening to ourselves and authentic commitment to our own truths. Designer Smilovic stepped out of a burgeoning, lucrative career in marketing and left the bustling streets of Manhattan for the exotic unknown of Asia, where she created Tibi. The boldness of this move, coupled with the unabashed sense of self it takes to uproot one's life for the sake of bringing a true passion to fruition speaks warmly to the Grand M's heart, and instills a deep affection for both the designer and the shoes.

The Francoise flat encourages the Grand M for its truthfulness, that is, one feels rhapsodic inspiration in the euphoric cobalt blue color, gently rounded toe, and curious heel cutouts. Certainly, the Grand M has seen flats like these before, but never accompanied by the spirit of a genuine desire to create something beautiful, simply for its own sake.The Erika sandal exudes the same buoyant exaltation, as if they could not have been created any other way. The simple T-strap, adorned with reflective rings of shimmery mother of pearl buttons is absolutely breathtaking, and the same easy elegance informs the Erika's cutouts and gentle dove gray hue. The softness of these sandals is intoxicating and it is impossible to ignore their vision of whimsy and heavenly satisfaction.The Tibi collection and Smilovic's tale have put the Grand M in a curiously mystical mood. The desire to create something that is ours alone while informed by something higher is cause for celebration and requires a strong sense of purpose and conviction that things will turn out favorably, which does not necessarily mean success, but rather satisfaction and wholeness. The inspiration that Tibi impresses upon the Grand M recalls verses from the late Sufi poet Hafiz, who wrote: How did the rose ever open its heart and give to this world all its Beauty? It felt the encouragement of Light against its Being, otherwise, we all remain too frightened.