We always enjoy following the Cash & Rocket Ladies in their work. They are not just successful and powerful women, but also a big part of what Cash & Rocket is all about. Every year they put their heart and sole into Cash & Rocket’s project and join forces to raise money for the three charities we support for which we are so grateful.
Miriam participated in this year’s Cash & Rocket Tour. She has worked with some of the top fashion designers in the world and is this upcoming season launching her first collection as creative director for her own shoe brand, Nour Jensen. Read along to find out about her brand and discover why we love having Miriam on the Cash & Rocket team:
Why did you choose to start up your own brand?
I choose to start my own brand because ever since I was a little girl I’ve always been obsessed with shoes my entire life. Even from an early age, I would sneak into my mother’s closet and play dress-up, so it was a natural progression for me to start my own shoe line that incorporated both my Scandinavian-American and Middle-Eastern cultures. I feel I offer a very unique voice in my designs that are very different from than any that already exist in fashion due to my cultural backgrounds and where I take inspiration.
What has been the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge in the beginning for me was just finding the right team; it was a lot of trail and error in the beginning. I finally now have all the right components to bring my vision to life and create a beautiful, well designed and well produced shoe line that is, I believe, of the highest caliber.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by Middle-Eastern architecture and jewelry. I’m inspired almost everyday, it could be form a photograph or magazine editorial, or even a door way structure that I see in Italy when I’m working with my factories. I love to tap into both historical Middle-Eastern culture and modern Western culture. I like to merge old and new together. Right now, I’m currently obsessed with Bedouin jewelry and I cannot wait to start playing around with that and applying it to the shoes.
Why did you choose to work in fashion?
I’ve always loved fashion and I was born loving it. I’ve known from a very early age that I would work in fashion. I would sketch shoes as a little girl and make jewelry with my mother. I love fashion because it is a way of expressing who you are or who you want to be as a person. It can also express your emotions and your creativity.
What is the DNA of Nour Jensen?
The DNA of Nour Jensen is the combination of both my cultures, and is a strong mixture of the two.
What is your favorite piece from the SS 15 collection?
My two favorites of the collection are the Suzy flat, because it’s a shoe that every woman could wear day or night, and it has elements of middle-eastern design; and the Noura sandal, because they are the perfect sandal for every girl’s wardrobe and instantly compliment any outfit. The arabesque design and the way we put a modern spin on it just came out so beautifully. It’s a very feminine sandal.
How would you pick out a pair of shoes for yourself?
I like things that are unique and that are statement pieces, so I tend to gravitate towards very bold but elegant shoes. The higher the heels, the closer to God. Lol
Which pair(s) are you going to bring with you on the Cash & Rocket 2015 Tour?
I am bringing all of them. The best thing about being a women’s shoe designer is that I design shoes that women can actually walk-in and comfortably wear all day long. They will compliment any outfit and you can mix and match them to create a variety of ensembles.
What does Cash & Rocket mean to you?
Cash & Rocket is an amazing adventure, where you put 70 intelligent, sophisticated and powerful women together to raise awareness for three amazing charities. It’s a once in a lifetime experience that is very uplifting, encouraging and motivational.
What is your greatest advice for someone who is joining the Tour for the first time?
My greatest advice for somebody starting it for the first time is to get ready to have a high adrenaline, life-changing adventure and be fashionably chic, but pack lightly.
