Meet the Designer: Ty McBride of Intentionally __________.
Last February, we met Ty McBride, the owner and founder of INTENTIONALLY ______________. pronounced “Intentionally Blank”). Formerly the Global Brand Manager of Jeffrey Campbell footwear and the Creative Director of Solestruck, we were first attracted to Ty’s original label because of his experience and familiarity with the good, the bad, and the ugly of the mid-tier shoe market. But when we went up three flights to his small studio in the LA Fashion District and spent an hour getting to know Ty, hearing about his design philosophy, and maybe trying on every sample shoe in the room, we’re now lucky to know Ty not only as a shoe guru but as a friend.
INTENTIONALLY ______________’s mission is to create a timeless shoe brand that uses quality materials and labor practices to offer a fresh selection of staples for every woman’s closet. They aren’t fast-fashion cheap, but the leather uppers and wood heels, the padded insoles and durable metal zippers have already created a cult following for INTENTIONALLY ______________. They’re beautiful, they last, and they are part of a great brand story that we’re totally rooting for. Meet Ty and learn more about the man behind our favorite shoes.
A homsexual with goals of becoming a power gay by 40.
Not ashamed that I have a phone psychic, her name is Denise.
A firm believer in networking.
I have my own hashtag. #aginggayhipster
2. What’s your drink order?
In the last year this has taken a shift! I now drink Tequila soda with a handful of lemons. I also have a signature cocktail I craft for parties, special events, or soirees. Its called the Ty-tini. Ingredients of the Ty-tini are held under lock and key. I can also be seen in certain settings with a white wine spritzer—i mean—why not!
3. When I’m not at work, you can catch me at _________.
I do not understand this question? Not at work? Who’s she? LOL! Okay I’m trying, I am trying! More balance! Since moving to LA just over two years ago, my non-work hobbies include trips to Palm Springs, blanket moments at Barnsdall park, and never missing a Rosebowl flea market!
4. Who would you give the biggest hug ever to? Who would you punch in the throat?
HUG: Syrian refugees simply looking for a new start.
THROAT PUNCH: I mean the logical answer is Donald Trump right, but in addition to that I would also be down to toss a throat punch towards the person who set the Kardashian fame in motion.
5. My biggest crush is __________.
This question is a hard one for me. When I say that I crush a lot and crush hard, this is not an exaggeration. I have one lifetime, actual crush, he gets his own list, but other than that, I am currently crushing on our Latino Fedex Ground delivery guy, Kevin Spacey, anyone who offers or brings me an iced Americano to work.
I was born on the border of Oregon and Idaho in a small town called Ontario Oregon. I was raised there, as was all my family. My entire family resides there, I left home the first time at 16, the final time at 18. It was a magical place to grow up. Small town America. My family are very important to me. I love them. I see them often, headed home in June!
The pageant queen in me wants to say my dad.
8. What’s the title to your autobiography?
Raised at the foot of a dormant volcano—the humble beginnings of a power gay with tiny pores.
10. My signature style is _________.
Baby Bangs up front, show pony in the back.
11. If I could have one wish _________.
I am a big believer in the power of education—and I mean that in all it’s formats and varieties. I would wish everyone could receive education.
12. What was the inspiration behind your best-selling Honcho and Hatter styles?
Honcho was an actual existing boot I found in the factory archives. I cut it with a pair of scissors and sculpted it down, then added what I thought was a perfect strap to make it modern. The nod to 90’s biker fashion is there of course, but I wanted it to also look sleek and chic, despite the kind of clunky shape. HONCHO has become the brand’s signature shoe.
HATTER has also become a strong recognizable shoe for the brand. I wanted to do something to get in on the corset trend, but for me, I just don’t see my woman as wanting a HIGH heel, and something so OPEN as the majority of these front lace shoes. The heel is where I started and I wanted essentially to create a ballet flat—with the perfect heel. HATTER is meant to go with everything—and it’s meant for the individual to style it as they see fit, that is why I love that shoe. We are launching a new range of HATTERS for summer transitioning into fall—we are releasing over 25 limited edition colorways, versions, and limited run HATTERS.
13. I’m super curious about _______.
14. What do you want us to say at your funeral?
You won’t have to say anything. I have paid one of those web services that organize everything from the playlist, to the menu. Just come to the party, but don’t come wearing some tired shoes, honey.
We love you, Ty! Thanks for taking the time to share yourself with us and with our customers.
izzy806
baratheonpilled
discoholicmusic
snowghoul