Marc Nolan Shapes Men’s Business And Drives Change By Debuting First-Ever Women’s Collection

Assortment of styles from the Marc Nolan SS24 collection. Photographer: Robert Piekarczyk

In the evolving footwear landscape, trends shape business and drive change. At stylelujo.com, our editors have been reviewing seasonal analysis and industry forecasts that help inspire and empower the footwear industry by seeking inspiration and sharing global perspectives, trend forecasts, and innovative insights. Today, successful brands are dedicated to a new generation of cultural pioneers. In 2024, a brand’s mission should be to discover and champion the best our culture has to offer, connect people to their message, and amplify a community of emerging creators who remain ahead of the curve and dedicated to discovering what’s next. For Marc Nolan founder Sebastian Malczewski, passion for style is hereditary. As a child in Poland, his mother and grandmother taught him the importance of making a statement through details. In 2018, Sebastian combined his lifelong passion and years of retail experience to launch Marc Nolan. Mixing classic and contemporary, dress and casual, he experimented with color and print, texture on texture, and comfort-focused functionality to offer modern, versatile shoes that fit today’s diverse lifestyle.

This first collection represents a vibrant, playful new take on the brand’s beloved loafers and dress shoes. For example, detailed embellishments and by experimenting with vibrant color, texture on texture, and bold prints. Refusing to sacrifice style for comfort, the 22 new styles are made with thick yet lightweight soles and cushioned foam insoles. With prices ranging from just $135 – $170. We recently had the privilege to speak with Marc Nolan founder Sebastian Malczewski about the brands competitive advantage in the footwear market place, what sustainable efforts are in progress and the debut of the first-ever women’s collection!

Joseph DeAcetis: Talk to Stylelujo.com about Marc Nolan’s footwear legacy and ask if you have brand ambassadors and a new marketing campaign.

Sebastian Malczewski: For Marc Nolan founder Sebastian Malczewski, passion for style is hereditary. As a child in Poland, his mother and grandmother taught him the importance of making a statement through details. In 2018, Sebastian combined his lifelong passion and years of retail experience to launch Marc Nolan, a tribute to the two most important male figures in his life—his mentor, Marc, and his son, Nolan—and a beacon for expressing the best version of you that you can be.

Marc Nolan was born to celebrate self-expression. We mix classic and contemporary, dress and casual, to champion an attitude of curiosity and stepping outside your comfort zone. From bold statements to richly detailed essentials, we experiment with color and print, texture on texture, and comfort-focused functionality to bring you modern, versatile shoes that fit your lifestyle. In terms of brand ambassadors, we are proud to align ourselves with individuals who embody the core values of Marc Nolan. These ambassadors not only represent the brand but also connect with our community on a personal level, reflecting the authenticity and passion that define our footwear.

As for our current marketing approach, we’re embracing the theme of adult playfulness. Our campaign encourages individuals to have fun, be bold, and fully express themselves. By celebrating the spirit of playfulness, we aim to inspire our audience to embrace their unique style, fostering a sense of liberation and self-expression in every step they take. JD: In your words, what is your competitive advantage in the footwear marketplace? SM: Our competitive advantage lies in the fusion of tradition and innovation. Marc Nolan excels in delivering meticulously crafted footwear that seamlessly integrates timeless, classic design with contemporary flair. Our commitment to individual expression and style sets us apart. Marc Nolan footwear is more than just a product; it’s a statement of self-expression. We cater to a diverse audience, offering a range of styles that resonate with various tastes and preferences. Our ability to strike a balance between classic elegance and modern trends allows us to stay ahead in a dynamic and ever-evolving fashion landscape.

JD: Speak to our  readers about the current collection- fabrics, colors, textures, design and comfort, and any new technologies you’d like to point out Our latest collection for spring and summer embodies a playful and bold spirit, introducing vibrant textures, colors, and patterns designed to elevate your style when going out. The palette ranges from lively hues of blue and pink to unique patterns of croc-skin and tropical flora, striking a perfect balance between contemporary trends and timeless elegance. From dynamic prints to unique detailing, our SS24 collection is crafted to make a fashion-forward statement while prioritizing comfort. Whether it’s a casual day out or a lively summer event, our footwear seamlessly blends fun and sophistication, allowing you to express your style with every step. JD: What is your design philosophy inspiration for the 2024 collection?  The SS24 collection draws inspiration from the lively and carefree spirit of the 90s summers, influenced by the personal experiences of our founder, Sebastian. This era, characterized by its vibrant energy and bold expressions of individuality, serves as a guiding force in shaping the designs. Sebastian’s fond memories of fun-filled summers infuse the collection with a nostalgic yet modern charm. Each pair of shoes reflects the exuberance and playfulness of those cherished moments, embodying the essence of timeless fun. Vibrant colors, dynamic patterns, and unique textures pay homage to the joyous experiences of the past while aligning seamlessly with contemporary fashion trends. This collection is not just a reflection of style; it’s a celebration of the enduring spirit of fun and self-expression that defines Marc Nolan.

JD: Moving forward, what is the business strategy concerning sustainable strategies and efforts Marc Nolan is strategically advancing its commitment to sustainability across critical areas. We are exploring more eco-friendly materials like recycled leather and environmentally-conscious textiles. Our manufacturing processes are being optimized for reduced waste and energy efficiency, aligning with our goal to minimize environmental impact. Transparency is paramount in our strategy, with a focus on clearly communicating our sustainability efforts to consumers. We aim to empower customers with information about our supply chain, materials, and environmental practices, facilitating environmentally conscious purchasing decisions. Marc Nolan’s developing sustainability strategy underscores our commitment to making a positive impact on both the fashion industry and the planet. WOMENS COLLECTION:

Agata Drogowska: What made you create a women’s line alongside the Marc Nolan men’s collection? Sebastian Malczewski: Introducing a women’s line alongside our established men’s collection was a natural evolution for Marc Nolan. We recognized a growing demand from our customer base for stylish, high-quality footwear that reflects the same values of craftsmanship, comfort, and sophistication that define our men’s collection. Additionally, we believe in the power of inclusivity and diversity, and expanding into women’s footwear allows us to cater to a broader audience, embracing individuality and self-expression across genders. By leveraging our expertise in design, materials, and construction, we aim to offer women’s shoes that not only complement our existing men’s collection but also stand out as a distinctive choice in the footwear market. AD: What will be the design philosophy of the women’s collection? SM: The character of Marc Nolan’s women’s collection will embody a seamless blend of elegance, versatility, and modern sophistication. Our designs will capture the essence of contemporary femininity, offering a diverse range of styles that cater to various tastes and occasions. From classic silhouettes with a twist to bold statement pieces, each shoe will exude confidence and individuality, empowering women to express their unique style with every step. Expect to see a palette of vibrant colors, playful patterns, and textures that reflect the dynamic spirit of modern women. Whether it’s a casual outing, a professional setting, or a special occasion, our women’s collection will offer footwear that effortlessly transitions between different facets of life. Comfort will remain a top priority, ensuring that each pair not only looks stunning but also feels great to wear throughout the day.

AD: Will high heels be important for women in the new collection? SM: While high heels might be present in our women’s collection, they will not be an essential feature, as we understand that comfort and versatility are equally important considerations for today’s modern woman. Our new collection will offer a diverse range of heel heights, including options for those who prefer flats, low heels, or more moderate heights. Each design will prioritize comfort without compromising on style, ensuring that women can feel confident and comfortable in their footwear choices for any occasion. AD: When will the new collection appear in stores? SM: The new collection will appear in stores on the launch day of the collection, March 29, 2024. AD: Are you planning to give it a different, feminine name for this collection? SM: While the collection as a whole will not be given a different name, our approach to naming the styles will parallel our men’s footwear line. Just as our men’s shoes are named after different men’s names, we will continue this tradition with our women’s collection. For the initial releases of our women’s line, we’ve created female versions of some of our most beloved men’s designs. These styles will be named with “Ms.” preceding the same name as the corresponding men’s shoe, offering a sense of continuity and connection between the two collections. Additionally, we plan to introduce standalone women’s styles that are unique to our women’s collection and do not have a male counterpart. For these designs, we will use different female names, further enhancing the individual identity of each shoe while maintaining consistency with our naming convention. This approach allows us to honor our heritage while embracing the distinctiveness of our women’s footwear offerings.

The brand will be officially celebrating the new collection with an in-store launch shopping event at their Chicago Flagship location (169 N Sangamon) on March 29th. Visit www.marcnolan.com or follow the brand on social media for all the latest details.
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