I have been swooning over the charming flat-woven kilim shoes from Artemis Design ever since I spotted a pair on my chic girlfriend (and fellow woman of substance!) Inslee. I decided I had to reach out to get to know the founder of the label, Milicent Armstrong. Milicent has built her citizen-of-the-world brand drawing inspiration from world travel, and is best known for her “flying carpet shoes,” made from vintage Turkish carpets (how cool?! Love this take on sustainable fashion!)
Her imagination and hard work have garnered substantial attention; she’s been named a “most promising up and coming American Designer” by Racked and has won several awards from Boston publications (where she is based), not to mention a number of mentions in The Wall Street Journal, Town and Country, and Esquire. Perhaps most impressive, in my opinion, is the fact that she won her school’s “Kindest Student” award when she was younger — an accolade that speaks volumes about the type of woman she is.
I was able to connect with her to learn a little bit more about the woman behind the brand when she answered my modified Proust Questionnaire…
Your favorite qualities in a woman.
Self possession, kindness, and humility.
Your favorite heroine.
Joan of Arc has always been a favorite.
Your main fault.
Impatience. I need to learn to slow down and enjoy the present!
Your greatest strength.
I won my school’s “Kindness” award when I was younger, and I have always thought this to be an important quality. My ability to put myself in other people’s shoes and see things from all sides is a strength of mine.
Your idea of happiness.
Cooking a big stew on a snowy afternoon with my husband. Cuddling with my dog. Being on the water on a beautiful day. Getting wrapped up in a home design/decorating project.
Your idea of misery.
Hmmm…I definitely feel miserable when I am cold and wet or away from my family for too long.
Currently at the top of your shopping lust list.
Too many things! Mostly furniture, wall paper, and home improvement projects right now!
Desert island beauty product.
Chapstick. I really love Stewart & Claire’s La Nuit Balm.
Last thing you bought.
A few summery things from SZ Blockprints — I love how light, cheerful and bright her clothing is!
I feel most empowered wearing…
Comfortable, classic Levis, Artemis Kilim Loafers, a linen top (summer), or sweater (winter).
Favorite Magpie post.
I love “The Thrill of the Chase.” I also love reading your other “Women of Substance” posts.
Milicent-Inspired Finds.
A FRAMED ST. FRANK TEXTILE (READ MORE ABOUT THIS BRAND AND THE SHARP AND BEAUTIFUL FOUNDER BEHIND IT HERE)
AN EASY, OVERSIZED COTTON VOILE BLOUSE (COULD BE A COVER-UP OR A STATEMENT BLOUSE WITH WHITE SKINNIES AND YOUR KILIM SHOES)
THE COOLEST NECKLACE FROM LIZZIE FORTUNATO (OMG OMG)
COOL GIRL JEANS (COVET THESE SOMETHING FIERCE)
THIS SZ BLOCKPRINT DUPE (UNDER $30 AND REALLY GOOD)
A USE-FOR-EVERYTHING BASKET — FARMER’S MARKET, COLLECTING MAGAZINES, A PILE OF ARTEMIS LOAFERS A THE DOOR, YOUR TSUNDOKU…
FOR YOUR MINI: ANYTHING FROM PINK CHICKEN, BUT I ESPECIALLY LOVE THIS SWEET SET, AND THIS CAFTAN (OMG)
LOVE this! I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Milicent and she is truly a wonderful, inspirational woman of substance. 🙂
Did I ever tell you that I bought that Amazon caftan on your recommendation? It’s so good … and on the same note, I just purchased another SZ Blockprints kurta and can’t wait to wear it as a cover-up this summer + beyond!
xx
HA – currently wearing my $30 Amazon caftan! It’s SO good! So comfy. Love how lightweight the cotton is.