Face Off

Married?

Yes. She has been married for three years to Sumeet Shah, who is in the jewellery business.

And why is everyone suddenly taking about Rina?

Well, she is the Rina behind Rinaldi 8212; the handbag and shoe company. Also, she has just opened her own 1,500 sqft store in Colaba.

For how long has she had a foot fetish?

About a year and a half. She launched Rinaldi after she came back from New York8217;s Fashion Institute of Technology. Out there she specialised in accessory design. And even did a short internship at DKNY.

What made her put her foot into accessory design and not clothes?

Well, Rina may be moved by the creative left side of her brain, but the businesslike right side of the brain dominates her life much more. quot;The clothes market is over-saturated. But I noticed no one was taking shoes and handbags seriously. Accessories is a big business 8212; abroadall the well-known designer labels, like Gucci and Versace, are diversifying into accessories.quot;

But wasn8217;t Rina taking a risk? With no one doing designer shoes, how did she think she would be a shoe-in for success?

She didn8217;t. Rina started by stocking her shoes at exclusive stores like Ensemble and Tresorie. Only when she was sure of stepping out in style did she open her own store. quot;I was very nervous about how people would respond.quot;

How did the name Rinaldi8217; come about? Why not Rina Shah or just RS?

quot;Are you kidding? Shah is so common.quot; Rina spent a lot of time in Italy where she came up with Rinaldi. quot;It has Rina in it and has an Italian touch. We all know that the Italians make the best shoes.quot; And Rina hopes that she can follow the Italians and make the best shoes in India.

Is there any phoren connection?

Yes, she travels abroad all the time to source raw materials. And check out latest trends in the international footwear industry. quot;All my soles and heels are importedfrom Italy, US or Spain.quot;

And what does the shoe guru predict for the soul, sorry sole, this season?

quot;More flats and dainty shoes for women. For men, sandals and thick-sole shoes.quot; Next season, she will do a range in denim and use a lot of funky colours. Last year, Rina8217;s platforms with plastic butterflies were the rage.

But seriously, should people put their heart and sole into their shoes?

Yes. quot;Shoes make a huge difference to the overall appearance. Bad shoes can even ruin an expensive outfit.quot; Rina recommends that for special occasions, people should get shoes made to order.

Custom-made shoes? Where does Rina make time for that luxury?

She makes it. quot;I find custom-made shoes work better.quot; And people tend to agree with Rina. Her couture shoes are much in demand what with the wedding season at its peak.

It sounds like Rina prefers shoes to clothes? Is that possible?

Not at all. When she goes abroad, she just shops. quot;I love clothes and I shop like amaniac.quot;

What about jewellery?

Rina is not into the dress-to-kill look, so she stays away from expensive baubles. What excites her about jewellery is design 8212; and she plans to do that next.

Isn8217;t that market over-saturated?

quot;Not the stuff I want to do. I want to make funky costume jewellery, not the real stuff. Something that is very western.quot; According to her, with the right marketing, her concept will catch on.

Well, when she is not designing fashion or fashioning design, how does she spend her time?

Party, party, party. quot;I love to go to 1900s every Saturday.quot; But even that turns into work. quot;I tend to spend a lot of time checking out what people are wearing. It is so embarrassing 8212; often when am I talking to someone I am actually looking down at their feet!quot;

And what is this woman with a shoe fetish most likely to say?

quot;Nothing is impossible. With determination and hard work you can achieve anything.quot;

And least likely to say?

quot;Early to bed, early torise.quot;