Meet the Latina footwear designer looking to bring balance to your wardrobe
The concept of ying and yang was introduced in Chinese philosophy as early as the 3rd Century B.C. The symbol, which regained popularity in the ’90s, represents the concept that two things can coexist even if they have opposite characteristics. This duality can be seen in fashion. Unless you’re a maximalist, chances are your wardrobe is packed with basics with some statement pieces sprinkled throughout. For some, these eye-catching essentials can be jewelry, for others they’re shoes. Bold shoes are a fun way to show off your personality and stand out from the crowd. You can easily complement statement footwear with a basic outfit to bring a balanced look. In fact, there is one Latina who is drawing inspiration from ying-yang and is proving footwear is anything but boring.
Meet Jacqueline Velasquez. After more than ten years in the footwear industry, the Guatemalan designer decided to create her own brand of bold shoes to level up shoppers’ wardrobes. Footwear brand MCLC boasts boots and mules decked with the ying-yang symbol and other fun designs. Best of all, the shoes are made from vegan leather, so no animals were harmed in the making.
I noticed the need for footwear with meaningful designs. I wanted to bring art, positivity, and happiness to others amongst the chaotic pandemic. MCLC soon became a staple of thoughtfully designed footwear that empowers the “sole.”
Jacqueline Velasquez, FOunder of MCLC
Aside from selling on their website, shoppers can also buy their own stylish pair on Dollskill. We caught up with the Latinx footwear designer about her designing process, her brand, and more.
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What made you want to start your own footwear label, MCLC?
I graduated and received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design and became a footwear designer. Being in the industry for 10+ years, I realized the need for something unique and special. After having my 2nd child, I decided to become a stay-at-home mom. Feeling empowered as a woman and mother, I decided to start my own brand. In 2018, I launched MCLC. MCLC started as an apparel company and soon became a “footwear only” brand in the midst of the pandemic in 2020. I noticed the need for footwear with meaningful designs. I wanted to bring art, positivity, and happiness to others amongst the chaotic pandemic. MCLC soon became a staple of thoughtfully designed footwear that empowers the “sole.”
Our designs are unisex and unique. We are committed to being inclusive towards ALL. No hate is allowed at MCLC, only love! MCLC is also committed to making a difference in the future of humanity. With this in mind, every sale on our site qualifies for a donation made by us to your desired non-profit organization. We also help the environment by making small batches and working closely with our supplier to reduce fabric and material waste. MCLC is proud to be one of the few Woman-owned and Latina-owned footwear brands!
What differentiates MCLC from other brands in the market?
MCLC is not just another footwear brand. Each shoe is carefully and thoughtfully designed to have meaning behind it. We want the customer to feel an emotion, a vibe, a type of way, whenever they see it.
Walk us through your creative process when designing.
The creative process is always fun when I feel a burst of creativity! I honestly just start sketching whatever I have in mind. There are times I stay up until 4 am sketching, coloring, and detailing shoes. I usually start by sketching out my idea in Adobe Illustrator. From there, I pick the colors, ornaments, patterns, etc. in Photoshop. As much as I would like to make them ALL, I typically narrow them down to my top 3. I sample, produce, and sell. This entire process can sometimes take up to 3-4 months, so thinking ahead is always a must.
You are one of the few Latinx shoe brands out there. Were there challenges you faced that could attribute to the lack of diversity in this industry?
Being in this industry for 10+ years and doing trade shows with former companies, I saw the lack of diversity. This industry is mostly male-dominated. So far, those that I do know in the industry, have been extremely supportive and encouraging! Although there is a lack of diversity, I can honestly say that the footwear industry is a giant family.
Are you currently working on any exciting collections?
Yes! I am making more exciting colors in our Balancing Act collection, as well as bringing in some incredible wooden, 3D floral shoes for Summer. I’m already making a Fall collection as well, which will definitely have a vintage feel!
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Is there anyone you would love to see wearing your pieces?
I would have loved to see 1970’s Cher wear my pieces! I’m such an old soul and have a deep love for old glamour. I also absolutely love RuPaul, “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else!” I remember watching RuPaul as a kid on his first talk show on VH1. I love everything about him, the looks, the positivity, the energy! Currently, I love artists who take fashion a step further and do what they want, like Billie Eilish, Zendaya, and Harry Styles! I would love to see them in MCLC footwear.