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Jennifer Meyer’s Super Sneakers

The designer talks about her new capsule collection for Italian brand Superga

Superga XO Jennifer Meyer is the brainchild of its namesake, the jet-setting jewelry and fashion designer and wife of actor Tobey Maguire—and it’s a collaboration that’s been a long time in the making. California-bred Meyer has been wearing Superga sneakers since she was a teenager.

“They have always felt like such a classic shoe and are the perfect balance of laid-back and put together,” she explains. “I wear both low tops and high tops with everything from a pair of jeans to a dress.” So now, Meyer has injected some whimsy into her sneaker creations for the brand—high tops and low tops for children and women are emblazoned with hearts, arrows, palm trees, studs and four-leaf clovers (all symbols used in her fine jewelry collection). “I am constantly inspired by my kids, family, friends and Los Angeles’ incredible landscape and laidback vibe,” she gushes. “I have been incorporating these inspirations into my jewelry designs for 10 years.” The shoes, which come in pastel and neutral hues and run from $99-199, are available on superga-usa.com.

We talked to the designer about the collection. 

How did you decide to collaborate with Superga on this collection? 

I have always loved Superga—I live in mine! They really are an extension of my style and have the same sensibility as my jewelry line. When they approached me about the collaboration it felt like the perfect fit! 

You offer sizes for women and children. As a mother, why was it important that you offer both? 

I couldn’t help myself and I had to design a couple of kids’ shoes in addition to the women’s styles. Nothing inspires me more than my children, Ruby and Otis. Seeing them in the Superga XO Jennifer Meyer collection was the highlight of the process for me! Nothing beats matching your mama in an amazing pair of sneakers. 

Superga XO Jennifer Meyer

Superga XO Jennifer Meyer

What inspired you with this line?

Los Angeles is always such a huge inspiration whenever I design anything, but for the Superga collection I wanted each sneaker to have a laidback, playful feeling. Being born and raised in California, it was important to include representative motifs in the designs. You have a little piece of California whenever you’re wearing the sneakers and they were definitely made with a lot of love!

How did you decide which shapes from your jewelry line to include in your designs here? 

Symbols of love and luck are integral to my jewelry line, and I really wanted the same motifs to be represented in my Superga collaboration. Who doesn’t need a little extra love and luck? Now you can be decked from head to toe!

Superga XO Jennifer Meyer

Superga XO Jennifer Meyer

How did you choose the colors?

I am a California girl, through and through. There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not inspired by my surroundings: the palm trees, gorgeous sunsets and most importantly the love from my beautiful family and friends. I really wanted the designs to embody these elements. 

What’s next for you and the brand? 

Having the opportunity to collaborate and express myself via different mediums has been more fun than I could have imagined! I hope more collaborations are in my future, however for now I plan to focus on my first love, jewelry! 

What other brands would you like to collaborate with? 

I’m obsessed with clean, healthy living, especially when it comes to my kids. It would be fun to do something with The Honest Company. Hey Jessica Alba, can you hear me?! 

How has the CFDA changed your career as a designer? 

The CFDA has really helped me take my company to the next level. I feel fortunate to be a member of such a supportive and talented group of people. My experience in the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund was so rewarding and the most valuable thing I gained was my remarkable mentor, Diane Von Furstenberg. DVF has always been an inspiration of mine and now I feel lucky to call her a close friend that lends the best advice.

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