Who’s that Designer? Blake Mycoskie & the TOMS Team
TOMS CEO Blake Mycoskie with children in Argentina | Photo Credit
You see them everywhere – on the walk to class, while you’re hanging out with friends, and multiple times a month here at CF (I’m sure you’ve noticed we’re fans). Indeed, TOMS shoes are comfortable, versatile, affordable and – best of all – each pair you buy helps people all over the world.
We’re all familiar with the “One for One” logo, but do you know the story behind the makers of TOMS? From CEO Blake Mycoskie to the designers of their latest line, TOMS’ journey from Mycoskie’s dream to the feet of college students everywhere is an amazing one.
Keep reading to learn more about the TOMS team and to see an outfit inspired by TOMS!
(Missed any part of our “Who’s that Designer?” series? Impress your friends…read up on the brains behind J. Crew, Banana Republic, Free People, H&M, J Brand, and Nike)
10 Fun Facts about TOMS:
The TOMS Philosophy | Photo Credit
- TOMS originated when 35-year-old CEO Blake Mycoskie participated in the reality show The Amazing Race with his sister. Although he didn’t win, Mycoskie spent time in Argentina, which gave him the idea for the company.
- On a trip back to Argentina in 2006, Mycoskie realized that many of the children he met had no shoes to protect their feet – a problem in developing countries, where many diseases are soil-transmitted – and TOMS was born.
- Before starting TOMS, Mycoskie owned multiple small businesses. Right before he developed the company, he had an online driving school business.
- TOMS was started with just $5,000, and Blake admits the scariest part of the venture was in years two and three, when there were some “cash-flow” problems. “We went a year [where] every day someone was calling us, yelling, asking for money,” said Mycoskie.
- What really helped the company get off the ground? TOMS credits this AT&T commercial with helping them gain popularity, alongside grassroots and social media efforts.
- Since the founder’s name isn’t Tom, wondering where that name came from? Blake said the original name for the company was supposed to be “Tomorrow’s Shoes”, because a pair of shoes was supposed to be given away the day after a purchase. But that was too long, so he settled on TOMS.
- We told you all about TOMS’ new college-inspired line, but did you know Mycoskie has another venture in the works? He recently published a book, titled Start Something That Matters, to tell the TOMS story. For every book sold, a schoolbook is given to a child in need.
- The TOMS design is modeled after the traditional alpargata shoes Mycoskie wore while in Argentina (we know them better as espadrilles). Many styles of the shoe are offered in vegan form, and all of the shoes are currently manufactured in Argentina, China and Ethiopia.
- TOMS’ newest collection – The Desert Collection – was conceptualized by TOMS design directors Carlo and Sean, who oversee product development and design concept. They used the recent androgynous boot trend mixed with the classic TOMS style as inspiration.
- And for you high-fashion lovers (or Mary Kate and Ashley lovers…I’m definitely in that group), The Row and TOMS did a collaboration – check out their Italian wool and cashmere creations!
Outfit Inspired by the TOMS Team and TOMS Shoes:
Nail Polish, Sweater, Sunglasses, Mug, Shoes, Jeans, Bag
Like I said, we’ve done tons of TOMS-related posts here at CF – we’ve shown you everything from ways to ways to customize your TOMS to four great summer outfits featuring a pair of TOMS. But this time around, I was inspired by the TOMS mission – one for one – so I created an outfit that’s not only great for a crisp fall day on campus, but gives back, too!
To start, all you need is a cozy sweater and a roomy bag, both in deep fall hues. Next, load up on accessories that give back to AIDS research and awareness, breast cancer awareness, and the “one for one” campaign. There’s no better excuse to splurge than when your money goes to charity!
What do you think of TOMS Shoes?
Are you as crazy about TOMs as we are? Do you have a favorite item that gives back to a good cause? Tell us about it! Have we left any of your favorite stores out of our “Who’s that Designer?” column? Let us know and we’ll cover them!
Posted on on September 23, 2011 / Filed Under: Fashion News / Tags: Charity, Shoes, Toms, Who's That Designer?
Like this post?
Comment Rules: CF is a positive place and our comments section is no different. Constructive criticism is fine, but if you're rude, we'll delete your comment. Please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name and do not put your website in the comment text, as both come off like spam. For more info, see our 
Cary
I think this article is poor timing, considering the recent controversy with Mycoskie’s beliefs.
http://stylesectionla.com/blog/2011/07/09/take-off-your-toms-toms-founder-blake-mycoskie-supports-pro-life-evangelicals/
But I still love wearing Toms! They just make me a bit sad now.
Julz
I think is great that they try to make a change, cause particularly in fashion industry it’s quite difficult, even when you have good intentions.. But I think sometimes charity is confused with hipocrecy.. or just I want to buy those cause they make me feel less guilty about buying conventional shoes..
I don’t know don’t misunderstand me.. just recommend this video about that kind of stuff.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpAMbpQ8J7g
Nice post though! I love the design just like everyone. xo
Miriam
I wish we could just say that these are really cute shoes and stop there without pretending that they’re doing all this good for the world. Simply giving third-world countries STUFF without helping them actually develop their own economies and produce their own goods does little to truly change lives there. What happens when these (admittedly pretty low-quality) canvas shoes wear out? People in rural areas of developing nations often have to walk miles and miles each day, so canvas isn’t exactly the most useful material for footwear. These would probably last them a few weeks or months, tops.
Anyway, sorry for the rant. They’re cute shoes and I love the outfit you’ve put together for this post, but it just irks me when people buy these things thinking that they’re genuinely helping.
Suzi
I do personally like Espadrille-style shoes, and you did put together a cute outfit. :)
However, I do find TOMS’ charity scheme worrisome, since it promotes a model of DIY-aid that does more to promote the TOMS brand and product, than to promote strong local economies and prosperity.
Here’s a li’l video that offers a critique of the TOMS strategy. http://goodintents.org/good-intentions-blog/day-without-dignity-video
Zephyr - CF Editor
Thanks for the info, guys.
Cary – Had not heard anything about the controversy so thanks for the link! To be fair, the site did update with a statement from TOMS saying that they didn’t research the group thoroughly enough and weren’t aware that they were pro-life and anti-gay when Blake agreed to speak at their event. That said, the whole situation definitely does seem a little fishy and we’re absolutely not in support of groups that discriminate against others in any capacity. Thanks again for the info – I’m glad you posted so all readers will be able to check that link out.
Julz – Good point. We like TOMS for their style on their own, but you’re probably right that some people would just buy them for the charity factor. I think most people buy them for a combination of reasons, though, not necessarily to mitigate guilt, and may contribute to other, non-fashion-related charities as well.
Miriam – Another good point. I don’t think anyone here is claiming TOMS will save the world single-handedly or that their way of doing things is ideal (I completely agree that it’s always best to “teach a man to fish”, for example), however they’re a brand that makes cute shoes that go to a charitable cause, that are also very popular with students, so that’s why we featured them.
Samantha
This is all I have to reply with:
http://glitterandlace.blogspot.com/2011/09/my-problem-with-toms.html
I just wrote an article on my problems with TOMS. There’s a lot, and I don’t even know all the facts yet.
Cara
Besides the simple fact that I do not find TOMS attractive, I have shied away from them because they do have a quality of ostentation. Everybody knows they’re one-for-one, and therefore wearing them seems a bit like advertising you charity. Admittedly, they are very comfortable though – I’ve tried them on before.
One more mild comment: Seeing as abortion and gay rights are very current and ongoing controversies in America right now, I feel that describing a pro-life and anti-gay group as “religious fringe” might be a bit excessive. Not mainstream, perhaps, but there are far more fringe movements in this world than these.
thisizkim
Wow I had no idea that he was on the amazing race. Toms is a great idea. I actually own two pairs, but after a long day of wearing them, they usually hurt my feet, but I think that’s just me.
mir
I’m really excited to see smart comments on here — particularly Mariam’s!!
none
I don’t think it’s wrong for the founder to “have beliefs”. If he was pro choice and supported LGBT it is not different then being pro life and not supporting LGBT… I’m personally not an owner of Toms- they sell 20$ shoes for 40$ to basically promote poverty tourism. In the end though- it’s a FOR-PROFIT shoe company with a very convincing marketing scheme.
Bailey
Commenter “none” is correct. The vast majority of people assume TOMS is a non-profit, when in fact the opposite is true. Yes, they donate one for one, but these shoes cost next to nothing to make and cost an outrageous amount. They could make a lot more than one pair of shoes for the cost of one. It just kills me how many people are fooled by their very clever marketing.
Glad to see smart comments here. TOMS isn’t to be trusted and I hate seeing them promoted as a charity.
Stari
I have a pair of bright red toms that I love love love! I know there’s a lot of controversy about them right now but when it all comes down to it.. It didn’t buy them to help the kids. I bought them because they’re cool and comfy. Helping the kids was just a plus. But I do find them of poor quality. I took a babywipe to get some dirt off them and some of the red dye came off…
But all in all I bought them because I liked the style and the comfort. And no matter what all this drama is about them, they’re still my favorite shoes in my closet right now.
NW
I’m from Argentina and I didn’t know about this.. this makes us look like an average third world country.
I liked Samanta’s post:
4. Ripping off Argentina. First off, looking on the TOMS website basically makes Argentina look like a third world country. Also it uses their shoe design and their flag design on their damn TOMS image. I’m not sure if they pay the Argentinian government or the people for the use of their flag (which, actually I hope they don’t because according to my roommate, that government is more effed up than ours), but if this scenario became one where Argentina and TOMS were essays, TOMS would be accused of ten different kinds of plagiarism.
In case you didn’t know.. Argentina is not like Africa at all.. also we aprove same-sex marriage :)
Paula*
I never understood the appeal of TOMS shoes. They aren’t cute and they’re cheap. The shoes cost next to nothing to make and yet they cost $40. If you want kids in third world countries to have shoes, maybe you should donate to an actual charity and not a for profit organization.
Cara
I agree with None’s point above about it not being wrong for the founder of TOMS to have beliefs ad support them, either. Of course, it remains a personal choice whether or not you wish to support a person who has his beliefs, but if we all only purchased clothes, makeup, music, coffee, etc. from people whose causes we agreed with, than each of us would have a very, very short list of retailers. People should feel free to buy the shoes if they like the shoes and tolerate the company and its founder. Wearing TOMS does not necessarily imply that you uphold its founder’s every view.
lmg
Cary, this was the response posted on Blake’s wall:
July 9th, 2011
A Sincere Apology
136 Comments
Written by Blake Mycoskie
Topics: Uncategorized
Had I known the full extent of Focus on the Family’s beliefs, I would not have accepted the invitation to speak at their event. It was an oversight on my part and the company’s part and one we regret. In the last 18 months we have presented at over 70 different engagements and we do our best to make sure we choose our engagements wisely, on this one we chose poorly.
Furthermore, contrary to what has been reported, Focus on the Family is not a TOMS giving partner.
So there is no misunderstanding created by this mistake, let me clearly state that both TOMS, and I as the founder, are passionate believers in equal human and civil rights for all. That belief is a core value of the company and of which we are most proud.
He is NOT anti-LGBT.
lmg
Also to Miriam: they don’t just “give them stuff” once. Everytime they give a child a pair of shoes they actually do follow ups. They keep giving the same child shoes as he/she out-grows them…which is why the program actually works. And for everyone saying that its for profit.. at least theyre also doing something good with part of the money. TOMS isnt a charity..the One for One program is the charity.. How many other companies are out there at least giving a helping hand?
SpacietyKaitlyn
I love TOMS, and their cause makes me love them even more! They have a pair that are covered in gold sequins that I’m in loved with, Definitely a sassier version of the normal colored TOMS.
Kyleigh
Img, it would be nice to think that by giving the children more shoes as they grow out of the old ones means that the program has a good effect, but it actually makes things worse.
As several development experts have pointed out, none of these countries has a problem because there aren’t enough shoes. The problem is that people can’t afford to buy shoes. The better solution for this would be to buy shoes from local vendors for the kids. Instead TOMS imports shoes made in other countries, and essentially compete with local businesses.
Handing out imported freebees doesn’t work because it usually puts local vendors out of business. What companies like TOMS end up doing is adding to unemployment. They make the problem worse.