Margaux's Footnotes Book Club Expands

Shoe brand Margaux is considering taking its Footnotes book club international next year. Co-founder Alexa Buckley revealed the plan to Publishers Weekly, describing the club as an unexpectedly popular community venture that began in January 2020.

The club was born from the founders' personal love for books. Buckley and co-founder Sarah Pierson started it as a way to bring people together for reasons unrelated to their footwear business. Their first event featured Kiley Reid and her debut novel Such a Fun Age.

Club Growth and Brand Expression

Footnotes has grown into a key part of Margaux's community-building efforts. Buckley explained that the club, along with other initiatives like a new Substack, acts as a vehicle for the brand to express itself. It allows them to celebrate inspiring women, which they state is core to their mission.

The events have adapted to different formats, including Zoom sessions during the pandemic and in-person gatherings in New York. A consistent group attends, but each book also attracts a new crowd.

Selecting Books and Hosting Events

The selection process for Footnotes books relies on gut instinct and genuine excitement. The idea for featuring Belle Burden's Strangers came after the founders read her essay in the New York Times. They also track authors they admire, planning around new book releases. The goal is to maintain an even balance between books that come to them and those they seek out.

Events are announced via social media and email. The first ten people to RSVP receive a free book. Buckley noted the response has been enormous, sometimes forcing them to close the RSVP list, though they try to keep it open to include as many people as possible.

Author Engagement and Memorable Moments

Author participation has been a highlight. Buckley called it part of the "special sauce" of the club's success. Authors are deeply engaged, answering every question. At the last event, Belle Burden stayed for two hours to sign books.

When asked for a favorite, Buckley chose Jenny Slate's event for Lifeform. Having recently had a baby, Buckley felt a deep connection to the material. She praised Slate's vulnerability, honesty, and ability to bring levity to emotionally resonant topics.

The club holds three to four events per year, or about one per quarter. This schedule aims to keep the selections feeling fresh and gives people time to read. Buckley emphasized that no shoes are ever sold at Footnotes events, protecting the club's focus on community over product.

The next Footnotes event is scheduled for October.