High Heels High Hopes

....is on the Road!

I come across talented shoe makers on social media regularly, I'm either mesmerised by the designs and the quality of the hand made shoes, or in awe of the process videos they make, each one with their own little touch of personality depending on the maker. I often wonder what their studios are like, what tools they prefer using, their favourite style of shoes and most importantly what I'd be able to learn from them if I was ever able to meet them. A couple weeks ago, I had an epiphany, while planning what to pack for my holiday to Curacao (part of the ABC Islands - that are just off the coast of Venezuela). I set off with my family and boyfriend next week to see my uncle who works out there so we can commemorate my Dads life (Im hoping holidays around this time of year becomes a regular thing! - Much prefer remembering my Dad this way!). My uncle has mentioned a number of times a shoe maker who's studio isn't too far from where lives, instantly I was intrigued. My aunt had sent me pictures of sandals she had made by the shoe makers in this very studio and I was hooked. (this is where the epiphany comes in) I figured this would be a fantastic way to meet shoe makers and see how they work; while travelling - documenting the beautiful journey along the way through the blog. With this in mind, and the power of social media I thought I'd put the feelers out to see whether any of you guys know any shoe makers in the below locations or if indeed you are a shoe maker yourself and would like to be featured on the blog! Feel free to comment with the names and websites of the shoe makers you have in mind!

Curacao : 18th - 27th March 2016

Washington DC : 11th - 18th June 2016

New York : 18th June 2016

Hong Kong : 8th - 12th September 2016

Tokyo : 12th - 24th September 2016 (exact number of days here TBC)

Kyoto : 12th - 24th September 2016 (exact number of days here TBC)

Caterina Belluardo

In the theme of flat shoes this week East London based luxury footwear brand Caterina Belluardo is one to look out for. She has built a unique A-gender business; seamlessly designing footwear that suits both female and male tastes. Knitted detailing and beautiful leathers feature heavily in her designs which explore traditional leisure-wear styles. Bespoke footwear is another element Bellauardo has to offer with her online shopping experience, you're able to change the colour combinations of a certain style which are then hand made in her East London Studio. (which I'm totally loving) Interning at I Can Make Shoes has allowed me to understand the craft and discipline involved in hand making shoes so this a super appealing feature for someone who might want something a little more unique and individual. With the Winter wardrobe preparation in mind (more like on standby with the weather we've had recently) Belluardo's footwear is perfect  - full of character to brighten up the coming months.

W - www.caterinabelluardo.com

F - Caterina CB Belluardo

T - @catabelluardo

I - @caterinabelluardo

One to Watch

Youngwon Kim

Youngwon Kim graduated with a MA and BA in footwear from the home of all the best emerging designers of the moment; Cordwainers. Designers Sophia Webster, Nicholas Kirkwood and Sophie Gittins have all hailed from the famous school and have set up their own labels and have been extremely successful. A listers from London to LA have been seen in many of their shoes and they're the hot designers to watch. 

Youngwon Kim graduated in 2013 and since has been working independently. In the same year Kim won the prestigious Vogue Talent award for the final collection and was also  a finalist in the accessories category. So a debut collection is pretty inevitable. Kim's final collection took the vogue talent competition by storm and its easy to see why,  the design and craftsmanship involved in the collection was not only innovative but functional, which can sometimes be rare when designs are deemed too conceptual. Kim's designs can be encompassed by 3 main concepts, 1) Interchangeable heels - Kim designed a locking system within the heel to allow different heel types to lock into the main body of the shoe. (I couldn't think of a better way to customise your own shoes!) 2) A new technique in the way the upper is formed - Kim layered leathers to form the area that cups your ankle in a pair of shoes in the collection. (Kim's process video can be viewed on the LCA website or here) 3) using acrylic blocks as the heels main material. The overall collection is  absolutely genius. Kim has designed a range of shoes that are completely functional and has opened up a whole new dialogue of conversation in terms of construction. 

Kim's recents efforts can be seen in Kay Kwok's London Collections Men and new brand Ground Zero. Both amazing brands with great footwear during fashion week. I genuinely can't wait to see what Kim has in store for us next.

The Shoe Review

J o a n n e    S t o k e r

I'm absolutely loving Joanne Stokers 1964 Collection. Inspired by the 60’s she has hit the nail on the head with the designs in this collection. I love animal print on shoes and this has featured and influenced a few of the designs, so of course my favourite shoe in this collection is the herringbone print Brigitte pump.  Though she may be an under the radar new talent to watch out for in commercial respects, she has made some major steps (no pun intended) in the footwear industry since graduating from Cordwainers in 2009. From graduating she fell right into the hands of Jimmy Choo where she was mentored, to designing with Matthew Williamson and Dune.

Stokers 1964 collection is a homage to the 60’s - Think monochrome, geometric, Mary Quant, bold patterns and colours and you’ll get the theme of Stokers inspiration for this collection. Thinking about all those factors would probably get you into a spin and feeling like some of the stoners with daisy chains from that era but I think Stoker has intertwined the essence of the 60’s with a modern day twist perfectly in this collection. So keep your eyes peeled - Stoker will be one to look out for in the very near future.

Favourite Picks

Dorte Pump, £495

Ray Boot, £595

Pia Pump £325

Jeanne Flat £195 (just because you always need a flat shoe)

Website

www.joannestoker.com

Shoe Spot

Nicki Minaj wears the 'Pink Flamenco' bootie in Starships Music Video

Style
1964 Collections has 13 products

‘refreshing twist to classic shapes’ - joannestoker.com

‘very uniquely now’ - joannestoker.com

Price

£175 upwards

Stockists UK

www.joannestoker.com