Netflix and chill with Tinker Hatfiled - not 'chill' ;)

Netflix just released a series of documentaries focusing on visionaries within the art and design field. Abstract - The Art of Design is definitely something you can binge on! I sat and watched 6 in a row and couldn't get enough of it! It was totally inspiring and motivating and after watching them it not only highlighted how talented the individuals were but the path they took to get as successful as they are - basically a LONG TIME. Im always challenged and impatient about time, and where I'm at with my footwear career but these documentaries reassured me that I'm exactly where I'm meant to be.  The episode that focused on Tinker Hatfield the visionary behind Nike particularly caught my eye (of course!) simply because even though his trade is in sports footwear our paths weren't dissimilar at all, we both studied architecture and figured at that point that we were both good at drawing and building 3D pieces of work. We both landed in architecture not really knowing if that was our path and if it was something we wanted to do for the rest of our lives. Of course aside from the personal similarities his full time job wasn't to dissimilar either - we both work in footwear. This documentary is for the absolute sneaker fanatic or shoe fanatic for that matter - it explores the lengths Hatfield went to build a brand but most importantly a product that would stand the test of time. Michael Jordan features in it regularly and the ever famous back to the future sneaker is presented in its most basic form to the fully functioning self tying sneakers. This is an absolute jem to watch and so are the other episodes in this series - so what are you waiting for?

Manolo Blahnik 

New Shoes 

So this book, I received on Christmas day and has given me hours and hours of inspiration, and pleasure. I love going to this book for the intricate details, and since I'm a shoe maker and not solely a designer I find it increasingly difficult to get my ideas onto paper because my head is already figuring out how to make them with the tools I have around me. BUT, when I do have to design which is becoming  a necessity with the collaboration I'm working on, conveying ideas and designs is so very important. This is the book i turn to, so for all my readers who are designers I 100% recommend this book, make it your next purchase and notice your designs go from 0-100 REAL QUICK! ;)

Emma Hope

I'm all over embellishment at the moment, (well actually all the time! ha!) so coming across Emma Hope for the first time couldn't have come at a more convenient time. Now she may be difficult to track down since she has no social media footprint, BUT she does have two very successful boutiques in the affluent areas of Westbourne Grove and Sloane Square. Now I just love designers that are unique, exclusive and non commercial. I'll be the first to mention that Tuesday was the fist time I'd heard of the brand after speaking to inspirational/motivational speaker Neil Sikka, and I'm so glad I have! The embellishment element of her evening footwear are stunning as are the wedding footwear, Hope provides a range of styles including sneakers and casual footwear. Definitely worth a visit in stores or having a quick look via the website but for now here are a few of my favourite styles.

Porthia London

I have been meaning to post about this fresh new brand for a little while now, and since i've had a little time to unwind in Curacao I thought now would be the best time. I initially started following this brand through instagram because a friend told me to follow them, I always love hearing about new brands because it allows you to mix up your shoedrobe and consequently your wardrobe. Seeing a brands progression and growth is something that both excites and overwhelms me mostly because I know how far I have to go, but also seeing the benefits of taking a (calculated) risk: success with your passion. With passion comes confidence which is exactly what this brand prides its self on. With their debut collection for Autumn Winter 15 doing so well I was excited to see what they had in store for SS16 - and yes it got my seal of approval. I absolutely adored their Wednesday heel for AW15 and this season they have hit the nail on the head with their gorgeous flat ballet pumps. They are definitely worth a follow/snoop on Facebook\Instgram to see what else the brand has up its sleeve.

Christopher Dixon

Sneaker designer turned high heel extraordinare started his adventure into footwear from a young age using Basketball sneakers as his inspiration. Turning his hands to high heels is more of a recent venture when he was able to look into Serena Williams Shoe drobe. Dixon remembered how Williams mentioned that most of her favourite shoes gave her great pain and this triggered a partnership that explored the comfort of sports footwear within heels. In comes Christopher Coy - his debut heel collection. The designs speak for themselves, they look luxuriously comfy yet amazingly supportive through the use of organic materials. Now they don't come cheap but what great designs do? Head to his website for a more expansive look at his new range, but for now I leave you with a few of my favourites.

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

Silvia Fado

Since deciding to leave any possible career in architecture behind it has been rearing its head every so often just to let me know its here to stay and will forever be part of my academic history. Amazingly it has cropped up in the most interesting of areas - footwear. I have a major soft spot for designs and designers/architects that have dabbled in footwear and Silvia Fado is just that; hugely inspired by architecture and knitwear and passionate about footwear.

Fado's latest collection 'Kinetic Traces' looks at the way the body moves, along with fashion design and high performance sports footwear. With fashion footwear often pretty to look at but not so comfy to wear Fado is exploring the relationship between functional and high end fashion footwear. Her designs are fantastic and have some great elements that really make you want to look closer at the design. Fado graduated at London college of fashion so for all you budding footwear designers Fado is a great example of what you could accomplish following a career in footwear.

W - www.silviafado.com

F - Silvia Fado

I - @silviafado_shoes

Shoe of the Week

JANE CULT

'SHANIA'

A bit of a double whammy here, I've chosen the 'Shania' shoe by Jane Cult for two reasons; one reason is pretty obvious - how cute are these sandals? Lace up sandals are totally in and at the bargain price of £27.99 you can't go wrong. The second reason I chose these shoes was to introduce new brand Jane Cult. Their website only launched yesterday so there are some great introductory deals so I would suggest heading over there as soon as possible to take advantage of them. (There is an extra 10% off your first purchase with discount code 'yay10'). These particular shoes are also available in black and nude and the range of shoes on the site are on bang on trend and affordable - I just love them! Give them a quick follow on Instagram (its where I saw the extra10% off) as they're always updating with new content and new styles - so why not be one of the first ones to say your wearing Jane Cults? - Join the cult!!

W - www.janecult.com

F - Jane Cult

T - @janecult

I - @janecult

Shoe Of The Week

by Nº21 

They're just lush right? Featured in the Spring 2015 ready to wear show by Nº21 they make the perfect statement. They are also available in a number of muted colours but the gorgeous mustard colour is by far my favourite and most versatile. I have seen them matched up with a number of different outfits by bloggers and fashionistas around the world and I'm completely and utterly in love.

Website

www.numeroventuno.com

Instagram

@n21_official

Facebook

N21 Official

Twitter

@Numeroventuno

Style

Open toe Mules (Flats and Stilettos also available)

NEWS

Designer - Josh Olan 

I came across Josh Olan on Instagram, and you can see why his illustrations caught my eye. The Londoner has gained a great following from his fashion illustrations, not limiting himself to drawings of clothes and fashion.  His instagram alone screams character, clean lines and a contrasting mix of white and black imagery and inspiration, much like his illustrations. I was particularly interested in the footwear concepts Olan has designed that are all drawn from the most basic of designing tools - the pencil. Now you’re probably thinking how limiting? but Olan's drawings are so intricately illustrated that the use of any other medium is just not needed; you can instantly gain a sense of materiality just from the shading and pencil strokes. I personally find drawing with a pencil daunting (unless I'm using a ruler which is probably out of habit from studying architecture) and I’m sure thats the same for many of us to, but Olan seems to show great control and talent. I look forward to seeing lots more from him, so for now I'm going to leave you with a few a of my favourite illustrations which you can also see on his his Instagram.

Instagram

Josh Olan