SHOE REBELS AND LEATHER ROGUES

Unlike many creatives I know, I can’t claim to have come from an unsupportive family. Thankfully, that does not form part of my story at all: quite the opposite in fact. My parents were always encouraging when it came to my creativity and looking back, my future path was set from a very young age. I do remember short stints of wanting to be a paramedic, (having engrossed myself in episodes of Saturday night TV drama ‘Casualty’) and also an archeologist, thanks to a fossil project that piqued my interest at middle school. But with the exception of these 2 ideas, the rest of my childhood and early adulthood believed firmly that my destiny would be a creative one. There really wasn’t any other choice. Where else would I possibly fit when I spent all my free time drawing, colouring, making and creating?

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HOW TO MAKE A PAIR OF LEATHER SANDALS

As part of my #100DaysofShoemaking project (see this blog post for more info), I decided to design and make a pair of sandals. It’s been a veeeeeeery long time since I last made shoes (hello uni days…) but it was really fun to get back into it with a new style and in my own time. I’ve now completed them and thought I’d write up how it went. Scroll through to the end to see the finished articles!

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THE #100DAYPROJECT – PROGRESS OVER PERFECTION…

Last week I passed the big 3-0 days of my #100daysofshoemaking which means by now I’m more than a third of the way through. Woah! It should also mean I have more than 30 shoe posts on my Instagram account to sift and scroll through too but do I? Here is my honest account of how the first part of the project has gone, what’s coming up next and some tips for anyone out there embarking on a similar challenge…

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100 DAYS TO BE CREATIVE DURING QUARANTINE

WHAT’S THE 100 DAY PROJECT?

I don’t know about you, but the Corona virus quarantine has left me feeling a bit creatively numb. Life is really topsy turvy right now as we all adjust to a new normal and despite a positive attitude and the gratitude I have for my health, I have found it difficult to be creative. As a result, I’ve been looking for ways to incorporate not only creative thinking but stimulate my imagination to help focus on my ultimate goal – a footwear and leather goods brand of my own. This is where the 100 Day Project comes in…

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BEST PART OF THE JOB…

When I tell people what I do for a living their reactions generally fall into one of 2 categories;

1).The Appreciators – “wow! what a cool job!” (genuinely curious and immediately accepting of an ‘arty’ career)

2).The Disbelievers – “is that even a real job?” (feigning interest and stifling laughter)

Sadly, so often design is hugely undervalued by non-creatives and yet if it were really that easy to come up with imaginative concepts day in, day out, surely everyone would be capable and thus eliminate the need to employ a designer in the first place?! My very good friend and Graphic Designer, Michelle Abrahall, has recently written a great article on this which you can read here.

Today however, I don’t want to dwell on the ‘non-believers’ of this world! Today I would like to share the best part of this job and that is to see your designs actually out there, selling well and being worn.

I mentioned in my last post that one of my designs was about to be delivered and last week I was able to see it first-hand, in-store, on a visit to London. I know it’s not groundbreaking and it won’t be winning any awards this year, but it is commercial and on trend which means at least it’s got half a chance of selling!

To all those friends, family, (especially my wonderful parents), and ‘appreciators’ who have always encouraged my creativity, here is just a tiny, little success story, but one which I am still immensely proud of. And to all those who thought my career a funny one: who’s laughing now…?! 😉

Zoe x

Elasticated slip-on

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A SNEAK(ER) PREVIEW…

Over the last few months one of my favourite projects has been to develop a new range of men’s vulcanised shoes for AW15. My initial ideas can be found below. They were subsequently developed into CADs, then spec sheets and finally the samples we have ultimately been busy showing customers. It’s always exciting seeing a 2D design come to life as a 3D shoe and it’s so satisfying to be able to present the final samples to clients and see the reactions first-hand!

It’s all a bit hush-hush still at this stage as these shoes aren’t in stores yet but I’ll update with photos once they become available!

Zoe x

Nigel (was harry) edward

parker Eric

BERLIN BABY!

I love that my job involves travelling to awesome places and for AW15, I was able to visit one of the fashion capitals, Berlin, for some serious shoe inspiration! The city itself is brimming with art, design and creative-types and right at the heart of this is the Mitte area, where I stayed. (Thanks @GeneratorHostel for a great couple of days).

It’s important to feed creativity so it’s great to leave the office, experience some culture then return to work with fresh eyes and renewed enthusiasm. Here’s some snaps and mood boards from my trip…

 

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AW15 SNEAKER BOARD

 

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