Footnote - By Richard Kottler, BFA
Published: 11 February, 2010
The UK is justifiably proud of the high profile footwear designer brands that not only are the envy of the world, but confirm this country’s ability to seemingly produce an endless stream of brilliantly talented and envied individuals. Names like Rupert Sanderson, Emma Hope, Georgina Goodman, Gwendolyn Carrie and Jeffery West are just a few of the eponymous brands that have global distribution and have inspired young designers in our world class colleges.
There is, however, another group of brands, less well known, but who have made enormous inroads whilst in the midst of this unrelenting recession. They aim at very different sectors of the market and each have a personality or DNA of their own - but what they do have in common is that they are run by young entrepreneurs who work hard at identifying their particular niche and making it work.
They have all combined flair and innovation with sound commercial judgement and excellent marketing skills. Have a look at the websites of the ones listed below and you will see what I mean.
Lynsey Hand at Miss L Fire and Shelleys personifies how creative genius backed by lots of hard work will always pay dividends. Rakish Heels, Terra Plana, Kat Maconie, Velvet B and Irregular Choice sum up the phrase “design innovation.” Esska Design, F-Troupe, Bourne and Strutt Couture consistently produce must-see collections whilst in the more mainstream area, the likes of Unze, Lunar, Shubiz and Park Lane demonstrate how glamorous product can be made accessible for the High Street shopper.
Product does not have to have a huge design content to catch the market’s eye. Fins has been incredibly successful with its simple approach having a cool loafer in a million colours whilst Homeys makes a slipper - and that’s it - but does it in such a way that in addition to its online success, it has now been picked up by a growing number of influential retailers. Holster and Aspiga show what can be achieved with interesting but straightforward sandals and jellies. And there is, of course, the international triumph of Fit Flops.
The UK continues to lead the way in eco, green and ethical footwear and innovative brands like Beyond Skin, Po-Zu, Bourgeois Boheme, Vegetarian Shoe and Terra Plana are all helping this new sector to grow and become important.
Whatever the market segment we should celebrate the drive, passion and courage of these young footwear brand creators and give them every support in helping them realise their ambitions - and to make sure retailers have a constant supply of new, interesting and commercially successful product.
