Consultancy Services
As an expert in managing the footwear design process from original concept to innovative shoe design, product development through to final sample and production there are lots of ways we can work together to create beautiful shoes:
Trends & Research
The start of any collection or design requires the right research and Design Direction.
Shopping for vintage at shops and markets in Belgium, Florence, London and Brighton combined with influences of art, photography, fashion and interiors offers a unique starting point, allowing me to create original and inspirational design direction for luxury houses such as Dries Van Noten, Paul Smith and Nicole Farhi.
Having also worked for a variety of commercial brands I am able to compile competitor and market analysis, review trends from catwalks and translate relevant seasonal trends for each brand or product line I collaborate with.
Let me inspire you…
Trend Forecasting
Market & Competitor Analysis
Original Research
Design Direction
Shoe Design
My expertise lies in designing women’s shoes across all types of footwear from loafers and brogues, sneakers, heels, sandals, espadrilles, moccasins, ballerinas, slippers and more.
I enjoy working on a collection in its entirety as well as focussing on the details within each shoe to build a cohesive range with a strong identity and commerciality.
My design process starts with a series initial thumbnail sketches to brainstorm an idea. This evolves through more in depth sketches to further develop a concept, finishing in spec ready digital line drawings and final presentation CADs.
I create footwear designs both freehand with pencil and paper as well as digitally with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
Let me design your dream shoes…
Range Building
Shoe Design
Sketches
CADs
Product Development
Turning an idea into reality is the biggest part of the process and a balance between design aesthetic, fit, quality and construction.
I have expert knowledge of different footwear constructions and am experienced at providing creative solutions whilst managing the whole development process from sketch to final sample.
This includes the development of lasts and heels, components and hardware, technical specs, footwear prototypes and fittings to reach final samples.
My career has taken me on development trips across the globe, making shoes with factories in Italy, Spain, Portugal, China, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, India, Brazil and UK.
Let me develop beautiful shoes for your brand…
Product Development
Technical Specs
Development trips
Fittings
Materials & Colour
Playing with colour, material and texture is one of my favourite parts of the design process as it adds a distinctive layer of personality to any shoe.
I work by creating a colour palette directly from research and balance colour and materials across a collection or individual product.
Twice yearly visits to Lineapelle in Milan to research and source the latest colour and materials, seasonal components and to stay informed about recent developments in sustainability within the footwear industry allows me to stay on top of all the latest trends.
Let me add colour & texture to your collection…
Colour Palette
Material Sourcing
Colour & Material Trend Research
Branding Details
It’s all about the details which will set your shoes apart.
The right branding will bring a cohesive voice to your brand, elevate the look of your shoes or perhaps add a playful touch.
Through my work for Paul Smith I was able to consistently design and develop innovative branded elements for the women’s footwear collections. Exploring different print, embroidery and other techniques across a range of applications including woven labels, zips, laces, ribbons & webbing, elastics and more to enhance the Paul Smith signature branding and seasonal prints.
Let me elevate branding across your range…
Branding Design
Trims & Accessories
Sampling
Being married to a shoemaker sometimes has it’s advantages. Sitting alongside my design studio is a shoemaking workshop where my husband Tom hand makes women’s shoes for bespoke clients, young designers and start up brands.
Whether you need a first sample to explain your concept to a factory or you’re working on a special project, collaboration or catwalk show and need shoes, having access to my own footwear workshop means I can turn your concept into a reality.
Specialised in women’s shoes our shoemaking workshop regularly works with New Gen fashion brands, final year students from Central St. Martins and the Royal College of Art to produce shoes for their final shows or London Fashion Week.
If you can dream it we can make it…
Sampling
Bespoke Shoes
Fashion Shows
Photography & Creative Direction
I love to bring shoes to life by creating atmospheric product stills or lifestyle shots which tell a story through photography.
Through the Art Direction, Styling and Photography of seasonal shoots and inspirational blog posts I create all elements of the brand aesthetic and image for my own women’s footwear brand CHAPTER 2 for both the website and social media platforms.
Let me create a photoshoot to tell the story of your shoes…
Art Direction
Photography
Styling
Look Book Shoots
If you’d like to work with me on any aspect of your footwear collection or to create your dream shoes please get in touch to discuss how we can work together: