Shoes from heaven

Sophie Gittins is a British shoe designer who graduated from Cordwainers, London College of Fashion with First Class Honours. She launched her eponymous label and she presented her debut collection for Autumn Winter 2009 at only 25 years. She was selected as a finalist of Fashion Fringe Shoes by a judging panel including luminaries Manolo Blahnik, Colin McDowell and Rupert Sanderson.

Her shoes are handmade in Italy and they are close to perfection. The high quality is noticeable at a glance and the sophistication of her inspirations is reflected on her designs. Modern shoes with the allure of the classics. Until the end of March/beginning of April, which is when the buying season closes she doesn't know 100% sure where her shoes will be sold.

-How would you define your brand? What is that makes it different?

SG- I would say I'm trying to create shoes which are classically feminine with a modern edge. Each shoe takes inspiration from a particular artistic or architectural movement.

-Do you think it�s a good idea to name your brand after your name?

SG- I think so - so many brand names can be similar so giving your company your own name automatically imbues it with a particular identity.

-When did you decide to be a shoe designer?

SG-I was still at school when I read about Cordwainers College becoming part of London College of Fashion. That was what piqued my interest.

-You established your own brand right after finishing your studies, you graduated from the LCF with First Honours and you were finalist in the Fashion Fringe Shoes event. Was that enough or you think that some previous experience at some other shoe designer house would have help?

SG-I think it is always good to gain as much insight into the industry as possible but I was determined to start as early as possible as I wanted complete creative control from day 1. Since then however I have gone on to do collaborations with a couple of womenswear designers and have really enjoyed the process of working to another design aesthetic other than my own.

-You look for inspiration in different backgrounds (architecture, jewellery). You always have a theme for your collections? Is it necessary to have an inspiration? If so, do you look for the inspiration or it just comes?

SG-I have always enjoyed research be it inspirational or trend based and so for me it is important to be constantly discovering and learning about something new which interests me. I enjoy the discipline of translating that through to an end product which has to be aesthetically pleasing and functional so I think it will always be a part of the brand.

-Are all your shoes hand-made?

SG- Yes, all of the shoes are hand-made in Italy.

Was it difficult to find people to work with and to rely on for the process of making the shoes?Who is your favourite designer? Style icon?

SG- I admire the shoes of Laurance Dacade and Pierre Hardy. For Womenswear I love Phillip Lim and Yves Saint Laurent.