Cordwainers at the London College of Fashion Graduation

I was recently invited to my old College's, (Cordwainers at the London College of Fashion's) Graduate show.

The standard of work was amazing and so inspiring. One particular graduate stood out for me So - Yeon Ahn. Her work is so contemporary, I defiantly want a pair! Gorgeous wedge's with a perspect  platform, made from the most buttery calf leather, So- Yeon's collection would defiantly look fabulous in Selfridges shoe lounge!

To see So- Yeon's whole collection please click here.

I'd like to wish So- Yeon and the rest of the graduates all the best in there future careers.

Design Sheet : Lucifer

Lilith & Lucifer

So- Yeon Ahn and her Lucifer shoe

Poco Nido the new baby brand...........

Poco Nido the new Baby brand has now officially launched.

Poco Nido  is a little brand for little people. Founded by Catherine (my best friend!) a footwear designer for almost 14 years and proud mum of 2 little ones. Their aim is to create quality clothing and footwear in limited runs so you get functional and exclusive pieces that won't break the bank - and of course happy, cool kids in the process!

They have also just launched a limited edition collection of medal t-shirts perfect for the Olympic season! Make sure you check them out!

P.s Next week we will be launching a TFPBC and Poco Nido combo competition, make sure you bob back for more info!

From Party Bags to Shoes ......... Again!

For those of you who follow our blog often, you will know that, apart from our passion of all things Party, we love shoes too!!

My other Job is a Children's Footwear and Accessories Designer, and last week I was lucky enough to visit Ruston Ablett LTD a Footwear suppler and one of the few UK shoe factories still running. The factory and offices were originally build in 1902 and was a wooden last factory, moving into out soles in the 70's and then moving into wellington boots. In its hay day Northamptonshire was the mecca of the shoe manufacturing world, sadly one after the other the factories slowly closed, as production moved first to europe then east to China. Ruston Ablett also produce out of the far east for customers including, Barbour, Superdry, Vivienne Westwood, and Marks and Spencer.

Down a sleepy side street in Northampton in a beautiful victorian building you will find a work force of only 10 producing PVC wellies and Jellies for the UK market.

Outsole Moulds originally made in Italy.

Production being made.

Injection Machine for making PVC Wellies.

After a delicious pub lunch in what use to be the old BARRETTS  Head office, we then visited the Northampton Museum which explains the history of the Shoe industry and production as well as impressive collection of shoes through the ages. It was amazing to step back in time and in a way an nostalgic reminder of why I love shoes so much.

A few pictures from the Museum, love the Dr Martens stilts and the 1970's M&S high tops which are very much on trend now!

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the guys for spending the day with us and showing us around!

From Party Bags to Childrens Shoes.......Cordwainers at The London College of Fashion.

Another great Passion of ours is Children's Footwear, I myself went to Cordwainers at The London College of Fashion ( One of the best Footwear design colleges in the world!), albeit along time ago! I was very Lucky to be invited to the end of year graduation show, at Golden Lane London.
 

A particular Strong student stood out for me, Jiny Jun, the only Student who sampled Pram Shoes. I thought her work was commercial yet, had a very different edge to it, for example , selling 3 shoes in a pack, that are more like toys rather then shoes to help development the Childs development.

To view her online portfolio please click here http://showtime.arts.ac.uk/jinyjun

 

Apparently Jiny Jun has been snapped up very quicky by Marks and Spencer as an assistant Children's Footwear and Accessories designer, Congratulations to Jiny and all the students that are graduating from Cordwainers at The London College of Fashion!!! .............