How difficult has it been generating publicity?
I hired a London PR company with experience in young new footwear designers because I do not have any personal experience in marketing and PR and I knew that PR was vital for my business. I kind of leave it up to them because they have all the press contacts. Generally it is hard to generate publicity, it’s a slow process, and it involves a lot of luck.
If you could only have one pair of shoes from your collection which would they be?
That’s a difficult question; because I only design and manufacture shoes that I like and want to wear! My favourite design from spring summer 06 is the T-bar curved wedge and T-bar cartoon wedge. The reality is I own a pair in each style (except for the peep-toe mule kitten heel, which is more of an “office” style and as I don’t work in an office anymore, I do not have to wear those types of shoes anymore!)
Who are your style icons?
I’m not a regular reader of celebrity magazines, so I don’t really follow who wears what religiously, but over the course of the years, generally speaking Kate Hudson has a consistent dress style that I like, slightly hippy and informal.
What are you listening to at the moment?
I’ve recently discovered the Delays and I’m listening to them a lot. Prior to that I listened to Kasabian regularly. Other than that I’m really lucky that my fiancee is in the music business and he brings a lot of music home.
Favourite movie?
That’s difficult, because unlike music, which I listen to repeatedly, I generally only see a movie once, so it becomes less “ingrained” in my memory. I think my favourite recent movie (well not so recent) was “The
Life Aquatic of Steve Zissou”, it was brilliant, really off the wall wry humour. The only movie I’ve ever watched a number of times (in my late teens) was Le Grand Bleu (the Big Blue) with Jean marc Barr and Jean Reno.
Favourite designer?
Phoebe Philo when she was at Chloe. The clothes and shoes she and her team designed were brilliant, casual and cool. Also recently discovered US designer Betty Jackson, I like her playful designs and bright colours.
Favourite city?
I’m more of a mountain girl than a city girl, but I like London (apart from the steel grey weather, the overpriced underground tickets and permanent traffic congestion) for its energy freedom and opportunity.
Favourite shop?
Probably Top Shop on Oxford Street and H&M (both in London). It’s cheap and up to date fashion with the odd really good piece. If I could afford it, I’d shop at Selfridges (in London).
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Someone in the footwear industry told me to make sure I kept a really close eye on my cash flow. And he’s right. I do my own accounts so I keep track of where spending goes and I can analyse which parts of the business absorb the most funds.
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