Collection Inspiration

Fashion Fringe Shoes finalist Sophie Gittins unveils her shoe label during London Fashion Week in February 2009. This ultra-talented designer has been working with British manufacturers and suppliers to create an impressive debut collection drawing inspiration from the jewellery, furniture and textile industries of visual arts movement Weiner Werkstatte. Sharp designs with spiked stilettos make up a feminine yet edgy collection of architectural shapes.

Established in 1903, the Wiener Werkstatte was an Austrian production community of visual artists whose distinctive style and meticulously crafted works were characterised by simple shapes, minimal decoration and geometric patterning. The workshop endeavoured to bring together architects, artists and designers whose first commitment was to instil these aesthetic ideals into both objects from traditional crafts and fine arts alike.

Sophie Gittins incorporates the Weiner Werkstatte method through simplified silhouettes and graphic prints, with each shoe named after a key member of the movement. The shoes are crafted from leathers and fabrics of the highest quality including goat suede, plush velvet, shredded silk organza, mohair wool bouclé and butter soft lamb nappa. Additionally a graphic printed silk has been exclusively re-created for the collection from the archive of the Stephen Walters Silk Mill.

View Autumn Winter 2009 Collection

 

Stunning spiked heels reaching 115mm high are sufficiently vertiginous and a fierce focal point of the collection. A recurring theme of classic, feminine elegance flows throughout the entire line with a focus on sharp, architectural form providing a structured yet stylish edge. These are unquestionably shoes that are the epitome of luxury and soon to become a “must have” in every fashion-focused shopper’s wardrobe. Sophie Gittins designs shoes that are quite simply works of art in their own right.

An extremely high level of expertise is depicted through shape. Square toe courts cut the foot at its most flattering point and graphic, latticed cut outs draw the eye. The emerald green geometric printed peep toe and haircovered boots are both key styles that sum up the Sophie Gittins’ woman – elegant, feminine and classic with an edge.

A signature, luxurious golden bumblebee embossed on the sole of each shoe is symbolic of the creativity and drive Sophie shows her trade, as well as a spirited attitude for achieving the impossible. Hence the Sophie Gittins bumblebee is a compelling motif to adopt for a designer who is unveiling her first collection in the midst of uncertain economic times. Here is a designer who has the aspiration and the talent to achieve the impossible – and surely will.