PROFILE

British shoe designer Sophie Gittins set her youthful sights on a career in shoe design before studying at the prestigious Cordwainers, London College of Fashion where she graduated with First Class Honours. She went on to impress a host of top industry names and was selected as a finalist of Fashion Fringe Shoes by a judging panel including luminaries Manolo Blahnik, Colin McDowell and Rupert Sanderson.

Spurred on by this achievement Sophie Gittins set to work on launching her eponymous label. At only 25 years of age the debut collection for Autumn Winter 2009 received widespread acclaim for its unique and distinctive graphic silhouettes inspired by the Weiner Werkstatte, earning her significant praise from Vogue.com, Style.com and The Independent, with British Elle citing her as “One of the New Shoe Designers turning heads”.

 

 

 

The craftsmanship at the core of the brand is exemplified through signature silhouettes free from unnecessary adornment. Sophie Gittins’ streamlined shoes are enhanced by sumptuous materials, rich in textural contrast and punctuated by sharp architectural detail to maintain a modern edge. With inspirations ranging from Victorian Scientists to Russian Churches, the designer’s eclectic tastes and scholarly influences have culminated in shoes which both embrace and embody the ethos of ‘intelligent luxury’.

With such a strong debut under her belt, Sophie Gittins is one designer whose ‘shoe star’ is certainly in the ascendancy.