Sophia Webster

If you are looking for shoes that are playful, whimsical and fun, a must have pair in your collection should be from London born designer Sophia Webster.  The designer first decided on footwear as a career after having studied an art foundation course at Camberwell College of Art before completing a degree at Cordwainers College – where Jimmy Choo trained. She was then offered a spot in the Royal College of Art’s MA womenswear course, which helped her land a coveted role as Nicholas Kirkwood’s design assistant and it was Kirkwood who acted as a mentor to the young designer and helped her launch her spring/summer 2013 collection which was picked up by major retailers internationally.

What I love about her collection is its ability to test the imagination thanks to its playful, fashion-forward styles. Inspired by Brazil where her shoes are made, her summer collection always features stunning vibrant colours (think neon yellow, pastel blue and hot pink), whimsical motifs and funky materials such as pompoms add to their uniqueness and fun appeal. Styles range from platforms and kitten heels to flats with beaded embellishments with each making a statement, whether it’s lace-ups with laser-cut flamingos and polka-dot block heels or strappy sandals featuring polka-dot appliqués and heels made of stacked beads.  One of her most iconic signature styles are the butterfly wings Evangeline heels which come in various colours from bright and bold, to metallic and glitter.  Her boots collection are no different – mixing different fabrics and textures such as these mesh booties with leopard print in a sparkle green and black motif with fringe edging for a feminine touch, showing attention to detail right down to the pull tabs on the back of the heels.

    

“My customer is someone who doesn’t take herself too seriously, is colourful and likes to have fun with what she wears,” Webster says. “She expresses her personality through their shoes”.  And who doesn’t want to express their personality and share a glimpse of their fun, playful side

By Klaudia Capalbo