Shoes glorious shoes

One Saturday way back in January I received a Tweet that outdoes every other tweet I have ever seen. It was from the very fantastic Debra at Young British Designers who very kindly suggested I choose a pair of shoes from their spring/summer collection as my wedding shoes - as a gift! I know! I was, and still am, so astounded by their generosity and kindness. I couldn't believe my luck.

So on Friday 1st April I went along to their studio in Leomington Spa to pick up my very own pair of shoe-art by Sophie Gittins.

About Sophie

'Sophie is a British shoe designer who 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. Since the debut in 2009 the shoes have received widespread acclaim for their unique and distinctive graphic silhouettes earning significant international praise from Vogue.com, Style.com and The Independent, with British Elle citing Gittins as “One of the New Shoe Designers turning heads”.

'The Italian craftsmanship at the core of the brand is exemplified and enhanced with sumptuous materials, rich in textural contrast. Feminine styles are punctuated by sharp architectural details 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 ascendant.'

I couldn't agree more! Sophie's shoes really are a piece of art work. The pair I have the great honour of calling 'my own' are as light as a feather, and even smell beautiful! (no really, they do!) When I went to see Debra she said that while they're being made, Sophie puts them on during the process to ensure the balance is  just right. Well it certainly works. They're so unbelievably comfortable. I honestly can't wait to put them on, on my wedding morning - and wear them forever after! :) So, without further ado, I present to you.. the beautiful... magnificent.. awe inspiring... MY actual wedding shoes!

I know! They are stunning aren't they. I am the luckiest girl in the world and will always be so very thankful to Debra and Young British Designers for their generosity. I honestly can't thank them enough! 

So, let me share with you a bit more about YBD - as I think everyone should experience such fabulousness in their lives!

 

I've admired the stunning designs on the YBD site since they first opened in September 2010. Their website is a complete breath of fresh air - full of beautiful items from 'Young, British, Designers'! The site has been set up to support upcoming British designers and to offer people a totally unique service that goes above and beyond any fashion website I've ever used. Here's what they say:

'Life is all about 'moments in time'. Some of those moments are more significant than others, sometimes we have the opportunity, in one of those moments to do something new, something brave, something unique and something that will change our own life or those of others. These are the moments that really matter, when we have to decide whether to take a brave step into a new world, or remain with the familiarity of habit. These are the special moments in our lives...

'Young British Designers is all about those special 'moments in time'. It started with four people, four people of differing ages, differing backgrounds, some shared experiences...but most importantly a real thirst to pursue a vision about which all four were really passionate: original brave design, new talent, a fair way to work and the opportunity to take a risk; a life changing risk.

'Which is exactly what our new British designers do every day - they take brave steps, every time they create a new design, every time they show their own, very personal creation to a critical world.

'We love British design, there's just something about it, it's not the sophisticated je ne se quoi of our European cousins, or the high octane desirability of our US counterparts. It's just so cool, as cool as Concord, as cool as the O2 Arena (so who else has got one?) - cool. Cool Britannia.

'Young British Designers is proud to create the first dedicated retail environment purely focusing upon young talent working in this country (and by young we mean still in the formative years of their brand, we don't really mind if they start designing at 60 or beyond).

'Our designers are at the core of the Young British Designers retail experience. We believe their talent will speak for itself and in doing so give us the chance to present our customers with something new and unique: a perfectly edited collection of the best that British fashion has to offer - a wonderful place to create a highly individual style statement  (in many instances the collections from our designers will never be repeated).

'The best of fashion starts at a 'moment in time' - this is that time.'

If you haven't already, go check out the site. It really is a pleasure to shop on and the pleasure doesn't stop once your item arrives - these pieces will be cherished forever! Click here to see the wonderful site for yourself... Young British Designers xx