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SOPHIE_GITTINS
DESCRIPTION:
The Spring Summer 2010 collection has found inspiration in the Russian jewellery House of Fabergé with a rich palette drawing from the Imperial eggs first created as the Tsar’s Easter gift for the Tsarina one hundred and twenty five years ago. Hues of pigment-rich Saffron, Moss and Magenta are shot through with Metallics and set against a base palette of Nude, Dove Grey, Black and White. Silhouettes are stylized and focus on smoothly sculpted shapes in signature graphic prints. Fresh forms of square toes create contemporary courts, classic ‘Mary Jane’ styles are imbued with a modern sensibility whilst the clean contoured lines of other styles reveal unexpected parts of the foot. Softly scalloped edges, snakeskin trims and lace-up fastenings remind that attention to detail is paramount. Velvety plush suedes, butter-soft nappas and textured silks are paired with more unusual materials such as lacquered leathers emulating moiré silks and the guilloché enamel for which Fabergé was renowned. Balance is key as each shoe in the collection carefully marries classic elegance with contemporary edge. As a finishing detail and a final respectful nod towards the master jeweller, each shoe takes its name from a person, object or precious stone associated with the House of Fabergé. PRESS Pressroom Communications info@pressroompr.com
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ABOUT ME
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.