Vans

Christmas has come early. For a shoe lover these are perfect for me. Someone has chosen well, I love the colour red and these trainers are great with jeans or skirts. 

Since opening their first store in 1966, the Californian trainer company Vans has been named one of America’s best small companies by Forbes in 2001. Over 40 years ago, brothers Paul and James Van Doren started a unique company. Their unique idea was to manufacture their own shoes and sell them directly to the public. 

In the 70s, they became popular by skateboarders, due to the non-slip bottom being more conducive for a better grip.  After creating shoes for skateboarders, Vans made sneakers for other sports including wakeboarding and surfing. Today, the company continues to support skateboarding, with sponsorship of team riders including Dustin Dollin and Johnny Layton.

In 1988, Vans original owners sold the company to an investment banking firm, after being bankrupt from the company’s resources which forced them to file bankruptcy in 1983. They are now owned by VF Corporation.

As well as being comfortable and easy to wear, Vans have also been tested as being very durable. These “used to be” black Authentic Vans have been worn everyday for a year and still going strong. They may be covered in mud and look more grey or brown, but they are still comfy and wearable.

Jimmy Choo and Rob Pruitt

From my last post, you will know that the company Jimmy Choo has collaborated with the retailer H&M. This year the shoe company have decided to join forces with the contemporary Artist Rob Pruitt to design a capsule cruise 2013 collection. The range of accessories with inclue shoes, handbags, and small leather goods all referencing the inimitable style of Pruitt’s art and they will debut in Jimmy Choo boutiques and online.

http://www.jimmychoo.com/collections/rob-pruitt/icat/rplnduk/

Jimmy Choo Creative Directors Sandra Choi and Simon Holloway consistently refer to contemporary art in their collections, and were inspired by Pruitt’s playful style and witty cultural references. They have been said to be captivated by Pruitt's energy, his use of colours and festive exuberance of prints and materials. Adding this twist to Jimmy Choo's already glamourous shoes will make them something very collectible and uniquely beautiful.

Throughout its history, Jimmy Choo has collaborated with contemporary artists. This partnership with Rob Pruitt follows previous collaborations with contemporary artists such as Nan Goldin for the Cruise 12 Icons Collection, Marilyn Minter for the Cruise 11 Crystal Collection and Richard Phillips for the Spring/Summer 2008 Collection.

This is the exclusive 'Angel Panda, Devil Panda,’ animation directed and illustrated by Jo Ratcliffe, with graphic patterns and inspiration by Rob Pruitt. It was unveiled to celebrate the launch of the collection.

H&M Collaborations

Everyone wants a bit of designer couture, but it doesn't always come at high street prices. That was until the Swedish fashion brand started having guest designers. Their collaboration collections have become a must-have. On launch day queues and elbow fighting can be seen as the store doors. 

They started in 2004 with designer Karl Lagerfeld and continued with Stella McCartney, Madonna, Jimmy Choo, Lanvin, Versace and their latest with Maison Martin Margiela. 

 In November 2009, the company released a limited-edition collection with Jimmy Choo. Of course shoes and handbags, ranging from £30 to £170 were included. This was also the first time a collection included clothing designed by Choo. 

 

I was lucky enough to be in London on that launch day. I popped into their flagship store at Oxford Circus, just to have a look. It was mental; boxes everywhere, people everywhere, trying to find their perfect Choo. These have to be my favourite shoes, the be not be killer heels, but sometimes its nice to feel fabulous in flat. 

 

 In 2011, H&M topped it again and collaborated with the Italian fashion house Versace. When I heard about it, I knew it was going to be good. All their other collaborations had been a success; queues round the block and sell-out of the garments. 

My sister managed to get a glimpse at the collection in Glasgow and I was proud to hear that she walked away with these gorgeous gold soled black patent heels. She mentioned that some people had camped overnight, now I love shoes but that's dedication. 

 

 

20 Years of shoes

Dune, the shoe brand are turning 20 this month. They are British brand that are passionate about beautifully designed, stylish and unique shoes that excite and inspire season after season. Being focused on bring affordable luxury footwear to the high street, with the attention to detail, quality materials and high fashion designs has gained them sophisticated and loyal customers.

In celebration of their anniversary, the company are having a competition for customers to upload a picture of their favourite Dune memory for a chance to win a year's worth of Dune shoes. That would definitely make your dream shoe wardrobe come true.

They also had special treats at some stores for customer. In Aberdeen, my local Dune store, they had champagne and chocolate treats as well as pamper sessions through the day with free Autumn/Winter trend inspired nail art. What an exciting shopping day out?

High street fashion is more important now more than ever. It allows us all to access key trends from across the world. Dune's styles are stronger and more popular season after season. They create exciting designs that are timeless and remain popular. Using high quality allows their designs to be versatile and key pieces in their customers wardrobes.

They always seem to have something for everyone and for every occasion. From the killer heels to chic everyday ballerina flats, embellished sandals and the perfect courts. 

I see Dune as the shoe shop where you will find sparkles, classics and simple but elegant designs. Here are a selection of my favourites from this collection. All available on their website.

http:www.dune.co.uk

I am lucky enough I have my own bit of Dune's sparkle....