.
.
.
If you are a regular reader of the wedding blog, you’ll know that I recently made a whistle-stop trip down to the smoke to White Gallery London, for a preview of the top bridal designer’s 2014 collections. These are the gowns and accessories that will be landing in a wedding dress boutique near you soon.
.
I couldn’t possibly keep all the pretty to myself, and so am in the privileged position of obtaining access to all my favourite bridal designers for a series of exclusive interviews here on Brides Up North, where they’ll be giving you a sneak peek at their newest designs, sharing the inspirations behind the collections and giving you a glance into their (very beautiful) world.
.
Everyone’s got an Achilles heel (pun intended) right? For me, it’s beautiful shoes. The more toe tappingly gorgeous, the better. I fell in love with Rachel Simpson’s designs when I first saw her “Marilyn” shoe, and it’s been a bit of a love affair since then. I am honoured to have interviewed this talented lady as part of our Designer Series.
.
With images by Emma Case.
.
.
Mimosa
.
Please introduce Rachel Simpson Shoes?
.
Favoured for their unique style and wearability, Rachel Simpson Shoes combine elegant ideas inspired from the 1920s through to the 1950s, with delicate attention to detail, resulting in a truly beautiful signature style.
.
.
What is your style philosophy?
.
Elegantly understated, beautifully unique.
.
.
Arial
.
Arial
.
Tell us about the new collection by Rachel Simpson Shoes?
.
The new styles develop the very best features of the Rachel Simpson collection, with a strong emphasis on twenties and thirties styling. T-bars feature heavily, with cute round and almond toes and the ever popular peep-toe. Silver is a key feature, from striking metallic leather to stunning pale silver satin. In contrast, warm champagne and gold hues also continue, offering something for every vintage-loving bride.
.
.
Carmen
.
Carmen
.
Where do you look for inspiration?
.
All over: vintage garments and accessories, bridal trends and importantly, from our customers themselves.
.
.
What sort of woman do you design for, did you have a specific “muse” for this collection?
.
Our collection has an ageless appeal and is loved by the twenty something who loves her vintage, just as much as the fifty something who wants a stylish, comfortable pair of heels.
.
.
Carmen
.
What materials and embellishments were chosen for the new collection and why?
.
Our shoes are made from the softest kid leather and suede – this season favouring silver tones and metallics as well as warmer golden tones.
.
.
Do you have a personal favourite shoe from the new collection?
.
No favourites, but obviously there are some I would wear more than others. The great thing about our shoes is that they look equally at home with a pair of jeans as with a wedding dress!
.
.
Mimi
.
Do you have a “signature” piece?
.
Mimi has become our signature shoe - it sums up everything that we’re about – unique vintage-inspired style combined with comfortable wearability
.
.
How do you decide on the “names” for your pieces?
.
It varies, but they often just ‘look’ like a name, and there are plenty of beautiful names from the past to choose from.
.
.
Imelda
.
Imelda
.
Can you create bespoke footwear?
.
I used to make bespoke pairs by hand, but this comes at a price and the Rachel Simpson collection has been designed to give that bespoke look at an affordable price.
.
.
What is the retail price range for your designs?
.
See the website – £120- £175, but mainly around £155.
.
.
.
.
How did you get into bridal footwear design – what is your story?
.
After training in Leicester, I spent several years working as a freelance designer, creating footwear for a number of well know high street brands. In 2008 I returned to my hometown of Birmingham to launch my own name collection which has since gone on to become a well loved brand for its unique vintage inspired style. It all started with a couple of old sewing machines, when I made my sister’s wedding shoes and spotted a gap in the market for brides wanting something truly wearable and that little bit different. Things have come on since then but the core values remain the same – shoes which are beautiful, affordable and wearable.
.
.
What are your plans for the future?
.
To continue to enjoy what I do and see both brands develop and change. Our sister company agnes & norman launched this year. A collection of work and day wear for men and women. Every shoe tells a story and feels like a treasured heirloom. Each pair is designed to fit perfectly, feel indulgent and exude unique character and good old-fashioned quality. Shoes like they used to be.
.
.
Mimi
.
Is this your dream career? What alternative career would you choose?
.
I’ve never actually had a plan B because I believe in what I’m doing.
.
.
What would “a day in the life” at Rachel Simpson Shoes HQ be like?
.
With so much going on at the moment, it’s certainly a varied and exciting place to be! We’ve recently started our office blog on a Friday morning, giving you a peek behind the scenes, so that’s worth looking out for on the website!
.
.
Mimosa
.
Mimosa
.
Where do you go and what do you do to relax?
.
I spend time with family and friends in my rare moments off.
.
.
What are your “best things” in life?
.
People.
.
.
Mimosa
.
How can Brides Up North readers get in touch with you or see more of your designs?
.
Visit the website at www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk or call us on 0121 433 5492.
.
.
Do you have any Northern stockists – how can Brides Up North find them?
.
We have around seventy stockists, with a number Up North – visit www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk to find your nearest.
.
.
.
.
Is there anything else that we should know?
.
We’ve just opened our first boutique in Birmingham’s Great Western Arcade with both bridal and our sister brand, agnes & norman, it’s well worth a visit..
.
.
Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2013 supplied by Rachel Simpson Shoes by Emma Case
This is not a sponsored post
Contact Brides Up North to submit your business as a Featured Supplier
.
.
