As a child my favourite story was a Grimm’s Fairytale, The Elves and the Shoemaker. I loved how the elves helped the man make beautiful shoes that would turn his life from rags to riches. Today, as an adult, I still love this tale and share it with my children. But in real life can shoes turn your life from rags to riches, maybe not, yet they can make a ‘fat’ day seem slimmer, as shoes will always fit even if you did eat an extra chocolate brownie.
After some searching I have found a shoemaker, who may wish upon a visit from the elves at her busiest times. Silvia Campbell designs and makes beautiful bespoke shoes from her studio in London. Her design career began with a degree from The University of the Arts, London College of Fashion which then led to work experience with John Lobb Ltd a company renowned for the finest hand made to measure shoes and boots. Silvia Campbell then progressed to work for a shoemaker in the dance world, Freed of London Ltd and learnt about making shoes that are strong and comfortable yet elegant and fashionable.
Maybe you had planned on splurging on a pair of Jimmy Choo’s for your wedding day but imagine having a pair of shoes made specifically for you, that fit perfectly and are completely unique. Silvia Campbell offers a bespoke design service for brides and understands the importance of the need for comfortable shoes to take you from the walk down the aisle through to dancing at midnight as you celebrate the most important day of your life.
When you commission Silvia to design and make your wedding shoes she will meet with you to measure your feet and discuss your ideas of the design you would like, assisting you in choosing the shoe shape and heel height. Silvia will use this information to create her initial designs and a specific price proposal before your second consultation. When you visit Silvia for your second consultation she will discuss the choices of the material for your shoes and it is also very important at this stage to share your opinions of designs presented to you. Unlike mass produced shoes, Silvia Campbell shoes are designed uniquely for you and you can say what you do and do not want.
Now that you have confirmed your designs Silvia will produce a mock up to ensure a perfect fit and for visualising the final design. However this mock up will not be in the material of the final design. This mock up pair will also be vital for you, as a bride, to take with you for dress fittings ensuring the hemline of your dress is set at the correct length for your shoes, as the mock up pair of shoes will be the correct heel height.
Once your shoes are made they will be ready for a final presentation for you and Silvia will also advise how to care for the shoes. Leaving Silvia Campbell’s studio with your own unique shoes for your wedding day would surely be a fairytale itself.
Beautiful bespoke shoes may seem like a luxury but imagine walking down the aisle in perfectly fitted, unique shoes. Art really is one of life’s essentials.
