Sophia's world of shoes

As Level Shoes announces an exclusive capsule collection with award-winning British designer Sophia Webster, she explains why when it comes to shoe designing, it really is all about the details.

Sophia Webster, the designer of '#BossLady' slogan shoes, is this year's winner of the British Fashion Council/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund Award. She also opened her own flagship in London's Mayfair recently. And now, Dubai's Level Shoes ushers in its Fall/Winter 2016 with an exclusive five-piece capsule collection of Webster's iconic Chiara sandal. You could say this truly is her season.
The Chiara was first designed for Spring/Summer 2014; with its butterfly wings, sleek heel and delicate strap, it has become an "it-shoe". Webster has introduced a gold-embroidered version for Fall 2016 and it is this style she has expanded on for Level Shoes. Using vibrant metallic leathers, these are shoes you will want to dance the night away in. Says the designer, "I wanted to offer my customers in the Middle East - an incredibly important market for me - something unique and elegant, in keeping with their style. I feel like women  in the Middle East look for styles that are special and unique, and I believe they appreciate the level of detail that I put into my shoes."
And detail is a word you will hear Webster repeat time and again. While her brand is considered a British brand, she makes her shoes in Brazil, Portugal and Spain. Her début collection was inspired by Rio. Says Webster, "When I first started my brand and was looking for the right manufacturers, my mission was to find a talented team that understood my vision and could create my shoes to my standards - but in a way that would not require a staggering retail price in the end. I wanted to offer luxury, but at an accessible price point. I loved the energy in Brazil, where I found a factory and a team that offered the best quality, and understood my collection. I am with the same factory to this day."
Webster first worked with another famous British shoe designer - Nicholas Kirkwood - before she started her label. Many of fashion's most coveted shoe designers hail from England, be it Kirkwood, Webster, Rupert Sanderson or Charlotte Olympia. Webster credits her alma mater, Cordwainers College, for this; after all, its graduates include Jimmy Choo himself. "The college also has a notable roster of alumni who serve as strong role models for students, allowing them to see a clear path to how they can achieve success."
Though there is a feminine side to her designs, these are shoes that make a strong, quirky statement - be it her flamingo heels or the 'Wife for Lifey' bridal slogan sandals. Colours are often vibrant, for Webster shoes are about fun, and this comes through in all her designs. "I always look for a way to make my shoes very signature to me and my brand, especially in the details. I also like to create shoes that lend themselves well to being photographed and are easily shareable on social media, which is a really important outlet for my brand. Having something fun like 'Wifey for Lifey' on the soles of your shoes or 'Boss Lady' on the toes makes for a great photo." Her photo-friendly details has lead to Webster becoming one of fashion's most social media savvy designers; with over 774,000 followers on Instagram, she is truly a new-age designer.
Her collection also includes bags and other accessories, such as phone cases. And after becoming a mother, she began to design a line of mini Sophia Webster, so you can buy a pair of Chiaras for your daughter too.
It is very much a family affair for Webster, as her husband, Bobby Stockley, is the managing director of her ever-growing fashion accessories empire. While it is her high-heeled sandals she is best known for, Webster has often spoken about how she can only wear comfortable shoes herself, which probably explains the wide range of flat shoes her collection always includes. "I think women want to be stylish, but still comfortable. Being comfortable means you feel confident, which shows through." She recommends her Bibi Butterfly flats as an option for flat shoes that go with everything. She also believes that if you are able to find shoes that work for you - which means they are both comfortable and chic - there is no reason not to pick up a pair in more than one colour. "If you absolutely love something, why not buy several in different hues?" asks Webster.
Sophia, of course, believes a woman can never have too many shoes, and she often does a shoe closet cleanse and donates her shoes to charity.
She ends the interview with a simple statement: "Can a woman ever have enough shoes? No way!" And, well, it seems most women would agree with her.
sujata@khaleejtimes.com

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