Genuine British-made shoes are expensive to produce and hard to find, but for those looking for a long-term wardrobe investment, you can’t beat them for quality and style.
Unlike some other self-styled ‘eco’ footwear labels, that still import from ethical suppliers outside the UK, Kitty Cooper’s shoes are all made in Britain, making them some of the most low-carbon footwear pieces around.
A graduate of London College of Fashion and vintage fabric dealer on Portobello road, Kitty Cooper began her career designing high street shoes that were then made cheaply in China.
She found herself troubled by the conditions in the factories used in the mass production of shoes, the unsustainable use of materials and the unethical labour, so decided to launch her own collection of shoes, all made to exacting ethical standards, taking her knowledge and love of fashion with her.
Kitty’s background is evident in her designs, which are made using vintage fabrics and distinctively fashion-forward. Current styles include nautical pin-up-inspired heels, prim and pretty floral wedges and Liberty-style printed courts.
Each shoe is hand made by a family business in East London, and the fabrics are genuine vintage – ranging in age from the 1920s to the 1970s. Kitty’s service is semi-bespoke, as customers can choose between a variety of fabrics for each style.
Looking at how bright and well put together the shoes are, it’s hard to tell their components are so old, but Kitty’s knowledge of the industry helps her to source the highest quality recycled materials, almost exclusively from within the UK.
She makes it her mission to embrace the craftsmanship and quality of bygone eras, as well as the vintage ‘make-do-and-mend’ attitude that provides customers with a welcome and satisfying change from throwaway fashion.
The slower, more honest methods of production and sourcing are of course reflected in Kitty’s prices, but considering the work that has gone into them, her shoes are still competitively priced and much lower than many designer brands that trade on reputation alone.
Picture 1: ‘Rich’ shoe, £325
Picture 2: ‘Chovey’ shoe, £245
