Oct 3rd 2013, 17:49, by Katharine K. Zarrella
Everyone knows their Marcs from their Calvins. But this season, we’ll be spotlighting the up-and-coming designers and indie brands whose names you’ll want to remember.
Label: Sophia Webster
Need to Know: A fine arts grad, footwear designer Sophia Webster has lately been studying the intricate prints hidden in nature, namely African butterfly wings. That research inspired her to spin out the notion in laser-cut leather on the back of a high sandal in candy colors, and to zoom in on patterns that are almost like leopard print. She turned these into silk prints, embroidered and sprinkled with Swarovski Crystals for extra sparkle. Other highlights include fun, cartoony footwear with messages like “Here Comes” and “The Hotstepper,” or “Queen” and “Bee.”
Webster has been on our radar since she started just three seasons ago, and now she’s already poised to go global: Pumps from her main line recently bowed on Net-a-Porter, plus she’s wrapping up her first capsule collaboration with J.Crew, which, comprising about sixteen styles of fun, colorful, printed shoes, is due in April. She’ll also soon be offering customers the chance to customize the messages on her towering, letter-block heels via her Web site.
She says: “I love to do a theatrical thigh-high boot for the runway,” Webster said of her laser-cut butterfly boots. “They take a while to get into, but it’s worth it!”
Where to Find It: Bergdorf Goodman, Kirna Zabête, Saks Fifth Avenue, Net-a-Porter, www.sophiawebster.co.uk, and other select retailers.
—Tina Isaac-Goizé
Photos: Courtesy of Sophia Webster
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