Chit Chat Friday with Vevian

Now I looove shoes! And I'm afraid I may pass the obsession on to my little Edith. I am fine if she inherits the shoe obsession, only if she understands great quality and the pleasure of owning a timeless piece of art. This is what Vivienne from Vevian Shoes understands and creates. 
I met Vivienne back when I Dream Elephants had just started and we both had a stall at a children's fair in Belsize Park. I made my rounds at the fair and came across these stunning baby shoes! Vivienne and I started to chat and I have been following her work ever since. Vivienne understands the importance of having the perfect shoe for that special occasion outfit. It's not about just having a pretty shoe for that pretty outfit, it's about having a pretty shoe that is of top quality and that will last a lifetime, a keepsake. Each shoe is designed and handcrafted in London from soft and supple leather.They are presented in a wooden box that will help keep the shoes beautiful forever. 
With Easter on Sunday and Spring around the corner what a better way to start thinking of all those lovely occasions that require that perfect shoe! I know I have a few favourites on my list!
I had the honour of chit chatting with Vivienne recently, read on to find out more about the brilliant designer behind Vevian!
www.vevian.co.uk

WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND? HOW DID VEVIAN SHOES COME ABOUT? 
I studied fashion, footwear and millinery and I always knew I would end up working in footwear. I felt that when a shoe was well designed and well made, it was something that the person kept and sometimes treasured. After having my daughter Maria, I was unable to find that special pair of shoes to go with her special outfit for her 1^st birthday.  I made her a pair and when friends saw them and wanted a pair for their children, the idea of ‘shoes designed to be treasured forever’ was born.

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR SHOE COLLECTIONS? 
I think of the different family and friends I have and how they might dress their children. This enables the collection to be more diverse as we all have different styles.

LIVING IN LONDON, DOES THIS INSPIRE YOUR DESIGNS? 
Definitely. Every time I create a shoe, I think, now where can I throw in some silliness to make it more fun. Londoners are opened to the traditional, to the new, to the artistic things in life and I try and embody that.

DO YOUR CHILDREN INSPIRE YOUR DESIGNS? 
Having my son opened my eyes to chubby babies and the style Matthew has been a winner in my household, as they are easy to get on and off his chubby feet. I will also be adding 2 new sizes to most of the collection as my son grew out of the size range by 14 months!

WHAT MUSIC ARE LISTENING TO AT THE MOMENT? DOES MUSIC INSPIRE YOUR COLLECTIONS? 
Silence is what works for me, it allows me to lose track of time and tap into my creative side.

IF YOU COULD COLLABORATE WITH ANYONE, WHO WOULD THAT BE? 
Vivienne Westwood

DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE; DOES THIS INFLUENCE YOUR COLLECTION? 
My style is classic cuts, good fabrics, and comfortable to wear, especially having 2 children and one who likes extra cuddles when he has a runny nose! In my collection, I always make sure the shoes are a practical safe design and I make them fun by using interesting leathers and trims.
  
WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE DESIGNERS BOTH WOMENSWEAR AND KIDSWEAR? 
I could never choose one womenswear designer as my style evolves as well as designers and I just look for what works for me that season. For my daughter, Poppy Children for their beautiful prints and for my son, Little Pinecone for their soft merino invaluable pieces.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE SHOP, WEBSITE, CAFÉ THAT YOU LOVE TO VISIT OR THAT YOU GAIN INSPIRATION FROM?  
Liberty’s is a shop I love to get lost in. Every floor inspires me.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR VEVIAN, ANY FUTURE PLANS OR EXCITING NEWS? 
We will be celebrating the Royal Baby fever with a patent shoe in Kate’s favourite colour beige, and a brogue shoe fit for a Prince, to celebrate the event.

ANY ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE TO NEW MOMS, NEW DESIGNERS, ETC? 

For mums - You need to come to terms with the fact that there may never be a perfect balance. The minute we give birth to our children we feel guilty for this. Accept this feeling instead of trying to find the perfect balance and simply continue to strive to do your best.

New Designers – You must not be afraid of hard work and when challenges are thrown at you, deal with them, rise above them, and use these challenges to help you build your personal foundations.