Shoes with flair

The first shipment of sample shoes for London is being wrapped up, while local shelves are already displaying this winter‘s styles - pumps in a bundle of fun colour and print combinations, and sneakers in two cuts, a funky, casual style and a more upmarket, sexy look.

Lindsay says the challenge for this winter is to make her own range of boots. Her booming business had its start six years ago when Lindsay saw a pair of shoes in a magazine that she wanted to copy.

Back then, she was minding one of her and husband Jeff Lindsay‘s Indonesian furniture stores, paging through every new magazine she could get her hands on to pass the time.

With no knowledge of the craft, Lindsay asked for help from a George fabric store and leather shop. Her friends loved the shoes that she made so much, that she produced 100 pairs and sold them all.

Today, aside from her own label, she produces ranges for Cape Town‘s Desray Designs, Tallulah‘s and Hilton Weiner‘s Sailwear.

“I‘m a multi-tasker, practical, and have always enjoyed art. In addition, I have picked up knowledge from other people and by working through samples until the fit is perfect,” Lindsay says.

“I focus on quality, comfort and unique styling. Many clients want custom-made shoes and because I‘m a real hoarder, my workshop overflows with fabrics and trims.”

Lindsay employs five local women in the factory and sewing room overlooking Wilderness Heights and has trained all but one of her employees on the job.

Despite the most recent success at Design Indaba, Lindsay is determined to keep the business manageable and the service personalised.

Her shoes can be found at Mechanics of Dressing (MOD) and Salt & Peppa in Port Elizabeth, Annemarie‘s Boutique in St Francis, Harbour Bay in Plettenberg Bay, The Beach House in Knysna, Tumbleweed in Sedgefield and Paisley in the Garden Route Mall, George.

Source: Business Day

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