The aim was to make something that was slightly effeminate, but also quite rock and roll.
LC: How did the collaboration with Birkenstock come about?
J: I have always enjoyed wearing Birkenstock since I was a kid. And I have always fancied the idea of working with a casual and comfortable shoe brand, as that is also a big part of my own lifestyle credo: dressing in a way that is cool yet comfortable. And as if by magic, I met this girl at my husband's primary school reunion dinner. She works for the company who represents Birkenstock and one thing just led to another and I took hold of the opportunity.
LC: How does this collaboration tie in with your whole belief of eco-conscious consumption?
J: Birkenstock shoes are an equally eco-conscious brand. They are not only known for their orthopedic properties, the soles of the shoes are made of ground cork that comes from top quality by-products of the wine industry. Any excess materials from the production line are also then recycled.
LC: Can you talk us through the design of the shoes?
J: There are two styles that are available. Both styles are based on the “gladiator” style which is known as “Athens” from the Birkenstock library. The first designed we dubbed “the cowboy”. It was inspired by my love of vintage cowboy boots, as I tweaked this gladiator look by adding some cowboy boots metal buckles. The overall look is cool, comfortable and definitely edgy.
The second design was rooted in my girly and feminine side. It has the same gladiator design base as the first design, but with some added studded bows. The aim was to make something that was slightly effeminate, but also quite rock and roll.
LC: What would you recommend wearing with these pair of shoes for a day to night look?
J: For day, the shoes can be worn with skinny jeans with or without socks for a casual chic look. For evening, it can work with some sexy opaque stockings and pencil skirts or three-quarter length chiffon skirts or dresses.
The overall look is cool, comfortable and definitely edgy.
LC: If you could choose to improve on one thing, what would it be?
J: To have more than 24 hours a day, so I can spend more time with my kids and family.
LC: If you could only design / create one more thing in the future, what would that be?
J: I am a greedy person, so here are two. The first would be a fashionable sports line based on eco and socially responsible ideas. The second would be a menswear line composed mainly of knits that are also eco and socially responsible.
