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COMPANY PROFILE


Footwear Today talks to Charlene Beckett of Deeasjer Design


Tell us about your background: I have always loved design. I graduated from Guilford University where I studied interior design. I also studied at LCF London College of Fashion, which was the best time of my life. Before going to LCF, I spent five years in the West Indies, where I was


inspired by the bright colours of the Caribbean, living in a beautiful environment, designing and making shoes in my studio by the sea. I worked with traditional shoe makers, learning the old skills and developing my own style. Nothing gave me greater pleasure than looking down and seeing someone wearing one of my creations.


How did you get into footwear? When I graduated from Guildford University, like most students I was broke and I needed a pair of shoes, for a special occasion. Faith shoes sold sling- backs in every colour of the rainbow, which were only £8.00.


John Lewis Haberdashery department bought some accessories and I designed the surface of the shoes. Nobody believed that I had recreated a plain pair of shoes into designer shoe which looked classy and expensive.


Where do you draw your inspiration from? While studying interior design, artists from all genre and period were part of our studies. I fell in love with Monet, Kandinsky and Erte’. Colour, movement, last but not least beauty. My style at present is inspired by the Rococo period, Marie Antoinette owned so many shoes they had to be labelled hence why we now have labels in our shoes.


When and how did you first start designing and making bespoke shoes? I first began by doing surface design, from hand beading an entire pair of shoes to adding glitter in different colours. Being able to create a style for the individual has always been where my interest lies.


Which materials do you prefer to use – and why? The best materials. You can only make beautiful shoes with best leather, which I source from Italy, I love going to Lineapelle each year. Silk and satin are another of my favourites because of their richness. I also love working with wood, wooden carved heels are a personal passion.


How does your bespoke shoe design service work ? I can create anything that the customer requires. Colour, style, accessories, high or low heels, pointed or rounded toes. I love a challenge and creating something different is the best thing in the world for me.


How long does the shoe-design-making process take? It really depends on what the customer wants. If we are creating a design exclusively for a customer, the process can take anything from six to eight weeks. Or, if we are taking one of my own designs, but maybe changing the colour or heel height, about four weeks, sometimes only two weeks, it really does vary.


How much do you charge on average to make a pair of shoes/boots? Because everything is done at my studio, the closing room and hand laster are located near my facilites, everything is produced on site, costs are competitive - anything from £200; a hand painted bespoke shoes or boots can range from £400 to £800.


Have You Got Your Deeasjer’s On? 40 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • JUNE/JULY 2010


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