DESIGNER PROFILE Debby Cooper: Design Manager, Padders
Training/skills: Btec ND Fashion and Textiles, BA Hons Fashion, University project Church’s shoes Work experience: Rutland and Barker Shoe
Work history: F.T International, Surrey – Designer (Ladies, Men’s and Children’s) - Company supplied footwear for major multiples Debenhams, BHS, M&S etc…), Wrangler Footwear, Kettering – Designer (Ladies and Men’s)
Cheryl Taylor, Editor, talks to Debby Cooper, Design Manager, Padders
When did you start at Padders? I started work at Padders on 21st January 2008
What is your role there? As Design Manager I am responsible for the design and development of the Ladies and Men’s comfort range from initial concepts through to confirmation stage.
Brand philosophy? To produce stylish and commercial footwear, incorporating comfort and value for money.
Elizabeth Pearce, Steve Valentine (standing), T
What’s good about designing comfort shoes? There is more scope for developing interesting outsoles and design features. Also, there is always new technology being developed to improve the comfort and durability including foot beds and breathable materials. Comfort footwear tends to have a softer and more appealing handle to it.
Why do you think comfort footwear is important? We often neglect our feet, but always complain when our feet are painful, we all want to have ‘feelgoodfeet’ but often choose inappropriate footwear. Shoes should look attractive and feel comfortable so this is the challenge that we try to resolve every day.
What has changed in footwear design since you started? Price points have always been a consideration but over the years I feel that the cost has become more important in the UK than the actual product. Also, trends have merged much more recently, with a fusion of many concepts being apparent. High street fashion has become much more responsive to the constant demand for change from the customer.
Padders' family: left to right – Jo West, John Groocock, Jane Garner (standing), om Groocock, Mike Rowe (standing) and Kate Rowe.
Amalfi Amore Whether sunbathing by the pool or strolling around the marina, the Italian islands are influence for all things sophisticated. Wedge sandals are wrapped in raffia or natural jute, but styling is moved on from the traditional espadrille. Strappy uppers and interweaving in polished leathers or antiqued effect are prominent. Mediterranean colours of red and orange work well with rich browns and tan base colours. We will be focusing on the comfort aspects of moulded and padded footbeds, using quality materials and creating interest in the use of decorative details and outsole design.
www.padders.co.uk
Should style be compromised for comfort? No, who wants to wear uncomfortable shoes? Most of us do from time to time because we like the styling but as manufacturers we should endeavour to improve the wearability wherever possible.
Whose designs do you most admire? El Naturalista for their quirky details and individual themes, Born for their vibrant colours and comfort features and Clarks for their ability to adapt to the changing market and interpreting new trends with great commerciality and value for money.
What's coming up next season? Here’s a taste of the SS2013 trend information that I will be using as inspiration for Padders next range:
Coastal Take a trip to the British coast to unwind and feel the sand between your toes. Commercial upper styling in washed and brushed effect leather and nubucks. Rope and plaiting details are strong with enamelled or pearlised finishes on trims for decorative effect. Colours are sandy and natural with sea blues popular, these are highlighted with sea grass and starfish orange.
20 • FOOTWEAR TODAY
• APRIL 2012
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