One of the best things at the White Gallery recently, was the opportunity to look close up at some beautiful new shoes :)
I loved the collections on show by Harriet Wilde and Rachel Simpson, who I'm profiling today. Rachel, who I know via The Designer Vintage Bridal Show {she is one of the show organisers}, was at the White Gallery to present her stunning new designs for 2012; a beautifully feminine collection of understated designs with elegant attention to detail.
The shoes were fabulous and included a luxurious colour palette to compliment the ivory coloured bridal collection.
Rachel Simpson found inspiration from the modest ladylike styling of the early forties in her latest collection – all pretty t-bars and mid-heels. Alongside satin and leather, soft kid suede features heavily, combined with pearlised and metallic leather detailing. The bridal collection is finished beautifully with a signature floral insole which just add's an extra layer of prettiness to each pair of shoes…
Love My Dress Wedding Blog – All Imagery Copyright (c) 2011, Rachel Simpson
In addition to new styles on the popular mid and low round toes, a new ballerina at a lower price point is perfect as an add on purchase or bridesmaid option. There are new styles on the comfortable concealed platform…
After graduating from De Montfort University in 2001 Rachel Simpson created collections for a number of high street brands as a successful freelance designer. Whilst on the course, it was the art of shoe making which became the passion, and it was for this reason Rachel bought a couple of old footwear machines and built a workshop at the bottom of the garden!
It was after making shoes here for friends as well as commissioned work that Rachel saw a gap in the market for fashion lead yet timeless, well made bridal shoes. Seeing her sister walk down the aisle in a pair of shoes she had created was a feeling worth building on!
Today Rachel works closely with two family run factories to create shoes which are as comfortable as they are beautiful. Every shoe is designed in the UK and beautifully handmade in Spain by skilled craftsmen- and women! Emphasis is on quality, with full leather linings and beautiful leather, satin and suede uppers. As well as her love of vintage, inspiration comes from all over.
Rachel told me that with her latest collection, there is emphasis is on lower heels – which should come as good news to all those Brides to be afraid of aching feet after a day in high heels.
A pretty collection of shoe clip accessories is also now available, making it easy to transform a comfortable pair of lower heel, plainer shoes into something really delightful…
I love the diversity of Rachel's collection, there appears to be something for every style of Bride, Bridesmaid and even Mother of the Bride. Add to that newlywed Blogging addict because I think I have to have a pair of these heels ASAP. What say you?
Rachel Simspon shoes can be ordered online via the Rachel Simpson website at www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk – where you can also view the full, fabulous collection.
Which is your favourite pair?
Much love,
Annabel xXx
♥
Annabel View all Annabel's articles
Founder of Love My Dress. Passionate Podcaster and Editor. Annabel lives in rural North Yorkshire with her husband and business partner Philip, their two daughters and menagerie of furry hounds. She loves photography, meditation, walking, being outdoors and star gazing. She is fierce when it comes to championing talent within the wedding industry and when she's not working on Love My Dress, she supports her husband Philip in the running of the family's sustainable flower farm and floral design business, Moonwind Flowers. In 2013, she became a published author.
