Bridal shoes you’ll fall head over heels for.

With Valentine’s Day in the rear view mirror, tis still the season of love.

Whether you’re getting married, getting engaged or just getting ready, shuzsociety.com has rounded up a few frilly wedding shoes. A few may soon become your true love… We know they’re the most important part of your wedding day dress… how else are you going to cut a rug with the in-laws? These aren’t your ordinary wedding shoes—no—because you are no ordinary Bride. From under $100 to over $300, there’s bound to be something to turn heads on your big day.

Pour La Victoire eccentric “Sonya” satin sandal with frilly covered 4 1/2″ heel. They won’t be able to take their eyes off you in these. $166 at Zappos.com.

Martinez Valero “Olivia” ivory satin peep-toe pump with leather outsole and 4 1/2″ heel. $149.99 at Heels.com.

Pour La Victoire “Freya” pointed-toe satin pump with tonal rhinestones and 4″ heel. Ivory. $256 at Zappos.com.

You’ll be pretty in pink in Betsey Johnson’s “Alexandra” mesh open-toe pumps with leather piping and covered 4 1/2″ heel. Nude. $175 at Endless.com.

Calvin Klein “Nixie” updated satin cage sandal with covered 3 1/2″ heel. Ivory. $119.95 at Zappos.com.

Kate Spade “Gracious” peep-toe sandal with exaggerated bow detail, slingback and covered 3 1/4″ heel. Ivory. $325 at Zappos.com.

Nina “Xtina” feathered pumps boast a rhinestone satin spray, almond-toe and 3 3/4″ heel. Ivory. $99.95 at Zappos.com.

Badgley Mischka “Caroline” peep-toe satin pump with exaggerated rhinestones at toe and 4 1/2″ heel. $214.99 at Heels.com.

• • •

Didn’t find a pair that strikes your fancy? Simply click over to shuzsociety.tv, and click on “search our shops.” Choose Bridal shoes ~ white or ivory ~ and let your heart lead the way.

Over-the-Counter Custom Orthotics? Leave it to the Experts!

With the recent advent of Dr. Scholl’s® Foot Mapping device, we introduce the latest trend in consumer products – over the counter custom orthotics!

Imagine, walking into your local drugstore, stepping on a computerized platform and in a matter of minutes you are given a custom orthotic prescription to take away your foot pain.   Sound too good to be true?   Well, guess what?  It probably is!

There are many misconceptions among the general population on what orthotics are and who should consider using them.  The simplest analogy to orthotics are contact lenses.   Just like contact lenses, which are created based on your unique vision, eye diameter, base curve and possible astigmatism,  orthotics are uniquely prescribed to the individual.  Orthotics are a custom-made device based off of your unique foot structure and 3-dimensional foot function.  They are designed to normalize your foot biomechanics and often will relieve knee and back pain.

Many people often confuse orthotics with arch supports or insoles.  The products that are purchased over the counter fall under the category of inserts.  Since most consumers do not understand the difference between orthotics and inserts, Dr. Scholl’s is able to introduce a product such as Foot Mapping Custom Fit™ Orthotics.

How does Dr. Scholl’s® Fit Mapping work?

The Foot Mapping device works by measuring pressure points in your foot as you stand on a computerized platform.  By lifting one foot, standing on one leg, the device claims to measure your dynamic foot function.  After the analysis is complete you are given a Custom Fit™ Orthotic recommendation based off of your foot pressure points and arch height.

Will Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit Orthotics correct your foot pain?

In people with normal foot biomechanics or mild foot pain, the Custom Fit™ Orthotics may take away some pain.  But can the Custom Fit™ Orthotics replace the custom-molded orthotics from a Podiatrist?  Absolutely not.  The downfall of Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit™ Orthotics, is that they are not really “custom” orthotics.  Yes, they are measuring your foot pressure and arch height but there is more to what makes a foot unique in both structure and function.  The foot is a dynamic, three-dimensional structure and simply lifting one foot and standing on one leg does not give accurate information on how your foot is functioning at heel strike or through midstance and into propulsion.  If you are having serious foot pain, I recommend saving the $50 and visiting your Podiatrist.

Already have a pair of custom-molded orthotics?

Here are some great tips to get the most out of your orthotics!

• Orthotics last anywhere from 1 to 2 years (and in some cases even longer) if you take good care of them.
• Have your orthotics re-measured every year by your Podiatrist  to make sure they still fit and are effectively correcting your foot biomechanics
• Wear heels often?  Consider custom orthotics for your high heels!   These unique orthotics are designed for the shape and small toe-box of a high heel
• Think you need orthotics?  Find a Podiatrist in your area by visiting www.apma.org

Meet the Doctor
Emily Splichal, aka “Dr. Legs” is the creator and lead instructor of Catwalk Confidence, a unique and exciting fitness DVD collection designed to help women gain strength, flexibility, comfort and confidence when they walk in high heel shoes, along with lean and defined legs. She is a graduate of New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York City and has served as a certified exercise specialist at Crunch Fitness and NY Sports club. She has had an ongoing commitment to postural alignment and core strength in fitness and podiatric medicine, and has presented research in this area to several national fitness and medical conferences. Catwalk Confidence is her extension to the public of her passion and expertise in fitness and podiatric medicine.  Visit her website at www.catwalkconfidence.com.

The Bachelor’s Vienna in gold heels…

Ok, I admit, Stephinitely was front-row watching the finalé of ABC’s The Bachelor, albeit alone! Let’s call it “fashion research” shall we? While I’m now hard-pressed to find anything about her shoes online, she donned a very beautiful Carmen Marc Valvo single-shouldered flowing gown. And it was pretty.

If memory serves (and don’t fault ME if it doesn’t because I’m simply having fun here), she sauntered toward him in a gold T-strap sandal… so, in honor of the happy couple… I’ve pulled together a few other steamy shoes worthy of any St Lucia stroll. First, a lady could not go wrong in a pair of vintage-inspired peep-toe pumps by Sergio Rossi. Style: A03541. Perhaps instead of the FIVE cars her Daddy has purchased, she’d rather take these Lime-colored snake-skin platforms for a spin. $999 at Zappos.com.

A pair of woven bird-cage platforms by Moschino, Style: CA1627BC0R, could be very forgiving for anyone trying to get extra mileage out of their pedi. I’m just sayin’. $604.00 at Zappos.com.

A pair of tri-colored daniblack “Romie” sandals would allow Vienna to graduate from Daddy’s “Little Princess” to status of “modern goddess.” $192 at Zappos.com.

And because Vienna is known as the naughty girl, a pair of “Decked Out 2″ suede platforms by Naughty Monkey. The printed-skin wrapped platform is gonna be smokin’ in the Big D! $79.94 at Zappos.com.

Last but not least, Vienna will need a pair  of $#it-kicking heels for her nights in Dallas’ Honky-tonks…How about a pair from another blonde linked to Dallas? Jessica Simpson’s “Koolia” sandal is a fun boot-hybrid. Flashy! And the front-zip provides EASY access. Teehee. $89.99 at Heels.com.

Alice in Wonderland-inspired shoes…

With only a week until Tim Burton’s 3D film Alice in Wonderland hits theaters, you still have plenty opportunity to channel your own inner Alice. Here are a few updates on Alice’s famous Mary Janes… with Alexander McQueen’s Heart-shaped peep-toe “sinister slick” pump you’ll trump any Queen of Hearts. $699 at Zappos.com.

Love. LOVE! Badgley Mischka’s rhinestone-embellished “Elia” satin pump. With their contrasting piping and geo-peep-toe they are simultaneously girlie, sexy and utterly timeless. $204 at Zappos.com.

Or step into Vivienne Westwood’s “Elevated” leather Mary Jane with hidden platform. $558.58 at Zappos.com.

And, because we heart hearts so much, Burberry offers a “confetti hearts” checked-print wedge with ankle strap. Perfect way to enliven your own blue frock dress. $495 at Zappos.com.

Perhaps for the tear-flooded rabbit hole? SEE by Chloé’s beautiful Niagra-hued “radical” rubber boots, Style: SB13040. $199 at Zappos.com.

Or a little something for the Mad-Hatter in you? Marc by Marc Jacob’s rubber triangular-cutout lace-up skimmers, while curiouser and curiouser, are quite interesting, Style: 605187. $95 at Zappos.com.

Oh, alright. While not a shoe (but we couldn’t resist), this “Heart of Gold” bucket bag by Betsey Johnson is pretty darn cute. Even Alice knows how to accessorize. $302 at Zappos.com.

The Girl Soldier Charity Event – February 17, 2010

The Cause

Girl Soldier is a New York based not-for-profit organization with a global perspective, focused on helping to secure basic human rights for girls around the world.

The Event

On February 17, 2010, the first annual Girl Soldier charity event will take place at Studio 385 in Tribeca. The event will raise funding and awareness to aid and benefit young girls and women in war-ravaged Third and Second World countries. It is the hope of Girl Soldier’s sponsors and planners that it will encourage and nurture concern for girls and women without a public voice. By coming together, we can help these girls progress to a safer and more promising future.

The Organization

Girl Soldier is a registered 501c3 (pending) not-for-profit organization that aims to empower charities for women in war-ravaged communities through special projects, counseling and mentorship. Girl Soldier delivers funds to carefully vetted not-for-profit orgvanizations on the ground within these communities.

Sister Caroline & The Film

The event is scheduled to coincide with the filming and release of Girl Soldier (Caspian Pictures) the film, the story of the kidnapping of 139 girls from the St. Mary’s Boarding School in Uganda. The story revolves around the character of Sister Caroline, a nun, and her courageous attempt to free the girls. The film will star
Uma Thurman as Sister Caroline. Prior to the film, a documentary will be released detailing Sister Caroline’s  experiences starting on the night of the kidnapping of the girls and focusing on her campaign to rally the world’s attention. The documentary will also highlight the cause: the horrible prevalence of girls throughout the world having their basic human rights revoked.

How You Can Help

Contact us for more information on how you can help, beyond attending the event. We hope to see you
Februarury 17th, 2010.

info@girlsoldiercharity.com
www.girlsoldiercharity.com

Are Feet the New Face?

Botox, Restalyne, Silicone….it seems like plastic surgery is everywhere we turn.  We are all familiar with Plastic Surgery for the face and body, but how about the feet?  Introducing cosmetic foot surgery – a trend claimed by cosmetic foot surgeons to be skyrocketing!   I do not know the exact statistics but I do know that none of my friends are banging down the door of the Podiatrist’s office requesting to get their toes shortened.

So what exactly constitutes cosmetic foot surgery?  Can bunion surgery be cosmetic surgery for one patient and necessary surgery on another.  According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, plastic surgery falls into two categories – cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.  Cosmetic surgery is concerned with improving the aesthetic appearance of a person while reconstructive surgery is concerned with improving function.

When it comes to foot surgery and cosmetic procedures, the distinguishing factor is “do you have pain” and “does it prevent you from doing daily activities or activities you enjoy”?  If the answer is yes than it is more of a reconstructive procedure.  If you are seeking procedures such as a “foot facelift” or “toe tuck” simply to fit into your Jimmy Choos or Manolo Bhlanik, that would be considered more cosmetic surgery.

Considering cosmetic foot surgery?  It is important to remember that all surgery – including cosmetic surgery – is still surgery!  It involves the same risks of pain, swelling, infection, scars and time off of work.  Most of the women who undergo foot surgery – whether it be cosmetic or reconstructive – are happy with their results and notice improved function, decrease in pain and are able to fit back into their fashionable shoes.

Not ready to go under the knife but still want to improve the aesthetic appearance of your feet or decrease pain in your highest of heels?   Some non-invasive cosmetic procedures you can consider are collagen injections (reduce pain in ball of foot), micro-dermabrasion for feet, toe-nail whitening and a good ol’ pedicure!

Looking for a Cosmetic Podiatrist in your area or want more information on cosmetic foot procedures visit www.iafs.com.

For more information on to keep your feet strong, flexible and pain free – don’t’ forget to check out my Catwalk Confidence and Stiletto Recovery DVDs at  www.catwalkconfidence.com.

DR. EMILY’S SPECIAL OFFER TO SHUZSOCIETY FANS …

Free yoga strap and golf ball for Stiletto Recovery with the purchase of the Catwalk, Stiletto DVD Package OR the Catwalk, Stiletto, VCore package!!    Just enter promo code SHUZSOCIETY on the CatwalkConfidence.com shopping cart!

Dr. Emily

Meet the Doctor

More shoe (size) talk with DesignerShoes.com.

shuzsociety.com enlisted the expert advice of our friends at DesignerShoes.com about how to make sense of women’s shoe sizes. Their mission is to offer trendy, stylish and sophisticated shoes in narrow, medium, wide and extra wide, sizes 4 to 15 and widths AAA (slim) to WW (extra wide). DesignerShoes.com’s  “Ask The Shoe Lady” column answers questions from women all over the world who have a hard time finding shoes that fit their wider feet. Today, they breakdown “width” and how to measure right!

Think of Shoe Volume, Not Length and Width

Most shoes are sold according to length measurements. In the USA shoes are also sold according to width measurements. But shoe fit depends upon how the volume of your foot fits into the empty volume of the inside of a shoe. When you think about it this way….. filling an empty glass with water is like filling a shoe with your foot…. it is easier to understand the importance of considering the width and thickness of your foot when you buy shoes.

Understanding shoe fit is complicated for women because the shapes and styles of our footwear have so much more variety. You may need one size and width for sneakers, and an entirely different size and width for pointy toed, high heel pumps. Sandals or flip flops because they enclose so little of your foot may be the easiest to buy. Whether you need extra wide women’s shoes or extra narrow women’s shoes, it’s a good idea to understand how shoes are made and sized in order to get a good fit.

What Women’s Shoe Width Measurements Mean

Shoe manufacturers have standardized rules for how to measure length but shoe width measurements are much more variable. There is some general agreement that a shoe increases 3/16th of an inch around the circumference of the ball of the foot for every increase in width for the same length. But different manufacturers accomplish the extra width differently, and unfortunately one can never be sure as the manufacturing processes differ even for the same style.

Here are the terms used to measure shoe widths (from the most narrow to the widest):

SS = AAAA = “extra slim” or “quad”, the narrowest size generally available. Even these widths are increasingly rare.

S = AAA = “slim” or “triple”

AA = N = “narrow” or “double A”

M = B = “medium”, the most common or “average” width for that size.

W = C or D = “wide”

WW = EE or EEE = “extra wide”

WWW = EEEE = “triple wide’. These widths are even more rare than the SS widths, although that may change as the rate of obesity increases.

Selecting By Size and Width

Even the width measurements above do not consider the thickness or girth of your foot. They only measure one dimension – an outline of your foot from one side to the other on paper, across the widest part of your foot. Be prepared to buy shoes in several sizes depending on the style you want and whether the length, width or depth of your foot, or overall shape of your foot, is more suitable for the style you want.

DesignerShoes.com had a customer not long ago who was wearing size 11M’s because that was the size she could get her foot into. But the shoes didn’t fit well, or look good. After some experimenting she discovered that her best shoe size was an 8.5WW! She needed the width but was buying the length in order to get the volume she needed in a shoe!

For more details on shoe fit adventures, read Ask The Shoe Lady.

Hard To Find Widths

Seasoned shoe salesmen used to favor customers with very narrow feet. The stereotype was the elegant, rich southern belle who loved to spend money on expensive shoes. Wide feet were considered “peasant” feet and were stereotyped with lower price shoes. In more recent years the stereotype has changed. Very narrow feet are seen to belong to very cranky customers who’s feet are always in pain because they lack cushioning and who try on dozens of shoes but never buy. Wider feet are seen as belonging to healthy, athletic young women who are interested in a variety of sport and comfort shoes and will soon be buying career and party shoes.

Shopping for Ladies’ Shoes by Width

DesignerShoes.com is a big believer in being the Shoe Fairy Godmother for women around the world who have a hard time finding fun, fashionable shoes that fit. So we pay a lot of attention to finding styles and brands that go beyond average sizes and widths to include great styles in longer, shorter, wider and narrower sizes. That’s the mission of DesignerShoes.com. That’s how we got started.

Here are links directly to your woman’s extra wide, WW size

5WW, 5.5WW, 6WW, 6.5WW, 7WW, 7.5WW, 8WW, 8.5WW, 9WW, 9.5WW, 10WW, 10.5WW, 11WW, 11.5WW, 12WW, 13WW, 14WW, 15WW

DesignerShoes.com recommends these brands for WW, extra wide size women’s feet:

Bella Vita

Hush Puppies

Elites

Ros Hommerson

Soft Spots

Walking Cradles

And for WW, extra wide size women’s dressy evening, bridal and dyeable shoes:

Special Occasions

DesignerShoes.com recommends for extra wide women’s boots, including wider shaft widths:

Naturalizer

Choo 24:7 Invites You to Paws For A Cause

Jimmy Choo and Talitha Davies Wegner invite you to discover Choo 24:7 supporting the Brittany Foundation,an organization that cares for dogs with special needs.  Many of the dogs cared for either cannot be placed in new homes because of behavioral or medical conditions, or are not likely to find new homes because of breed, age, or special considerations.

So if you are in Los Angeles area, plan to attend the February 2, 2010, event at Jimmy Choo, 240 North Rodeo Drive.   It’s a wonderful reason to “paws” for a good cause.  Unable to attend, but would like to help?  Visit the Brittany Foundation for more information.

The Truth About Women’s Shoe Sizes

shuzsociety.com enlisted the expert advice of our friends at DesignerShoes.com about how to make sense of women’s shoe sizes.  Our derrieres look different in the same cut of jeans, so why do we expect our feet to “fit” into the “average” sized shoe?   If you have a smaller- or larger-than-average foot … read on sole sista!!

The mission of DesignerShoes.com is to offer trendy, stylish and sophisticated shoes in narrow, medium, wide and extra wide, sizes 4 to 15 and widths AAA (slim) to WW (extra wide).  They are in this business to serve women who need hard-to-find shoe sizes, so they have an objective view of women’s shoe sizes in the footwear industry.

They Manufacture for Average Size Women’s Shoes:

It’s complicated enough buying shoes when some shoes are measured in USA sizes (by the way – this is one of the only size systems that considers the width as well as the length of the foot), some in EURO sizes and some in sizes unique to specific countries (Great Britain, Japan and Australia have their own sizing). But wait, there’s more! Those measurement standards can be interpreted differently by the manufacturer. Are they measuring the last (the frame the shoe is build on), the inside of the shoe or the inside of the shoe minus the 0.6 inches typically allowed for extra room beyond the toes?

If that isn’t complicated enough…. some shoes are designed to fit with less toe room or more toe room – not always considered in the sizing. And those big machines that stamp out the leather in shoe shapes for uppers and soles…. they aren’t necessarily perfectly calibrated to exact standards for adjusting to up to 60 different sizes for EACH style of shoe they cut.

You Wear Extra Small or Extra Large Size Women’s Shoes:

No matter how the shoes are sized when they are manufactured, the challenge is making sure they fit your feet. Shoe measurements, even the shape of shoes, are based on “AVERAGE” proportions. While half the population may have close to average sized and shaped feet, the other half of the population does not! You may have exceptionally short toes (we’re sure they are adorable!) or exceptionally thin, flat, top to sole, feet. Then you are no longer average and can’t trust the manufacturer’s sizing even if it were perfectly correct.

Shoes are designed to curve out around the “ball” or widest part of your foot, then curve in or go straight along the toes. If your toes are shorter or longer than average and if the shoe is shaped for the average foot, then either the shoe will fit at the ball of your foot and your toes will bump the end of the shoe OR the shoe will fit at the ball of the foot but there will be so much room at the toe that your foot will keep sliding forward.

If Your Foot is Not Average – What Do You Do?

Most professional shoe fitters determine your size by the length between your heel and the ball of your foot. The “Brannock Device” that is used to measure foot size is based on this principle. But if you aren’t average, you have to compromise. You may buy a longer shoe to make room for long toes. The “ball” of the shoe doesn’t hit your foot right and so the shoe doesn’t fit quite right. Sometimes the shape of your foot in relation to the shoe will make some shoes gap out around the inner arch. Over time you’ve probably figured out that certain styles work better than others – mary janes vs. flats; slingbacks vs. pumps, for example.

You Are Not Alone!

See the “Ask The Shoe Lady” column with questions from women all over the world who have a hard time finding shoes that fit their longer feet. Our resident Shoe Lady expert provides answers.

Longer Feet Have a Harder Time

If you have longer feet, size 9 or more, you have even more difficulty finding shoes that fit. Buying big shoes in ladies large sizes is a real challenge. First, the shoe industry has been incredibly slow in understanding that size 7 is no longer “average”. The average shoe size for women in the USA in 2009 is size 9. If size 9 is average then shoe manufacturers should be making as many woman’s shoe size 10’s, 11’s and 12’s as they are making sizes 6, 7 and 8. This isn’t happening! We can only hope that the very not average Michelle Obama will influence an increase in production of larger size fashion shoes for women. It is astonishing that the fashion industry loves those willowy 6 ft+ tall models but has no consideration for their large size feet.

Longer feet have still another disadvantage. The size 12, 13, 14, 15 foot is considered a statistical “outlier” by manufacturers. They not only lack both the experience and the equipment to make these sizes well, but when they do make them, the tolerance for error in the sizing is greater. So the error in measurement for a size 7 shoe might be a centimeter. The error in measurement for a size 14 shoe might be 10 centimeters.

Given the additional complications of getting and fitting shoes for longer feet, it is no wonder that most shoe retailers have no interest in carrying and selling these larger sizes! Why go to all that extra trouble if you can sell your shoes to customers with feet that are an average size and shape?

Of course, if you happen to not have average size woman’s feet to begin with, then you might be motivated…. VERY motivated! …. to find and sell women’s fashion shoes in larger shoe sizes! That’s the mission of DesignerShoes.com. That’s how we got started. We will never carry a shoe style unless it comes AT LEAST to size 12!

Here are some brands we recommend for longer, larger size ladies’ shoes:

Forgotten Soles

Ros Hommerson

Samanta

For large, long size women’s dress shoes we recommend:

Special Occasions

Do you leave a larger footprint?  Then visit DesignerShoes.com today!

Austalian Pendragon Shoes ~ They’re Not Just For Elves Anymore

Okay, I know I just did a whole piece on elf shoes at Christmastime … Heavens to Etsy! You Don’t Have To Be A Shoemaker To Gift Like One. Apparently, I cannot get them out of my system. But stay with me here, because these amazing faerlie-inspired shoes are not just for elves. Big-name designers have discovered this mystical Australian footwear by Pendragon Shoes, and it’s in huge demand throughout the fashion and art world.

Pendragon Shoes is the name of the Australian designing and shoemaking duo Jackie Orme Ward and Adrian Lockwood. Their web site pendragonshoes.com — a work of art in itself — says that they make “Unique handcrafted leather shoes”, but somehow that seems like an understatement.

These are genuine works of art — and I shudder to think you’d ever shutter them away in your shoe closet. From a small workshop on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Adrian and Jackie accept commissions from around the world and create exclusive limited edition collections, costume shoes, and exhibition art pieces, all designed and made by the two of them, personally. There is no factory, and no elves to assist. “What we are about is a hands-on process with the emphasis on attention to detail. Rare buttons, antique buckles, vintage and hand tooled leathers combine to create the distinct Pendragon signature. You won’t find these shoes anywhere else!” say Adrian and Jackie.

“Since establishing the label in 1987, it has been our vision to create something extraordinary and unique; a quest to bring to life shoes you’d dreamt you might one day find; shoes to desire and delight…..shoes to treasure.” Works from their exhibitions, including “Metamorphosis”, “Visions of the Absurd in the Age of Reason”, “Secret Desires” and “Art in Shoes” (Munich), have toured around Australia as a retrospective for the last five years, and a pair of their shoes was acquired by the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney in 1997.

Pendragon art shoes have featured at Milan Fashion Week 2007, Design Festa Tokyo 2008, and were most recently commissioned and photographed for a September 2009 Italian Vogue editorial by Steven Meisel and Karl Templer. The piece goes on for well over twenty pages, and looks like Fellini’s version of Commedia dell’Arte, mixed up with scenes from Les Miz and the Artful Dodger.

Of course, I wanted to know everything there is to know about these fantastical creations, and Adrian was kind enough to respond to my email questions almost immediately.
—————-
Why shoes?  How did you get started in the art shoe business?  Did you begin in shoes or in costumes?

We met at University and teamed up because we were both into making things, and shared a few market stalls. The shoe thing was accidental really. We had a stall at a festival and made some pointy colorful boots to wear — half half colors and bells — and found we had orders. It grew out of that.

What did you make and sell at the market stalls?

All sorts of things:  jewelry, candles, tie dye, silkscreen, batik and hand painted fashion; sort of a swampy/fantasy collision vibe.

Why are you called Pendragon? I found something on Ebay called “Red Shoes” that appears to be a vinyl record by a group called Pendragon. Any connection?

No connection to the song or the band. Pendragon is an old Welsh name. The King Arthur of legend’s full name was Arthur Pendragon, Son of Uther Pendragon. It seemed appropriate to the shoes we were trying to make early on, the kind of shoes that fell out of faerie stories or through the cracks between worlds.

What and where is the Woodford Folk Festival?  Where else do you exhibit?  Can these be seen anywhere in the US?

Woodford Folk Festival is an amazing week long festival.  It’s held on a beautiful Sunshine Coast hinterland property and runs from Boxing Day through to New Years Day every year. It started as a small folk festival but has grown to be an all-embracing arts/multicultural/ideas melting pot: music, circus, theater, workshops, debates, comedy, you name it…and camping. It culminates in an amazing fire ceremony held in a natural amphitheater at the top of the festival. If you get the chance,go! We also have exhibitions occasionally and do the odd market.

I haven’t found any retail sources, so I’m assuming all of your work is custom.  Are there any plans for retail sales?

You’re right, we don’t have any stockists and we have been largely custom made. This year however, we are looking to reinvent ourselves with an eye on exporting to Europe and the US. We are investigating possibilities.

Can you tell me some of the theatrical productions you’ve worked on?

We’ve done shoes for heaps of theatre over the years, but mainly for the Queensland Theater Company and Opera Queensland; also worked on a few films, the biggest one being “Peter Pan”.

Do you wear your own shoes, or are the cobbler’s children barefoot?

Nice question. Yes we wear our own shoes and Jackie’s children have the odd pair, mainly for dress-ups.

Which are your favorites?

The favorites are always the latest thing you make, I think. Currently, Alice booties and an older favourite, high autumn leaf boots with curly heels.

What are the curly heels made from on the autumn leaf boots? It looks like metal.

That’s right, they are blacksmithed steel.

Can you say a few words about remaining in business in this horrible economy by making something beautiful and perfect and not compromising to make them cheap and awful?

This is a tricky one; we have had probably the worst year financially ever this last year and the best creatively. Being asked to create boots for Steven Meisel’s Italian vogue photostory was a bolt from the blue and a great catalyst for us. Not compromising? I guess we are both very stubborn and have a blind faith in what we do. The idea has always been to bring something special into being and neither of us have a clue about business anyway…That’s probably the real reason.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

By Claudia Lynch, artist and shuzsociety “art & sole” columnist.  For more about Claudia Lynch, artist and creator of ShoeStories™, please visit her web site at www.claudialynch.com.

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