We have a weakness for unique shoes, you already knew that. It was a matter of time before we released our own collection. In May last year, we visited the factory of shoe manufacturer Ocra in Italy and the idea grew to design a small collection exclusively for our customers. Together with the factory, we looked for quality leather, a refined finish, and of course an excellent fit.
5 rules of thumb for a good children's shoe
1. A children's shoe must be of the right size in length, width and height. Also provide sufficient height for the toes.
2. The ideal children's shoe is closed at the back. It has a barely to impressable heel closure/contrefort as well as a good fit around the heel.
3. A child's shoe must bend in the right place: just at the level of the toes so that the foot can roll off normally. There must also be no torsion (twisting) in the longitudinal direction. In other words, you may not be able to swing the shoe out like a mop.
4. Children's shoes should preferably have an adjustable closure: laces or velcro. Button your laces, otherwise your shoe will fall off your foot and the foot will not be stable.
5. Does your child do sport? Make sure you have an adapted sports shoe: a running shoe for walking, a tennis shoe for playing tennis, a football shoe for playing football....
Women's shoes / children shoes / ecological / fantastically beautiful / ... but what else? We fired nine questions to her ...
1.How would you describe your role within ‘Nathalie Verlinden’ – the brand?
I am a busy bee and like to do a bit of everything. I do the design, sales, follow up the manufacturing process in Italy, I take care of the transport and billing but above all, I am a mother.
2. Where did it all begin? What is the reason you do what you do? What makes you so passionate?
The start was very impulsive. I just followed my gut feeling, but making shoes has proven to be tremendously captivating.
3. If ever you had the chance to travel continuously, what would be the first place you would visit?
There are so many beautiful and interesting places, but Canada and Argentina are on my to do list.
4. How does your day start?
I take breakfast with my 11 year old daughter while we listen to the radio. I always eat a self composed bowl of cereals.
5. What or who inspires you?
That varies. It all depends on my focus during that period. It might be art or architecture but also nature or landscapes.
6. What is your favorite piece of design or art?
I find it very difficult to chose only one piece. One of my favorite designs is the Japanese tea pot by Katsufumi Baba and I bought a few art works recently by John Van Oers, a sculptor from Antwerp.
7. What is your most beautiful creation so far?
Again? So hard to chose! I think I am just very proud of the philosophy behind the collection, the eco-friendly way of producing. It is all about quality of life. I am always looking for new and better designs and consider business and the impact it has on the quality of our lives. It is a constant struggle, finding this balance. The importance is doing things better, not just more!
8. What would be your advise for a young starter, seen from your perspective?
Passion is not enough. I work in an emotionally driven market, the fashion and luxury industry. Economic times are uncertain, so a longterm vision and strategy are undispensable, in order to survive unforeseen storms.
9.Do you have any other creative kills that you would elaborate?
Yes, every season, but I remind myself everytime that the cobbler needs to stick to his last.
We choose Switserland as the excellent roadstop between Belgium and Italy. But it's more than a quick stop, we stay for 10 days in Val Lumnezia (the Valley of Light) in Graubünden. Our base camp is a fine designed apartment from Belgian owners, called Casa Lumnezia in Vignogn.