Feeling like a princess, in hand-made satin Swarovski slippers from Gina Shoes…
I’m going to start this post here. Before you get the chance to look at the numerous interesting photographs in this post, and before you glimpse my red (blue) carpet outfit for the Cinderella Premiere. I just have a few things I would like to say.
You may or may not have heard of Gina Shoes, but you will certainly know of them after reading this post. I too only knew a basic level of information about the brand, or so I thought. In fact I knew even less, and after being invited to visit their factory in Tottenham last week, I was able to leave with an abundance of knowledge, admiration and respect for this brand.
They are a London based and manufactured, family ran company, set up in the 1950’s by a gentleman with a brilliant knowledge and passion for shoes. His three sons are now in charge of the business, and they too have been imparted excellent skills in shoe-making and the footwear business, and their passion is extremely apparent. I spoke with Attila, one of the brothers, and his way with words and story-telling was captivating. He spoke of the heritage and history of the Gina brand, named after the 50’s model Gina Lollobrigada, and the way in which his father would name his plethora of shoe designs after famous ladies – a theme still in usage. He showed me the book that his father filled with his shoes designs and illustrations. An old tattered memory of a mans brilliant work and such a fantastic piece of history. A book they always look through when in need of a new inspiration.
I was taken around the factory, the one and only luxury manufacturer still working from the UK, and I think a huge selling point for this brand. A London based and proud company, working and selling their products around the world, made by 45 master craftsmen in the heart of London. Each person has their own specific job, whether it be to cut out the leather pieces, glue the soles to the body, attach the insoles, sew the diamantes onto leather or attach the Swarovski Crystals. I could go on. I was absolutely blown away by just how much effort goes into making shoes, by hand, and with such precision and skill. There are no assembly lines here. Each part of each shoe is crafted by hand, and boxed by hand, before they reach your feet. I was astounded, and my admiration for this inspirational brand only rose throughout the afternoon.
The shoes are shipped all over the world, with a loving market in the Middle East especially, and as just a loyal fanbase in the UK, being stocked in Harrods as well as their own ultra-luxury stores. The shoes are comfortable as well as beautiful, with a style to suit everyone in a wide assortment of markets. Granted, whilst some of the styles are absolutely not me, there are a great number of styles that I was swooning over and mentally added to my summers wish-list.
Yet, when they told me that they would design a Cinderella slipper, for me, to be worn at the Cinderella Premiere, I was over the moon. A chance to feel like a princess whilst watching one of my favourite Disney movies come to life. The design was beyond anything I had dreamed of and more. In an ivory satin, encrusted with Swarovski Crystals, a closed pointed toe and a transparent panel over the toes, and of course, a stunning 4 inch heel. They were my very own glass slippers.
These are just a few of the images I took, but this post could go on forever with interesting shots of each independent worker and their personal tasks. It was a privilege to be able to see how everything was put together and I left with so much more understanding of just how much work goes into the shoes we wear on our feet. I absolutely will not be taking it for granted in future.
So Im guessing you’d like to see what I wore with my Glass Slippers? I chose a metallic lace dress from Soma London and a Whistles Clutch. Keeping it simple and focusing on the heels.
What a wonderful evening, and a truly fantastic film too. I cried several times through this one, as a big fan of the Disney animation, and an even bigger softy. But I would highly recommend you watch it when it reaches cinemas.
And as for Gina Shoes, well they made my night truly magical. The shoes will be available late summer if youre interested in a pair – I think they would make a stunning wedding shoes! They will be priced at around £895, due to the workmanship and craft that goes into each and every shoe, and for that, I don’t think there is need for complaint. They were comfortable, elegant and truly unique and I could not have felt more beautiful. Thankyou so much Gina!
What do you think of my Cinderella slippers? I wish I could wear them everyday!
Thank you so much to the wonderful Gina Shoes for sponsoring this post and inviting me into the factory to collect my perfect glass slippers!
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