Strolling in Style with Sarah Flint
The perfect pump, first loves, standing tall & the Scottish Highlands
The inspirations of this young cobbler are as varied as her royal and celebrity clientele. Enjoy walking with women’s footwear designer Sarah Flint through her New York City and explore her eye for design.
Surprising aspects of the artisans at Gravati...
Based in Vigevano, Italy, the Gravati company continues to make every part of the shoe entirely in-house. Unlike many other factories, they have not modernised their process by relying on other suppliers for insoles, heels, and outsoles. They are family-owned and utilise techniques that have been passed down through generations. The artisans take so much pride in their work and their craftsmanship truly has no equal.
Shoes for millennial jet-setters in their travel bag...
I’m loving the Andrea Slide, it’s both functional and stylish. Comfort is essential when travelling and I always go with flats. They’re easy to pack, available in versatile colours like gold and black, and go with everything!
My first love of shoes...
My mom could not get me out of my patent leather tap shoes. They had a little heel and beautiful grosgrain ribbon – I loved every detail. I would try to wear them to school, and had to be coaxed into my far less superior sneakers. Nowhere near as fun!
I have always felt that shoes make an outfit and that they inspire us to stand tall and walk with
confidence. Even when I was young, a beautiful pair of shoes made me feel immediately dressed up and ready for the day. I have never wanted to do anything else!
Inspiration for this season...
My family and I frequently travel to Scotland, and this season I was inspired by the landscape and nature of the highlands, as well as the historical dress and embroidery that has long been a part of the culture. My favourite memories include walking through the countryside with my family and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. I recently released two styles with hand-stitched embroidery, inspired by the national emblem and flower of Scotland. Floral thistle embroidery on gold linen reminds me of the texture and colours that make up the incredible landscape.
Current trends in the designer shoe industry...
I love that lower heels are being embraced – we’ve even seen celebrities wearing flats on the red carpet! I typically wear flats or a 50mm heel on a daily basis and feel just as polished and sophisticated as I would in a high heel. The difference is, I’m much more comfortable and confident in a lower heel knowing that I can keep up with my crazy schedule!
My dream shoe…
It already exists in our Emma Pump. It’s the perfect combination of style and function to take you from the office to drinks to date night. It has a 50mm pump and a V-shaped vamp for a sexy cut that shows off the perfect amount of “toe cleavage” (my favourite shoe term!) Amal Clooney has been spotted out in the Emma more than once, and I don’t think there is anyone who exudes class and sophistication more than her!
Top five destinations on my bucket list that are also shoe design hotspots…
India, Japan, Ireland, New Zealand, Russia
Form and function in shoe design...
To me, the two go together. When a woman is wearing something beautiful that actually feels great on her foot, it gives her extra confidence as she walks through the world.
My favourite city…
New York City will forever be my favourite place. Not only is it my home, but it is where I started my company and it provides daily inspiration. It’s diverse – each neighbourhood feels like a different city altogether, with new museums, restaurants, and galleries to discover every day.
On being one of Meghan Markle’s favourite brands...
I am thrilled that the Duchess of Sussex is such a fan of the brand!
My travel must-haves...
I always start with Sarah Flint flats and a long list of recommendations from friends and family who have visited before me. A travel steamer and Living Proof Perfect Hair Day are my other essentials!
My recommended hidden gems in New York City…
I would start with a visit to Palma, an amazing Italian spot in the West Village.
There is a beautiful back garden and incredible, organic food. It’s the only restaurant I’ve found in the US that is as good as the local food I’ve eaten in Italy! The Lowell Hotel is my choice for a staycation, and I always recommend it to friends and family. It’s the only hotel in the city with wood burning fireplaces in each room. For a hidden gem, I love
Washington Mews, a private street in
Greenwich Village. The cobblestone street and carriage houses haven’t changed since the 1800s.