Emmy’s shoe tips
Most women, whatever shape or size they are, love shoes. You don’t need to look a certain way to enjoy them and feel amazing Emmy Scarterfield talks to Hetty Chidwick
‘Many people have one foot that’s bigger than the other and the best way to stretch shoes is with your own feet— have a hot bath, dry your feet and, while they’re still warm, put on stockings, then the shoes and pad around the house for half an hour. The warmth will make the leather stretch more quickly.
Suede has a bad reputation for marking and staining, however, a cleaning block (not unlike a pumice stone) gets rid of marks easily by brushing up the nap. Suede also absorbs colour well and will dye easily if you want to wear white bridal shoes again or match a pair to a specific outfit.’
On a hot summer’s day in London, I slipped into a cool, calm paradise at 74, Fulham Road, home to Emmy London, designer of some of the most feminine shoes on the market. Emmy started her footwear and accessories company when a friend asked for help finding a pair of bridal shoes. Seeing a gap in the market, Emmy’s pretty shoes quickly became the talk of the town and now, 13 years later, the mother of twin girls is at the top of her game.
Although elegant, bespoke bridal designs account for 20% of sales, Emmy London shoes are not just for weddings. Emmy can create elaborate embellished footwear that’s fit for a princess, but she also designs for the more mature woman who wants to feel comfortable yet stylish in her shoes.
‘Stay within your comfort zone, but think out of the box a little and try on a few styles. It’s most important to feel comfortable and secure in your shoes,’ insists Emmy. ‘I’ve spent a lot of time perfecting the physics of the designs so that they’re perfectly balanced—there’s nothing worse than shoes ruining your day.’
Emmy does sell shoes and accessories online, but I would strongly recommend going into the store in order to experience the full service. Perfectly positioned near many bridal and mother-of-the-bride boutiques, there will be no hissy-fits here as the accessories are often the most enjoyable part of shopping for an event— no mirror critique needed.
When you put on high heels as exquistely made as these, especially if you’re having a bad day, you truly feel as if you can conquer the world. Bespoke Suzannah court shoe in duck egg, £480 (020–7704 0012; www.emmylondon.com)