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Q&A: Jane Shilton Shoe Designer Angela Simkins

FashionBite’s Emily Seares chats to Jane Shilton shoe designer Angela Simkins about the key trends for AW11, what to look out for next season and her top tips for someone looking to work in the industry.

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Is there a key trend dominating footwear for AW11?

Fur has been a huge influence for the AW11 season, so expect to see an abundance of faux fur linings and shearling throughout the next few months on the high street!

What colours/heel shapes will be strong this season?

Key colours for the season are rich tans and burgundies, with flashes of purple and grey, alongside the more traditional commercial colours of black and brown with gold metal fixtures. Mixed materials, such as suede with patent, also feature in our AW11 collection to give texture and interest, along with accents of lizard printed leathers in pewter and black. An emerging trend is the block heel, which we have covered in our casual ankle boot Bari. We will be buying more into this look for SS12.

What are the key styles for AW11?

For women’s shoes, moccasins and loafers are a strong look for the season. A key example of this is the Sassari loafer in a rich burgundy box leather & black patent leather. Suede and patent shoe boots adorned with tassels give a dressier heeled version to this look, such as our Barletta shoe boot in black suede, patent and taupe suede or black patent. For winter, it is all about ankle and knee high boots, in particular those with fur trims, cuffs and linings! Examples of this (within the Jane Shilton range) include the Vicenza ankle boot in taupe and black suede, along with knee high boots styles such as the Messina and Terni. Alex Shilton, our men’s collection, follows the strong brogue trend with styles such as the Carter and Baxter in tan, alongside loafers such as the Oak in brown and black leather.

What was the inspiration behind the collection?

At the beginning of the season both the buying and design teams come together to cover trends for the forthcoming collection. From this we decide which elements were right for our consumer and the brand. Key inspiration was ‘Winter Wonderland’ (which incorporated the faux fur trend) and ‘Luxe’ (which included the rich warm colours of purple and burgundy and beautiful tan leathers with gold metal fixtures).

Do you have a favourite look in the collection?

My favourite look for the season is our Bologna tan leather boot – this is featured in our main ad campaign image. The model just looks stunning wearing our boots and holding a matching JS bag. The image is extremely elegant and captures the Jane Shilton brand perfectly.

What’s your background and do you have any advice for someone hoping to get into the industry?

I have always worked in buying, and for several years now have specialised in footwear. From an early age I was passionate about retail, which began with a Saturday job at a high street retailer. From there I embarked upon a creative degree and completed work experience within a buying office, before landing my first role as a buyer’s admin assistant. I would recommend anyone interested in a retail career (whichever discipline) to gain shop floor experience first and then work experience in their chosen field to have a rounded understanding of the industry. Plenty of enthusiasm and passion is also needed since the hours can often be long and the work load demanding!

Looking to SS12, what will be the key trends for next season?

Block and kitten heels are seeing a comeback, as well as pointed toes. Wedges are a key look which we are buying into and we expect to see an abundance of espadrilles. Bright colours will be strong, such as blod fuchsia pink, as well as key colours of red, white and blue corresponding with the London Olympics next year!

Who would you love to see wearing Jane Shilton?

Everyone! If I were to name someone in the public eye it would be Tess Daly as she is beautiful and elegant as well as being a very successful working mum!

Can you sum up Jane Shilton shoes in three words?

Sophistication, elegance and quality.