What is one shoe style you absolutely love, even if it goes in and out of style?

Given that I commute between Brisbane and Melbourne alot, I need to be flexible with my wardrobe and have a rotation of go-to styles. My favourite is the Gina Ankle Boot ,a Chelsea boot style and a wedge espadrille.

What is one shoe in your wardrobe that you cherish the most, and what’s the story behind it? 

Alexander McQueen Heels – Black box Leather Square Toe Platform Pumps with purple binding and lining. I purchased these in the UK, just before his devastating passing and have chosen to never wear them and keep them as a reminder of his creative genius. However my most cherished Wittner shoe is a timeless black leather boot that I purchased many years ago, every season I bring it out as it now has become a classic staple within my wardrobe.

Who is your all-time favourite fashion icon, and how have they influenced your style?

I have always preferred the French and NY aesthetic- combination of Jane Birkin and Audrey Hepburn. Current icon’s include Emmanuelle Alt and Jenna Lyons.

Are there any figures outside the fashion industry who inspire your work and ethos? How do they influence you?

I am inspired by so many women that support and promote better conditions for other women. I do tend to lean to leaders that remind me to be considerate, teachings of the Dalai Lama are always good to reflect upon as to how I can be a good human. My parents were my role model growing up, in terms of work ethos and values.

As a successful figure in fashion, what do you see as your primary responsibility in being a role model to aspiring designers?

To mentor and to build confidence, retail is really challenging so it’s easy to lose confidence. By guiding them through the design process with my experience I help them build on their initial ideas to bring the design and collection to its best possible outcome.

What’s your go-to outfit for a day when you want to feel both comfortable and stylish and what shoe would you style it with?

Levi’s 505 vintage jeans worn loose, white organic cotton t-shirt, oversized suit jacket with bunch sleeves, and classic Wittner Cambridge Black Loafer.

As someone who has had success in the fashion industry what advice would you give up and coming designers?

Know your own personal aesthetic and stay true to that, especially if you are working on your own brand and designs.

If you are working for an established brand, ensure that you are tapping into the ethos and aesthetic of that brand to ensure you are designing a collection with your essence but for the consumer in mind. Don’t be afraid to take some risks and test new ideas, it’s important to update bestsellers and pay close attention to product life cycles, not just trends.

Where do you see the intersection of lifestyle, technology, and fashion heading in the next five years?

The focus seems to be directed in two areas; AI and reducing environmental impact. We need to consume less and be more considered in our wardrobe purchases. The “Shien haul” days are over when younger generations mature and realise the impact this type of consumerism is not healthy.

If A.I can work with designers on reducing the amount of waste that is produced in the fashion industry, I think this is where we will all benefit. Also advances in moving away from plastic based products, even recycled plastic eventually become landfill. So I am all for responsible use of leather which is a byproduct of the meat industry and plant based new materials, which are both biodegradable.

What shoe trends do you see coming in that you love, what should we be investing in?

Ballet flats have returned with a vengeance and are not going away anytime soon, we are also finding kitten heel slings are very much in demand. Both are versatile wardrobe accessories that can be worn with jeans, silk skirts. My picks would be the chic Alise Ballet Flats or the Hennie Slingback Kitten Heel.

We must urge people to invest in a good pair of quality leather or plant-based options – no plastic PU, please!

What’s your favourite fashion season, and what shoe designs are you most excited to wear for it and how would you style it up?

I’m a warm weather girl as I enjoy being outdoors. European and Australian Autumns are my favourite seasons, when we can layer and accessorise, and the sun is still warm. I will be wearing my oversized slouch jeans, white tees with a leather belt and the Safina Pumice Pump