Women are going to Hate Me !

A pair of long leg hand embroidered women's boots. The boots are made of Italian black baby calf suede with embroidered black silk taffeta panels. They also feature an original Georgian period cut steel buckle. This was a private commission for a long standing private New York client. Her inspiration came from a pair of embroidered black suede/velvet shoes that I had made some years ago.

The client wished me to take the colour ways and flavour of the shoe and develop it into a pair of statement boots that she could wear comfortably to walk regularly in New York. The client also wished us to reference traditional costume embroidery of Central Europe . We did a series of design ideas for her along with some swatches of embroidery. We chose a variety of flower motifs including roses and carnations. I have worked for this client regularly so already had her measurements etc. I had new lasts and heels carved for her.

The boots have a central front zip, an interior platform and a block heel. The entirely silk hand embroidery was done in my workshops and took 100 hours + to complete. The boots are of a traditional handcrafted construction with oak bark tanned leather soling, insulin and stiffening.

These boots are a fine example of a truly bespoke commission. That is one where the client and craftsperson collaborate to achieve a unique one off design whilst the functional and practical considerations of the clients measurements, foot shape and lifestyle are all taken into consideration.
When my client first saw the finished result she exclaimed "Women are going to HATE me!!" Hence the name....