Attire Accessories - Sep/Oct 2018 (Issue 72)

108 Tell me a bit about how the label was started. What was the inspiration? I wanted to start my footwear business after I graduated from university in 2008. However, after more thought, I decided that I should get experience working in the fashion industry first and started a job as a fashion buyer in Paris. When I moved to London, I was looking for well-made shoes that were a bit different in terms of style. It was not easy because the high street is dominated by the large chains that tend to offer the same styles and poor quality. I thought it was a good moment to launch House of Spring and to do something a little more personal and creative. House of Spring offers luxury shoes at an affordable price point, and the brand is inspired by the chic style of Parisians blended with the vibrancy of London. How were the initial products developed and what was the response? Our first collection was for SS16. The launch was during the London Fashion Week. I was so stressed, but we were delighted with the response we got. The Portobello Pony was the best-seller of the season. We decided to develop more flats and introduced brogues and sneakers, which are now our iconics. What challenges did you face, and how were they overcome when starting the business? Coming from Paris to London three years ago, I had no network in the fashion industry. It was not easy to start House of Spring without contacts. I had to work very hard to analyse the British fashion market and had to do a lot of networking events! How important is the location and history of the company to its success? Very important! My move to London was motivated by love. I met my husband in London, and after four years of weekly Eurostar trips, I decided that it was time to be a Parisian in London. Each style I design is inspired by these two great cities. If I had never met Peter, maybe House of Spring would not exist… How has the product offering changed since you started, and how would you describe your current collection? For the first collection, we were focussed on flats and heels. But this “The brand is inspired by the chic style of Parisians blended with the vibrancy of London.”