How do you think the British fashion industry could better support its independent shoe designers?
I think it is very important to be very clear about this. Independent Shoe Designers are businesses that choose to design shoes. Nobody owes designers per-se a living. Designers will succeed or fail based on their creativity AND business acumen. The two are one. The British Fashion Industry exists to promote successful business not independent designers. If a designer proves herself/himself in the market then the support is forthcoming. Success breeds success. Nonetheless everything can be improved. It would be useful if the establishments that exist to support new designers (for example the BFA who arrange for Government sponsorship of certain shows) could recognise that certain market positions demand different framing for example they will sponsor stands in a show but not own galleries or space during show time and different designer brands need the flexibility to attract different retail markets.
