Sophia Webster, Nicholas Kirkwood and Christopher Suarez: Sophia Webster

Sophia Webster, Nicholas Kirkwood and Christopher Suarez, 28, 32 and 35
Company: Sophia Webster
Web: www.sophia-webster.com

Breaking into the world of designer footwear as an independent designer is no easy feat – but Sophia Webster is no ordinary designer. The recipient of a host of design awards while studying, such as the London College of Fashion Award of Excellence, the Drapers Student Footwear Designer of the Year and the Browns Shoe Designer Award, her unique luxury shoe designs have taken the fashion world by storm since launch last year. Celebrities to have stepped out in her creations include Rihanna and Rita Ora to name but a few. With a relatively small team and fanatical dedication, the Sophia Webster brand has grown rapidly to include Selfridges, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Browns and Net-A-Porter among its global clientele.

Webster’s designs were recently awarded the Condé Nast Footwear New Emerging Designer of the Year award 2012 and the New Gen award from the British Fashion Council. Although Webster’s brand is young, its success is no surprise having the pedigree of being associated with shoe eminence Nicholas Kirkwood and fashion visionary Christopher Suarez. First year sales have surpassed £1m and a four-fold rise is a conservative prediction for year two, following the recent launch of the company’s UK e-commerce site and major collaborations with cosmetics giant Revlon and US clothing behemoth J.Crew. With the US launch of the retail website and further international growth anticipated, Webster’s star is truly in ascendancy.