In this episode, Katie chats with fellow Cordwainer and judge for the annual Cordwainer Footwear Awards, Atalanta Weller. Atalanta won the British Fashion Councils' coveted NEWGEN competition in 2010. NEWGEN is the most established designer development scheme globally and designers are identified by their creativity, strong design aesthetic, and point of difference.

Atalanta’s ground-breaking sculptural shoes now form part of the V&A’s permanent collection and are regularly exhibited internationally. Listen as they discuss her background and early fashion influences and how she discovered footwear.

Discover her career journey and hear how her initial placement at Clerks and training in Moulds helped her later push the boundaries of fashion with Henry Holland and then her own label. Atalanta’s work can be found in fashion and design press such as Vogue, Marie Claire, Elle, ID, and Monocle magazine. Her shoes have a strong following from Siena Miller, Halle Berry to Jessie J and Lady Gaga.

They speak about the challenges and lessons learned from setting up your own label and famous collaborations (including with Barbie!) Learn how she goes about her own design process and the importance of sustainability and function within that. Listen as they share tips on how to transfer design skills across different mediums - from footwear to interiors to hobbyhorses!

They discuss the importance of being involved in the Cordwainers Company and the joy of supporting and giving back to the industry through teaching and mentoring as well as fitting in footwear around family life.

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This podcast is produced by Audio Coast