The Art of Luxury Issue 39 2019 | Page 50

MENS FASHION PERCY STRIDE IS MAKING STRIDES IN THE FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY Bringing a breath of fresh air into Britain’s long-established Men’s There is no longer a connection to the product and rather shoes are footwear Industry, young entrepreneur and Footwear graduate being brought for convenience rather than style and quality. This Danielle Wathes has taken her brand Percy Stride to the luxury isn’t the case in fashion so why should it be the case with footwear?” market after only 2 short years. Danielle wanted to create a brand which would connect the With a footwear design degree from De Montfort University Danielle wearer to the designs, promote British construction as well as help is able to apply design flare and construction knowledge to her encourage and educate those on the design industry, in doing so range of classic Goodyear Welted footwear; enabling her shoes to be she created her first range “Timeless” using roman numerals and both comfortable, functional and contemporary. When asked why clock details throughout to clearly link in with the theme. With a Danielle decided to design for men rather than the more obvious range of coloured leathers to choose from Danielle has made the women’s shoes she responded “There is far more to be discovered collection to “suit every need or occasion”. Simplifying the shopping and explored within Menswear. Men’s footwear can be seen as experience even further all shoes within the collection are the same massively undeveloped in places, without any true variety. shape, meaning if you like them in one colour you know the fit will be consistent throughout the range. 50 The Art of Luxury Issue 39 2019