The Art of Luxury Issue 39 2019 | Page 51

MENS FASHION Percy Stride shoes are handmade by skilled craftsmen and women The South West business awards elect their nominees by stating in a small Northampton spanning a history of 138 years in the they are “Entrepreneurs who had innovated unique solutions to industry, with Danielle designing each shoe and overlooking all the problems they faced, put their heart and soul into making their technical specifications. Danielle states “Without the support I industry better, overcome personal and professional hardship to receive from my friends at the factory Percy Stride wouldn’t have triumph in business, and more.” been able to achieve the success it has done in such a short time. Their professionalism and incredible skill has provided the quality I was adamant to achieve within the range.” Working from home and promoting her brand Danielle Wathes is thrilled that the last 5 years of developing and building Percy Stride is reaching new heights. The initial struggle has paid off. In the first 2 years of business Danielle has been a member of the British Footwear Association headed by Robert Perkins the Chief Operations Manager at Hotter Shoes and of the Worshipful Young Pattenmakers Society. The road has not been smooth Danielle stated “It’s extremely challenging to enter the industry as a new brand. Brands already Since the company launched in Winter 2017 Danielle and her brand established in this field have hundreds of years of heritage behind Percy Stride have gone on to win the society of shoefitters award them, and a strong base of loyal customers.” and Danielle herself was nominated as Entrepreneur of the year for 2019’s South West Business awards. Percy Strides first range of Goodyear Welted Northampton made footwear will been seen at other prestigious events this year such as Goodwood Revival and Fairfords Air Tattoo. www.percystride.com Issue 39 2019 The Art of Luxury 51