BEHIND THE SEAMS

Skillfast-UK have launched a major campaign, called “Behind the Seams”, to honour skilled individuals, promote crafts and careers in fashions and textiles.

“Behind the Seams” asked for nominations of ’skills superheroes’ with top-quality creative or technical skills who make a real difference to business. Only 50 Behind the Seams skills superheroes awards will be given in the UK this year - and
Steph Crutchley here at Green Shoes has just received one!

Given to …”exceptional individuals that operate “behind the seams” in our sector, using their skills and talents to create superb products and deliver exemplary service. They’re worth their weight in gold. . . And they’re a scarce commodity.”

The UK’s tradition of strong design teamed with fine craftsmanship in fashion rests upon having highly-skilled professionals in our businesses.

Steph has trained many people here at Green Shoes over the past 18 years, and Green Shoes’ story will be one of those used to create a portfolio presented to the Skills Minister David Lammy in November, as part of Skillfast’s campaign activities to lobby politicians for more support for workplace-based training.

The campaign will culminate in a central-London exhibition, on 11th November, to celebrate the skills “behind the seams” at some of the UK’s iconic fashion and textile brands.

We were delighted to be part of the Thread catwalk show at the Royal Academy, London on 17th September. Thread is the BBC’s online ethical fashion magazine, dedicated to showcasing eco-fabulous style. The event celebrated Thread’s work this year and was an exciting, cutting-edge show.

Stylist Zoe James created some fabulous looks using a mix of ethical brands/designers, vintage pieces, recycled and restyled items. All the clothes and footwear had to meet at least one requirement of their ethical criteria, and had to be:
Made and traded sustainably – clothes and accessories where suppliers of raw materials receive a fair price and workers get a fair wage, with guaranteed rights. Ideally the trade brings new benefits to communities.
Made of sustainable materials – minimising the impact of fashion on the environment eg.free from chemical pesticides and fertilisers.
Recycled or vintage – keeping clothes out of landfill and cutting fabric waste in factories eg.made from factory off-cuts and remnants.

Our eco-tan range fitted the bill perfectly! And the long Iris boots looked fabulous worn with Zoe’s stunning outfits.
Click here to see the photographs from the show in October’s issue of Thread

We have been out & about a bit lately, and at the recent Eco-Fayre in Topsham, Devon our company director and founder Alison Hastie was interviewed by eco-journalist Carl Munson.
Susan Haswell of eco-fayre.co.uk says…
“If you like shoes, you’ll LOVE Green Shoes. This is one of South Devon’s best hidden success stories. Amazingly beautiful shoes, that are individually hand made to fit. The leather is tanned using eco-friendly processes, shoes are repairable and resoleable, and their vegan options offer a great range of colours and look fantastic.”

To hear the interview, click on this link
… and if your’e in Devon on Saturday 1st November, you can come and visit our stall at the Totnes Eco Fayre (Totnes Civic Hall, 12.00-3.30pm)