BLAKE WOMAN - PENELOPE CHILVERS
We are so excited to kick 2023 off with a fantastic and inspiring Blake Woman. With a brand steeped in craftsmanship and quality. Designing timeless footwear and accessories made to last has been at the heart of Penelope Chilvers ever since she spent time in Spain, fine tuning and learning her craft.
We are honoured to have her as our next feature. We hope you enjoy!
What inspired you to start the brand 20 years ago?
I used to live in Barcelona, as a painter and designer. While living in Barcelona, I would go riding on my lunch break in the national park of Collserola in the hills above the city wearing traditional Spanish riding boots. When I moved back home I loved the idea of bringing the Spanish riding boot to England and commissioned a small number of traditional artisans in the hills of Spain to make the perfect equestrian boot – our Long Tassel boot - to my own specifications. This original boot is still our best-seller!
The brand is known for quality and craftsmanship - was this an important aspect for you and why? How have you stayed true to those values as the brand has grown?
Our collections are lovingly made by Spanish artisans who care passionately about their craft and whose knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation. As a brand, we believe in preserving these rare manufacturing techniques and incorporate them into our collections. Our factories are family-owned - many of them experts in the footwear construction known as the Goodyear welt. We have never changed our techniques, and never will!
What are the main sources of inspiration?
Travel and the history of shoe making. I love learning about different cultures, fashion and artisanal techniques. My most recent trip to Lake Atitlan in Guatemala has inspired my SS23 collection.
What was a real pinch me moment?
The day I spent a delightful afternoon with Cate Blanchett in my studio. She came to know us in Wales whilst shooting Robin Hood and bought 5 pairs of boots in preparation for a cold winter ahead in New York.
What are you most proud of?
Employing a team of 30 + people. Without my team I’d be nowhere!
What is the best part of your job?
Dreaming up new collections and collaborating with other creative people.
You work with your daughters, can you tell us what that is like and what the roles are?
It’s a dream come true! I’m so lucky we all get to work together every day. Bringing them up as a single mother meant they were always having to come and help at trade fairs etc with me on the weekend. So they’ve been working for the brand long before it was legal!
Heels or flats?
Flats – comfort and durability is at the core of everything we do. We even make very comfortable all-day heels, but definitely no toe crushing heels!
Advice for people wanting to start their own brand?
Listen to your customer, and learn what you do well from them, and keep to that.
Can you tell us about the new SS23 collection?
We have a lot of exciting newness for next year. Customers are learning to buy less and buy better which we admire, however they also want to treat themselves to a pair of shoes that can freshen up their entire wardrobe. Expect to see lots of new little Mary Jane pumps in Spring velvet colours like apple green and bougainvillea.
Penelope was shot by our Founder Alice, outside her shop in Notting Hill on Ledbury Road. She wears the Grantham Zipped Cardigan and Mercer Aran vest in chocolate.
Both available online now