Shows
200: Tech Tales FoundFrom Princess Diana to Red Carpets: The Glamorous. Empire of JimmyChooThe story of Jimmy Choo is one of artistry, ambition, and transformation. What began as a small East London workshop run by Malaysian-Chinese shoemaker Jimmy Choo Yeang Keat evolved into a global luxury brand synonymous with high fashion and celebrity culture. Born in 1948 in Penang, Malaysia, Jimmy Choo was immersed in the craft of shoemaking from a young age, learning from his father before studying at Cordwainers Technical College in London. By the late 1980s, he had opened a modest atelier in Hackney, where his bespoke creations quickly gained traction among London’s elite. A pivotal moment came in 1988 wh...2025-06-2620 min
Gearhead GurusWatch a Master Shoemaker Craft Stunning Custom Dress Shoes by Hand—Powered by Avonetics.comStep into the world of exquisite craftsmanship as a Korean artisan transforms premium leather into flawless custom dress shoes—every stitch, cut, and polish captured in mesmerizing detail. This 28-minute masterpiece reveals the secrets behind bespoke footwear, from pattern-making to final shine. Perfect for leathercraft enthusiasts, aspiring cordwainers, or anyone who appreciates the art of handmade luxury. For advertising opportunities, visit Avonetics.com.2025-04-0607 min
In Their Shoes6. Patrick Cox - Iconic Footwear DesignerDescriptionIn a specially extended interview for the Cordwainers, Katie Greenyer talks to maverick Patrick Cox the award-winning, British-trained, Canadian fashion designer whose eponymous footwear label introduced the Wannabe loafer, one of the most iconic shoes of the 90s. Patrick talks about his peripatetic childhood between Canada and Africa, and his early days as a self-professed 'fashion victim' with a driving desire to stand out from the crowd and ‘be noticed’.Listen, as he recounts his time as a ‘disruptor’ at Cordwainers Technical College in London in the 80s, where he rubbed shoulders with the...2025-03-1956 min
The MostMIISTA / Laura VillaseninLaura Villasenin is the founder and creative director of footwear and ready-to-wear label MIISTA. In this special episode, recorded at the MIISTA factory in Galicia, Spain, Laura sits down with Dominique for an extensive talk about the brand’s come-up and vision. She shares the quite revolutionary approach that challenges industry stereotypes and drives her desire to own all stages of the MIISTA supply chain. Growing up along Northern Spain's rugged Atlantic coast, Laura's first visit to London opened up a universe that would eventually lead to launching MIISTA in 2010 after studying footwear desig...2025-03-141h 38
WARDROBE CRISIS with Clare PressThe Future of Fashion Artefacts, According to Leo Carlton (Hint! It's Printed)London fashion week spotlight: In a markedly hatless era, forward-marching British New Gen accessories designer Leo Carlton is turning their talents to digitally-printed crowns, elf ears, breast plates and mysterious sculptural masks. Some of these genre-defying fashion artefacts feel a bit witchy, with pagan undertones. Others, firmly futuristic.But how do they make them? Wouldn’t you like to know!Leo trained at Cordwainers, enjoyed a two-year residency at Alexander McQueen's Sarabande Foundation, and studied classical millinery techniques - their first job out of college was with the iconic London ha...2025-02-2147 min
Labor JawnCordwainers StrikeThe 1805 Cordwainers Strike in Philadelphia was one of the earliest labor actions in American history. Originally aired: December 13, 2021. Support the showwww.laborjawn.com2025-02-0517 minIn Their Shoes5. Deborah Carré and James Ducker - CarréduckerIn this episode, Katie Greenyer interviews the award-winning Deborah Carré and James Ducker of the handsewn bespoke shoemaking brand Carréducker. Join the conversation as they discuss their individual routes to becoming artisan shoemakers and to joining forces to create products built to last, with a focus on sustainability, excellence, comfort and fit.
As second careerists who met while training with master shoemaker Paul Wilson, they are passionate about passing on the skills of handsewn shoemaking and teaching future generations of shoemakers. Learn more about Carréducker’s shoemaking school and the joy and challenges that this side o...2025-01-1639 minIn Their Shoes4. Kristina Blahnik - CEO of Manolo BlahnikIn our latest podcast, Katie chats to the brilliant Kristina Blahnik, niece of Manolo Blahnik, whose name is synonymous with women’s luxury shoes. Kristina is CEO of the Blahnik family brand and shares her thoughts on running a family business, and how to lead and manage a thriving company in the 21st century. She is also guest judge for the Cordwainers Footwear Awards 2025.
Listen as Kristina talks about childhood memories and traces her journey to becoming head of the business today.
She and Katie discuss Kristina’s roots in architecture and how that rigorous train...2024-12-2035 minIn Their Shoes3. Tim Cooper - CEO and Cobbler-In-Chief of Oliver SweeneyIn this episode Katie Greenyer talks to Tim Cooper, CEO and Cobbler-In-Chief of Oliver Sweeney, and finds out what makes him tick. Footwear is in Tim’s blood having generations of cobblers and shoemakers before him, even though at first, he resisted its siren call!
After graduating in Economics at university, Tim followed the family passion serving a comprehensive factory apprenticeship in France, where he learned the skills and processes involved in the manufacture of footwear (along with some rather dubious factory floor French…). His subsequent career has taken him around the globe sourcing from among the world...2024-11-1431 minIn Their Shoes2. Adele Williamson - Bespoke Shoemaker at Tricker'sIn this episode Katie Greenyer chats to Adele Williamson, a former finalist of the Cordwainer Footwear Awards she went on to become the first female apprentice at Trickers, QUEST scholar and now heads up Trickers bespoke department. Listed in Drapers 30 under 30 and for the Bright Young Things Community awards she has made shoes for His Royal Highness the King.
They discuss Adele's route into footwear as a mature student at De Montford University and discovery of her love of making as well as design. The positive impetus of the Cordwainer Footwear Award in giving her the confidence...2024-11-0728 min
Debut BuddiesFirst Labor Union (1794, 1838)Let's talk about labor, their trials and travails, their battles with oppressive and abusive employers, their wresting from beneath the boots of all systems monarchical, oligarchical, and industrial. On this episode we dive into the First Labor Union, with special appearance by Weavers, Cordwainers, Blanketeers, Spenceans, and more. Join us because collective knowledge is collective power. We also drop in for an especially hairy MouthGarf Report, a bountiful I See What You Did There, and we celebrate our own little milestone too! Sources:https://www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/lesson-plans/2023/09/6-facts-about-labor-union-history-in-the-ushttps://guides.loc.gov/this-month-in-business-history/august/n...2024-09-232h 09In Their Shoes1. Sophia Webster - Founder & Creative Director of SOPHIA WEBSTERIn this episode, Katie Greenyer chats to Sophia Webster – artist, entrepreneur, ‘boss-lady’, and Mum who is known for her joyful, playful, feminine shoes that are instantly recognisable. Sophia tells the story of her journey into footwear from a degree course at the London College of Fashion to a Masters at the Royal College of Art. Throughout her student training, she sought internships with the designers she wanted to emulate; her first post-degree collection and collaboration with Browns in Mayfair was a sellout.
Sophia’s appeal is global – her fabulous shoes with their distinctive butterfly branding are available in over 200 r...2024-06-2538 min
Minimum CompetenceLegal News for Weds 5/1 - PTO New Rule on Pharma Patent Settlements, Jones Day SCOTUS Presence, J&J Seeks $11b Settlement in Talc Suit and Biden's FY2025 Unrealized Gain Tax ProposalThis Day in Legal History: First Union FormedOn May 1, 1794, a pivotal development in labor rights history occurred in Philadelphia with the formation of the Federal Society of Journeymen Cordwainers. This organization, consisting of skilled shoemakers, marks the establishment of the first trade union in the United States. The union was created as a response to the increasingly difficult economic conditions that tradesmen faced, including low wages and long working hours.The Cordwainers, recognizing the strength in numbers, aimed to leverage their collective bargaining power to negotiate better wages and working conditions. This was a...2024-05-0109 min
The Stitchdown ShoecastBespoke Shoemaker Sebastian Tarek on West-End Outwork and Judging the World's Greatest Shoemaking CompetitionWhen London (by way of Australia) bespoke shoemaker Sebastian Tarek began making shoes in high school, his grandmother let him in on a little secret: he had been preceded in his journey by 18 generations of family cordwainers.After years of schooling—including at the famed Cordwainers College in Hackney, London—he eventually ended up settling into a role as a bottom-maker for some of Savile Row's most prestigious bespoke firms, both in an in-house capacity and also as an piece-work outworker.Today, Sebastian continues his outwork...work...while also creating his own bespoke shoes and boot...2024-03-1357 min
The Love My Dress Podcast: Weddings, Business & Life#3: Emmy Scarterfield of Emmy London, on Creative Design, Parenthood, Building a Luxury Brand With Her Husband and The Secret To Comfortable Wedding ShoesLOVEMYDRESS.NET // Emmy Scarterfield is Founder and Creative Director of Emmy London, a luxury lifestyle brand that creates the most beautiful bridal and event shoes and accessories. The Emmy London brand exemplifies beauty and comfort and Emmy is renowned for her immaculate and intricate attention to detail, bespoke craftsmanship and quintessential British style.As well as her hugely successful online store and beautiful boutique on the Fulham Road in South Kensington, Emmy has also designed a line of jewellery that is exclusively available at British Jeweller's, H Samuel.After gradu...2023-10-101h 59