Scandi Shoe Flood!

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It’s a little odd that there is a very big proportion of Scandinavian designers that I cover on the blog and in particular, shoe designers hailing from those NOrthern parts are quite numerous.  I have noticed that there is a a common thread linking all these designers in that they are able to design things that transcend trends and that have their own voice that is often rooted in where they come from.  This is certainly true of Terhi Pölkki, a Cordwainers graduate, whose new label Teriteja aims to reflect Polkki’s Finnish background and culture.  No flags tacked onto the shoes thank god but it’s ‘The heritage of the empty land’ that inspires her work and for SS08, she has used reindeer leather (apologies to Rudolph fans…) and curly birch in organic forms that mould onto feet.  Organic is another one of those words that I use when talking about Scandi designers (I don’t mean to NOT differentiate between all the countries but it is a handy umbrella term!) and perhaps it is their exposure to the wonderful expanse of natural environments that results in these shoe shapes.   

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Categorized as Shoes

22 comments

  1. Some years ago, my then BF introduced me to two of his penpals–girls from Sweden. They were visiting CA for a month and stayed with us. I was in awe of their shoes; there was nothing like them in California. Turns out the shoes came from Denmark.
    They certainly know how to turn out a heel, don’t they?

  3. Susie!I love your blog and I need your help fast!! we are thinking about visiting London over the Easter wekkend(thu-sun), ist this a bad idea? Are shop,a markets, restaurant, galleries and so on gonna be closed??

  4. Oh wow, that lace-covered toe! That pale pale blue! The fold-down collar! The heel! I’ve been resisting ankle booties for so long (finally just got some on sale), and those are just so beautiful and sweet.

  6. Clearly Imelda needs to refuel the Gulfstream and get her Scandi-On!
    You’re spot on about the environmental influences. It’s evident in everything from furniture right through to footwear.

  12. Hi Susie!
    I’m an Australian girl who’s been living in Helsinki for the past 2 and half years. Fashion here is a complete law unto itself – and there are wonderful designers whose work really stands out from the crowd. (My Aussie friends always crow over my wardrobe “statement pieces” whenever I go down under for a visit!) Another real favourite of mine when it comes to great Finnish footwear is Minna Parikka – http://www.minnaparikka.com/. You definitely have an eclectic choice when you live in Finland!
    Just on another note, I wanted to tell you how much I love your blog. I read it every morning religiously! I love your enthusiasm for anything and everything to do with fashion! And I also love the way that you play with clothes and photograph yourself wearing them every which way. Ignore the idiots who submit negative comments to your blog – you rock, girl!
    And anytime you feel like sampling the world of Scandi fashion in Helsinki, feel free to look me up!

  13. i LUV your blog Susi – so much fun to read – u should really have a look at http://www.fashionfreax.net – i think i might like it – it’s a new fashion community – so much fun!! would luv to see you there and have you comment on my pictures!! Luv Marie
    oh yeah – and for everyone else who is a fashionvictim like us – CHECK IT OUT AS WELL 😉 *hihihi* – its really nice

  16. Those are strong-looking shoes; I like the way they’re able to maintain a sense of femininity though. It could be rough with thick wood heels and wide straps, but they’re still girly.

  17. Hey, I think it’s really cool that you post about Scandi (and especially Finnish) designers! I read about this the other day, I think shes TAIK graduate..not sure though, but that school keeps churning out amazing designers.

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