By Denise Marray/Gulf Times Correspondent/London
Shoes are big business and visitors from Qatar and across the Gulf who flock to London in the summer are keen to snap up the most exclusive designs. So, the latest news from Harrods is sure to be music to their ears. The famous store has this week opened the world’s largest luxury shoe collection called “Shoe Heaven” on its fifth floor.
Helen David, Harrods fashion director of Womenswear, Accessories, Fine Jewellery & Childrenswear, spoke about the expansive new space, covering over 42,000sqft, dedicated to leading shoe brands.
‘‘In Womenswear, shoes have been one of our fastest growing categories over the last few years. We needed to do something spectacular to celebrate this category, which is all-encompassing and appeals to all customers. ‘Shoe Heaven’ is one of the biggest projects ever undertaken by Harrods and will offer a luxurious and sophisticated environment with 17 flagship shops for all of our best loved brands. With an interior designed by leading London architects, David Collins Studio, ‘Shoe Heaven’ will be the largest luxury shoe offer anywhere in the world.
“From stilettos to sneakers, Harrods ‘Shoe Heaven’ will be home to all the best shoes from the world’s leading and need-to-know designers.”
Neil Clifford, Kurt Geiger’s chief executive officer, commented: “Harrods ‘Shoe Heaven’ is an important development in the longstanding partnership between our brands. We are proud to announce this unique retail environment that will deliver an all-new shopping experience in our luxury shoe concessions.”
Within the 17 exclusive boutiques presenting collections from over 50 leading designers and brands, customers can choose their shoes in unparalleled comfort sitting on velvet banquet lounge seating, with access to private shopping suites and expert style advisers.
Simon Rawlings, creative director of David Collins Studio, the company responsible for designing “Shoe Heaven”, said: “We have worked closely with Harrods to create a retail concept that reflects the brand’s global reputation for delivering a superlative shopping experience to the world’s most discerning clientele. This has been such a prestigious assignment for us, designing a truly outstanding retail environment which is one of the biggest ever undertaken by Harrods.”
To celebrate the launch, Harrods reveals the limited-edition Silver Lining collection showcasing 37 of today’s most iconic shoes in silver – created exclusively for Harrods by designers, including Valentino, Manolo Blahnik, Roger Vivier, Christian Louboutin, Rupert Sanderson and Charlotte Olympia.
Choose from metallic silver Valentino Rockstuds to Manolo Blahnik’s silver brooch-adorned Ariona mule, to silver leather Kitty flats by Charlotte Olympia and silver booties from Alaïa – every style a “must have” addition to an Autumn/Winter wardrobe and for the forthcoming festive season.