We would like to introduce you to our Cockpit Arts neighbours and co-collaborators Carréducker (Deborah & James).

When they’re not at the bench making beautiful bespoke shoes, they can be found designing and prototyping ready to wear shoes and boots.

One design that took off (we’re proud to say that we played quite a big part in getting their first style underway), is the Winkers Resort Shoe. First made in Dashing Tweeds (the cloth’s reflective thread gave the Winkers their name),

then organic Isle of Mull tweeds with Eloise Grey and finally Harris Tweeds.

A few summers ago, they decided that it was high time to test out printed fabric and a lighter weight cloth and so our collaboration came about.

As Deborah & James are both fans of our prints,

and both being based at Cockpit Arts, collaboration was the natural next step.

 

Together we worked to refine the Thornback & Peel lobster print to a scale that would work across their shoes. Once the design was finalised, a 100% Irish linen was selected for its texture and depth and three colour options chosen.

And so The Crays craze was born!

As part of the research and development for the new Winkers Resort Shoe design, based on the classic espadrille, they sent the original Crays off all over the world. They’ve been snapped as far afield as San Francisco and closer to home in Jersey.

 

The Winker resort shoes are part of a bigger story for the brand and business. Building on Britain’s shoemaking heritage, James and Deborah are seeking out and partnering with small, artisanal manufacturers all over England. They aim to develop shoes and boots that can be bought online, imbued with the qualities of their bespoke shoes – quality comfort and style.

We’re delighted they are branching even further into ready to wear shoes with their new Barkan Desert Boot.

The new Winkers are already for sale online at Carréducker’s Shoe Shop, with the desert boots set to join them in the autumn.

If you would like to get your hands on a pair of The Crays the remaining stock will be available online in October, along with velvet slippers, new Winkers and a first-chance to try on the desert boots in sizes 6 – 12.

We’re already wondering which desert boots to go for…