The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2019 - Issue 26

bite shoes M EEN G RAZIANI U pon swapping a successful career in law for a less academic field, Meenu Graziani decided to pursue her passion for shoe design. Before making this transition, she had completed her LLB (Latin Legum Baccalaureus) in Law, also known as Bach- elor of Laws and enrolled in a Legal Practices course at the College of Law. “I’ve always wanted to be a shoe designer. However, my father is very tra- ditional and I was expected to have a career in either medicine, computers, or law, “she explained. To gain knowledge of shoe design and shoemaking, Meenu took short courses at the London College of Fashion which gave her the foundation on which to build upon. With a passion for shoes, she wanted to develop a well recognised British brand that would reflect and incorporate her In- dian heritage and multicultural spirit of London. “I wanted my first col- lection to be fun, colourful and something that strongly stands out and became instantly recognisable.” Thus, she launched her brand in 2018. Meenu Graziani shoes are designed in London and handcrafted by highly skilled artisan shoemakers in a small factory in Portugal. Each one is in- dividually crafted using traditional techniques to create the finest quality, luxury shoes. “We believe that beautiful shoes make you feel great. Our shoes are the perfect combination of elegant styling, sexy and sophisticated lines and eye-catching colour-combinations, designed to put a spring in your step and get people talking.” Indeed her shoes are very eye-catching thanks to their intricate and amaz- ing designs. For example, Hera in chic electric blue and grey suede with a 100 mm pencil heel is a tie-up pointed pump with blue and silver glittered polka dots. Very striking is Iris, a rainbow printed leather mule with an 80 mm heel that will surely make an entrance and Athena, the sexy two-toned green cut-out and knee-high gladiator sandal with an 80 mm heel. “This shoe is a show stopper perfect with any outfit.” Ultra lush and absolutely attractive is Persephone, a multi-coloured print- ed and polka dot suede leather sandal with a 100 mm pencil heel that will certainly make you stand out from the crowd. Or Selene, a grey and silver polka dots shoe with an 80 mm heel, designed for those who want to keep it simple but still make an impact. All Meenu Graziani shoes are sensation- ally stunning and pleasing to the eye; some of which have accompanied handbags to complete the look. Bia, a two-toned half-moon clutch bag in leather with a grosgrain interior lining can be matched with the Athena shoe which adds a unique touch when carried in your hand through the statement handle. While the sleek pink leather and suede Eris pouchette embellished with silver cutouts is the perfect companion to the Electra shoe. This is also made in leather with a grosgrain interior lining. Lastly, the luxurious rainbow coloured leather Rhea clutch would go wonderfully with Iris. As a designer, having quality materials sourced for her brand is an impor- tant element to Meenu. With solid ethical values, she added, “I will not Images courtesy of Amanda Ferrari PR