The Bite Magazine - Spring 2016 - Issue 15

This amazing experience was what led Sullivan to leave home at 15 and open his first shoe shop in Covent Garden at 18. Soon, this one store’s success turned into the opening of six stores! However, at 23 Sullivan made the brave decision to close these stores, allowing him again to take time to travel the world and increase his already extensive knowledge of what it had to offer. He chose to revisit the Far East, seeing and meeting with factories to learn and discover new opportunities that may be available.“The culture, archi- tecture and foods were big influences for my first collection in 1999, and that’s where I got the inspiration for the split toe shoe, which is still incorporated into my designs today,” states Sullivan. This time in China proved profitable, both cre- atively and with manufacturing prospects, as it allowed Sullivan to see how he could make shoes at an affordable price and in small quantities, which opened the doors to joining these resources of the Far East with the experiences he had “gathered spanning the most creative times, and countries, of his generation.” This gleeful union thus spurred the creation in 1999 of what is today’s Irregular Choice. Ergo, for the past 16 years, Sullivan has remained faithful to his philosophy of keeping Irregular Choice individual, not influenced by passing or gaudy trends, but unique and statement-worthy. “His fearlessness translates into the design of the shoes, and an Irregular Choice shoe is not like any other you’ll find. Dan doesn’t listen to what’s happening in the fashion industry or what another brand may be doing. This is what makes Irreg- ular Choice’s designs completely unique and truthful.” Sullivan’s shoes display amazing and truly skilled design and craftsmanship that isn’t seen in other brands. Featuring everything from embellished heels, ornate wood carvings, tiny intricate charms and lavish fabrics, to the memorable colour combinations, the options for something unique and exclusive are endless, i.e. over 600 new designs each year, which has now reached a total of over 10,000 options over the last 16 years! “Every- body has an Irregular Choice favourite shoe or story.” Sold through hundreds of stockists around the world, and in nine individual storefronts, (with more in the works) Sullivan’s shoes are widely avail- able, so there’s no reason one shouldn’t own a spectacular pair of their own. Speaking of adding to the ever growing library of amazingly one-of-a-kind designs, this past October; Irregular Choice launched to the world (and galaxies far, far away) a new collection in collabora- tion with Star Wars of incredible shoes inspired by the epic sci-fi films. I was lucky enough to attend the press preview where I was taken aback by the sheer spectacle of it all! It was so much fun to see space odyssey oxford pumps that had actual flashing light sabers (complete with sound effects!) as the heels, and flats embroidered with Star Wars characters, Han Solo and Princess Leia, C-3PO and Darth Vader. An especially cute option is the lace-up Chewbacca Boot that features a fuzzy depiction of the beloved furry sidekick giant.With the popularity of the StarWars films and the at-the-time upcoming release of the latest movie to be added to the film series, these shoes sold out in record time! However, don’t fret, a new collabora- tive collection of equally wonderful and whimsical shoes has just recently launched and has taken Irregular Choice fans on an adventure down the rabbit hole. Alice in Wonderland was the muse of this latest collection and features almost too-sweet and beyond adorable shoes showcasing some of the enchanting characters and props from this beloved children’s story. Alice and her mischie- vous friends along with tea pots, cups and sugary treats are depicted in everything from striped pink and purple knitted flats, heavily embroidered, bejeweled and encrusted heels to over-the-top bowed booties and cute flat sandals. All in all, this happy and fanciful line-up of shoes contains something for everyone who loves a good tea party and is, well just a bit of a mad hatter themselves. With such an incredibly huge selection of shoes to choose from each season, every Irregular Choice customer can easily find something to tempt their shoe addiction. Be sure to stop by often as these one-of- a-kind beauties sell out fast. www.irregularchoice.com biteshoes