The Bite Magazine - Spring 2019 - Issue 24

bite shoes Her accolades for design innovation and vision include those from the prestigious Royal Society of Art, Drapers, The London Design Museum, Design and Art Direction, and New Generation Award. She showed her work at the Barcelona Museum of Modern Art and was nominated as ‘One of the Top Ten Creatives’ and fashion influencers living in London by Time Out. Her Marylebone boutique was rated in Mary Portas’ top 5 best shops in the city. It is thanks to her original and distinctive signature, an extension of her character and personal values that Tracey Neuls shoes are so valued. Not only does she combine her creative and technical abilities but she creates shoes that are unique and wearable. Rather than use normal paper, the designer sketches on yellow Post-it notes, where the fine line architectural drawings of the shoes can be moved around in order to curate the collections. Her kinetic, personal and emotional response to design has enabled her to sculpt every toe and heel shape seen in the collections in clay, making every detail original to her brand. Most of the time, she would use plasticine, as the smell reminds her of her childhood and the creative energy it evoked but one thing for sure, she refuses to use ready-made, off the factory shelf components, thus creat- ing atelier quality in her work. Tracey Neuls London caters for both men and women and all of her designs are far from ordinary. For example, you’ll find the heel on the women’s shoes is either arched or has a firm block foundation. One of the most intrigu- ing styles is the FULLSTOP in Mahogany and Black Silver which has a golden circle that takes shape from the front. The side of the shoe has a more subtle view that gives it a touch of fun as well as a sexy and intelligent shape. The high shine patent is a marvel of deep billowing brown and black undertones while a single piece of leather is pulled over the 55mm heel, with a beautiful silhouette that follows the curve of your leg. This innovation was pioneered around 15 years ago and has remained a signa- ture in her design history. To make it an authentic design by Tracey Neuls, the leather sole is signed by the hands of the artisan. FLASH, in Mahogany and Yellow, is a loafer with a leather sole mid heel that has absolute distinction and is the ulti- mate in understated style. Simple, sculptural and comfort- able, it has a high shine patent of leather in deep billowing brown and black undertones. What really stands out on this particular style is the gold zigzag ornament that takes shape when the feet are together, along with the signature Gold Line print insole for a touch of luxury. Looking like the rock star they are and named after David Bowie’s alter-ego, ZIGGY in Black Out are the perfect blend of alternative, beautiful, original and timeless. A combination of black leather meets smoked PVC and black patent, this shoe is the perfect show stopper wher- ever you go. With its strong design lines, the PVC allows you a sexy glimpse inside the shoe. For everyday wear, the shoe can be made without the exquisite leather covered heel. With a high heel that plays with two of the designer’s most original signatures – the curved heel and the sculptural Big Top – the OpenTop in Black has an iconic circle that takes shape from the side and provides a more subtle view from above. The back of this confident, style-aware and unique shoe has a flattering, light finish with a leather strip that follows the curve of the leg. The great thing about Tracey Neuls is that she supports the work of other Canadian creatives such as Eeuwes Design, a design studio based in Toronto. Their home accessories celebrate traditional dhurrie (Indian carpet) weaving techniques with contemporary designs and colour stories. The Exclusive Squirrel Cushions bearing a black and white squirrel print, Tracey’s favourite animal, is handwoven in the finest New Zealand wool. The Silver Bracelet by Kara Koo, a combination of a ring and bracelet connected by a chain, was an item discovered by the designer in Canada. Kara Koo started her brand in 2012 with the mission to create versatile and thoughtfully crafted pieces for women of all ages. All of the designs are conceptualised by the jewellery designer herself and are handcrafted in-house in the city of Vancouver. Accessories by Tracey Neuls include the Crochet Bag which uses a thread that is usually used to stitch soles on shoes; Slippers made with soft sheep shearling deemed a miracle material that naturally regulates the temperature from warmer to cooler; the Loopy Bag which has great hand-cut, thick leather handles that warm to your hands’ grasp and is perfect for hanging on your wrist to allow for hands-free shopping. The selection of shoes for men consists of Jayce, a black leather sneakers in Charcoal; Karl, the timeless Derby with a sporty rubber sole in a choice of Stallion, Gold Leaf, Persimmon, Lobster Corduroy, Grey Reflective, Black Reflective, Black Mesh, Tarmac, Black, and White; Dalton, a Derby made casual in the form of a versatile leather sneaker, in Grass; and Adam, a unique take on the classic Chelsea Boots in a rich black full-grain leather. Tracey Neuls London’s designs can be found online and also at her boutiques in Marylebone, Shoreditch and Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross. https://traceyneuls.com