Interview with Jimmy – Freed of London’s Theatrical and Ballroom Designer
Interview with Sinéad Bunn
August 2, 2017
Interview with Jayne Bordoli – Freed of London’s Garments Manager
September 22, 2017
Jimmy is one of the most experienced craftsman in our Theatrical and Ballroom department, creating designs which have added value to the Freed of London brand for decades, many of which are our most recognisable shoes.
Sitting in his office, preparing to cut fabric for another Special order shoe, he has agreed to let us invade his work space and ask him some questions about his history, future projects and previous endeavours.
How did you first become involved in shoe-making? What was your first job within this industry and where?
Sometime ago I got a job in a shoe factory cutting linings, the guy that ran the factory suggested that I should go into Design and pattern cutting, but to do that I needed to go through all the machines in the factory so I did several months in each department learning the trade. This was in Hackney and at the time there were around 20/30 factories in Hackney alone!
Have you always been a shoe designer or did you begin solely constructing shoes before learning more and progressing into your current Designer role?
Since I took over in the job I was first with, I have since been the main person who deals with design and pattern cutting in most places I’ve been, but no I didn’t begin as a shoe designer and it took a lot of time and experience to get to this position.
Which shoes have you designed for Freed of London?
I’ve designed most of them over the last few years! I don’t have a particular favourite because as a Designer I love all the shoes I design. Most might be shocked to learn I’ve created a lot of the Latin sandals, Men’s and Ladies Ballroom shoes and even the Aspire Ballet range too.
What advice would you give to a student training to become a cordwainer?
Be aware of fashion and colours. You have to remember that it’s not a 9-5 job; you could be out or on the train and see a design which spurs ideas. So you have to always stay aware.
What do you think is the most important aspect of designing a dance shoe?
There are several aspects, however you need comfort, especially so the Dancers are enjoying what they are wearing, but you also have to make the shoe safe to wear.
In your opinion what makes the perfect dance shoe?
I’d have to say comfort but I’d also mention that a design should have the ‘pick-me-up’ appeal.
Making shoes in England is a rarity now, however Freed of London have consistently manufactured shoes in the UK. What do you think the benefits of this are and why Freed of London continue to do this?
Freed of London has an excellent name for quality, and taking it back to an earlier question I answered we care about ensuring our shoes are comfortable and safe for Dancer’s to wear.
Describe your creative process
That’s a difficult question because there are so many processes we go through. I might start sketching and then see a trim and some leather. Someone might say to me we need ‘so and so’ and it gets the ball rolling. But once a sketch is completed I start to create the sample from there, even covering a last and drawing on that to piece the ideas together. A big part of the job is improvisation and using what resources you have. The other day for example there were doubts over a particular heel, but I improvised and recreated the heel. It was sent to Spain and came back and now we’re going with the new heel I created.
Where do you see dance shoe design going in the future?
Personally I would say it’s pretty much the same, it’s always had the same traditional feel and look however materials have become more advanced as well as insoles etc. Freed of London has always cared about supports and making shoes strengthened.
