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This weekend's Independent on Sunday ran an article on the surge of women buying handmade shoes. I was lucky enough to be mentioned. You can read the full article written by Rachel Shields here .
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New Book 'Shoe Design' Features Caroline Groves |
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The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers: Freeman Ceremony |
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Last Friday (3 July) I was tremendously honoured to received the 'Freedom of the City of London'. It is my next step in becoming a Liveryman with the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers. The ceremony, held at the Chamberlain's Court in the Guildhall is one of the oldest surviving traditions still in existence today.
The Clerk of the Court presented me with the Copy of the Freedom inscribed on parchment and the 'Rules for the Conduct of Life' which date from the mid 18th century. Originally the Freedom would have given me permission to trade within the City of London walls. I also would have had the right to herd sheep over London Bridge and be drunk and disorderly without fear of arrest!
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Rob Calcraft - Secret Millionaire |
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I have recently had a little excitement in my life, when Channel 4 came and did some filming in my shop. It was an item for the programme 'Secret Millionaire' which on Sunday 3rd May features one of my very good clients Rob Calcraft beauty industry entrepreneur and co-founder of Ren Skin Care.
Rob is always fun to work for, he never wants anything that is run of the mill and always stretches my creative skills to the limit. Just the type of client I like! |
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Kristin Scott-Thomas Shoes For New Film 'Easy Virtue' |
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I have recently completed two pairs of shoes for Kristin Scott-Thomas for her upcoming film, 'Easy Virtue'.
Kristin will be staring alongside Colin Firth 'lucky thing!’ in this remake of Noel Coward's romantic comedy, set during the roaring 20s.
I was commissioned to make two pairs of period button shoes; one in black, the other tan and buckskin.
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It has been a pleasure to work with Film director Martha Fiennes in recent
months. She has been kind enough to write this about me:
I commissioned Caroline Groves to make me an unusual pair of hand-made shoes based on the idea of a clog - but with a leather sole as opposed to a wooden one. I also wanted to get away from the same-ness of all modern clogs. I wanted the principle of the structure and comfort but with high quality leather and a unique - and elegant aspect to the design.
I am thrilled with the result and the clogs are not only original and beautifully made,they are absurdly comfortable too. The process itself is both creative and gratifying and about as far as you can get from the usual - modern shoe-buying process. Caroline was open and imaginative on all fronts - while her technical expertise and experience always guided the process where function comfort were concerned. Naturally, the luxury here is of the bespoke experience. - I cannot recommend it highly enough for those women who love shoes, who want something different - and who just cannot ignore "the urge"...
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The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers: Freeman Nomination |
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Giffords Circus - Summer 2008 |
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Audrey Niffeneger - Visual Artist and Writer |
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I have made a number of shoes for Audrey Niffeneger, Visual Artist and
Writer. Best known as the author of ‘The Time Traveller’s Wife’ which is currently being made into
a film for Warner Bros and Directed by Robert Schwentke.
Audrey has fabulous ideas for her shoes and her
most recent pair was no exception. Black calf shoes with vintage French
binding, sumptuous teal lambskin lining and a pair of Jay wings to
complete!
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Read more...
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Vince Noir - The Mighty Boosh |
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I have been making boots for Noel Fielding's character, Vince Noir, of
The Mighty Boosh for the past couple of years. The most recent being
for the current BBC 3 Thursday night programe. The boots seem to excite
alot of interest - see what you think!
Photos credited to 'Dave Brown'
Click here to visit the official website
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Read more...
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Barbara Peshyn-Davis takes a special interest in my new medieval
workshops. Barbara is the editor of Eye-to-Eye Magazine and a renowned
New York interior designer.
Click here to read the article
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Journalist Chrissy Iley wearing a specialy comissioned pair of Red Silk
peep toe, strap, platform shoes with 'little mink balls' !
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Read more...
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The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers |
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I have recently been asked by The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers, to become a member of their London College of Fashion Advisory Board. This was a great honor, an opportunity to become more familiar with the footwear courses and staff at L.C.F. and also to meet colleagues from industry. As I usually work alone in a workshop in isolation from the rest of the industry, this is very important to me.
Click here to visit the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers website
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Images of shoes created by Caroline for Molly Grad's catwalk show for
London Fashion Week. Molly has worked for Stella McCartney for seven
years and this catwalk show marked the culmination of her MA at Central
Saint Martins. Her collection along with Caroline's Shoes have been
featured in Paris Vogue, MixMag, Dazed & Confused amongst others.
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Read more...
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