Located at the corner of Marylebone lane, Tracey Neuls' shop catches the eye and transports you into a charming if slightly disturbed world. Her shop currently features Danish artist
Nina Saunders' creations, using Sanderson fabrics that Tracey Neuls also uses for some of her shoes. The traditional floral theme of the fabric used for the chaise longue is subverted by its impossible shape whilst the silver birch conjure fairy tale forests and mysterious creatures. Hanging from the ceiling, the shoes can be seen from all angles, a more accurate way of displaying shoes according to Tracey Neuls, than on the usual shop shelf.
The decor sets the tone for the shoes which are conceived from a design, not a fashion perspective. The shoes are quirky and make a statement but also follow the anatomy of the foot and are rooted (forgive the pun) in solid cordwainer's principles. Tracey Neuls likes to use unusual materials for her shoes such as rubber and treats traditional materials in unusual ways - printing lace patterns on leather for instance. Despite the quirkiness, she also wants the shoes to be comfortable and wearable. I think Tracey Neuls' shoes are sometimes more interesting than truly beautiful, with a slight orthopedic look to some models. However, I very much respect her desire to expand the bounderies of shoe making and the unique look that she creates. The shoes could happily feature in a 40+ shoe closet and add their cool designer touch to a hip wardrobe.
From the TN_29 collection, inspired by vintage golf shoe, £395
Starting ten years ago with TN_29, Tracey Neuls launched her signature line 3 years ago.
From the Tracey Neuls collection, "Turban shoe", £395 in Sanderson fabric.
I was happy to see that Tracey Neuls also produces a cheaper line, Homage, which retails between £175 and £210.
From the Homage collection, £195, inspired by nurses' shoes.
From the Homage collection, £195.
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