One to watch: Shoe designer Gemma Jayne Hanley

At just 26, twenty years after she designed her first pair of shoes, Gemma Jayne Hanley's architectural designs have already been picked for exclusive London boutiques, snapped up in high-street chains and strutted down the catwalk at top designer shows. With all angles covered, she's well on her way to fashion-world domination.

When did your interest in shoe design start?

I have always wanted to design; it is how I naturally think I am constantly evolving and creating things. Shoes became the focus at around 12 when I discovered how amazing they could make you feel, when my grandmother bought me my first expensive ‘grown up’ heels.

How old were you when you designed your first pair of shoes?

About six, they were for my Barbie and fabulous: Does that count?

How did you get into shoe design as a career?

Shoe design was a natural progression for me as design has always been my strength and fashion my love. After focusing on Art, Product Design and Maths at A level, I continued on to an Art Foundation course. On which I was allowed the time to build up a knowledge base and portfolio which lead me to enroll on a BA at the footwear specialist college Cordwainers in London.
How much training and experience was required to get you to where you are today?

My BA was a four-year sandwich course, with one year in industry and I did three years post BA work experience.

Describe an average day when you're working on a collection.

Every day is different depending on which stage of the collection you are at. Today we are focusing on next season’s mood, so research, research, research. Last week I was in Italy picking the leathers. Next week I might be at the factory sorting the sample and in-between drawing the collection.

What inspires your shoe design?

Life - buildings, music, pop cultural, history.

What materials do you use to make your shoes?

This depends on the season but timeless favorites of mine are wood, natural looking materials juxtaposed harder more modern materials

Who have you designed shoes for?

I have designed for a range people, including Henry Holland, New Look and boutiques in East London.

What are you ambitions?

Career wise; to build 'Gemma Jayne Hanley' as a successful brand as well as consultant for other brands. Life wise; to live a long happy life full of laughter and adventures.

To you plan to branch out to design clothing or accessories in the future?

I am obsessed with clothing but do not have the knowledge to design it, although I would like to direct looks. I would love to designs accessories as well; I hope 'Gemma Jayne Hanley' will be an accessories/shoes company. Bags, small leather good, sunnies the lot.

Whose shoe design do you admire?

Pierre Hardy – I love modern architectural shoes.

What type of shoes do you wear on a daily basis?

Depends on the day, I am a fan of the flats but then you can never fake the confidence the heel gives you.

How many pairs of shoes do you own?

Too many – I am refuse to count.

Where do you go shoe shopping?

Anywhere and everywhere: I have £1 shoes from flee market and I have £500 shoes for Harvey Nicholas.

Do you have any tips for people who find it difficult and uncomfortable to wear high heels?

Wear them for an hour a night each night before you wear them out and about.

What tips would you offer budding shoe and fashion designers?

Watch, draw and learn.

Gemma Jayne Hanley is a Footwear Designer at Shubiz.