Air & Grace x

IMG_0337 It was two years ago that Claire Burrows first started talking to me about her ideas to create her own shoe label.  She’s always had a thing about shoes and studied at London College of Fashion before going on to create award winning ranges for international footwear brands including Kurt Geiger and Fitflop. With nearly 20 years of experience and insider industry knowledge she has an understanding of footwear that’s second to none.  It’s a joy to hear Claire talk about shoes as her passion just pours out – she thinks about every aspect and no stone is left unturned.  But that doesn’t make it any easier to escape the security of the 9 to 5 and walk down an unknown road..even if you’re wearing the most comfortable shoes ever.. IMG_0332 But the lovely Claire is special, brave and courageous and she’s taken that leap of faith, producing her very first range based on her beliefs and intuitive knowledge: As a woman wearing shoes every day Claire firmly believes that shoes should be as comfortable as they are fashionable. IMG_0325 Air and Grace is Claire’s new baby.  Her first range of shoes are a series of ballerina pumps: Luxurious butter soft leathers, modern feminine designs..but most importantly..sumptuous, clever underfoot cushioning in all the right places so your feet don’t have to suffer the knocks of every day life, even when you do. IMG_0336

With her magic she’s turned the ordinary shoe into gloves for your feet and banned the pain of ‘heel smack’ and ‘ball-of-foot-shock’ forever.

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I’ve tried them on..and I can honestly say I didn’t want to take them off!

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They really can take the strain out of every day..no matter what life throws at you!!

(And before anyone says ‘congratulations’..this isn’t me!)

Of course this is just the start for Claire – these shoes are literally the first designs hot from the factory – she’s now deep in discussions with buyers and designing an e-commerce site with full social media support, but if you believe like I do that women should support women and that beautiful and practical is a wining combination, please show your appreciation for someone brave enough to set out alone in the big wide commercial world and ‘like’ her Facebook page – every little bit helps.  They say the journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step..but at least for Claire with her Air and Grace shoes her steps will always be in style and comfort! Go Claire!

Laters, Kate x

39 comments

  1. Miss Pip

    I have been locked out of my account for a while… but just wanted to say hi. Loving your posts. Always love hearing about brave artists who follow their passion.

  2. Positive Sarah

    Comfortable ballet pumps? They look so cute, and I always struggle with really flat flats, they make my lower back ache. Interesting that Claire worked for Fitflops; one of my most comfortable pairs of shoes ever were Fitflops, they kept me on my feet walking around Venice for days. I’d love to try them 🙂

  3. neffy93

    I’d like to try them too for the same reason given above, that really flat ballet pumps give me back ache and tend to over stretch the back of my leg and I don’t spend crazy amounts of time in heels. I also find that this type of shoe either exposes toe crack (which I hate to see) or it causes spillage over the front of the shoe which can be painful or they are difficult to keep on my feet and end up slip slopping off and making me fall over. Am I an awkward rarity or does any of this sound familiar? So, I’d love to try these. I’m hunting some down. Thanks of bringing them to our attention.

    • Air & Grace London (@Airandgrace)

      We totally agree with you, we’re currently in the process of fit trials to ensure that when we launch in May our shoes have the most perfect shape possible. The backache issue is rectified by our special triple layer memory foam cushioning, it’s like having a super comfy hidden wedge inside the shoe. We’re passionate beautiful shoes that feel as good as they look. Claire x

  6. Fashion Mayann

    Now, that Claire has your support, she only needs to catch the eye of Alexa Chung (ballerinas look so great on her !) to promote her magnificent Air & Grace line ! xxxxx

  8. Sean Smithson

    I only tend to wear women’s clothing/footwear when I’m really drunk so this post doesn’t really appeal to me. But I just wanted to say that this is a very sweet thing you’re doing for your chum. And very well written too.

  10. fashionassist

    Oh this is music to my ears–“Luxurious butter soft leathers, modern feminine designs…
    and sumptuous, clever underfoot cushioning in all the right places”…
    these shoes sound absolutely perfect! Wishing Claire all the best…
    and so hoping her shoes make it to Canada 😉 *fingers crossed*

  14. Laura Lynn

    Beautiful, thanks for the heads up! Mom and I were just talking about how difficult it is to find stylish flats. Especially with me and my bad feet. Woe is me, with a closet full of heels that I can no longer wear! This might be just what I’m looking for!

  15. Cloudy Gee

    Love the shoes, love the concept and the fact it’s the work of a young creative entrepreneur, not a big brand. Where can we buy these beauties?

    • Air & Grace London (@Airandgrace)

      Hi Cloudy Gee, really pleased you like them and even more pleased to be called a “young” creative entrepreneur! We launch our shoes on our website in May. Until then if you’d like to follow us on twitter @airandgrace or like us on Facebook (airandgrace) you can follow our adventures and be the first to hear our news. Best, Claire x

  19. Air & Grace London (@Airandgrace)

    Thank you all for your kind words and wishes. it means a lot to me to receive such positive comments about the product and the concept, as Kate says it’s been a long time in development… But I got there. And a special thank you to Kate, you truly are a very talented writer with an exceptional eye for style. Claire xx

  20. Scott Mackenzie

    Hi
    I’ve been on an unsolicited “vacation” the last 7 days. Nice to see some Comfy shoes. I’d be happy to work on a men’s shoe collaboration. It feels like I wear heals half the time on the guy side. My feet always hurt. Glad to see some comfortable women’s shoes xox

  21. jackiemallon

    I really appreciate the attention to detail. The feather motif is a genius touch…and the pregnant lady. Although that might not have been part of their marketing campaign ;-). I’ll FB Like as well and keep my eye on these beauties.

  24. stephanaevmccoy

    Amen!! Since heels are no longer a safe choice for me, I’ve been collecting flats and actually mentioned this on my blog on Saturday. I’ll be looking forward to Claire’s e-commerce site.

  26. Air & Grace London (@Airandgrace)

    Thanks everyone for your kind words and for sharing. The first delivery of shoes hits down in May and will be available through our website and selected stockists. I will post more details here, FB (airandgrace) and twitter @airandgrace as soon as I have them so you will be the very first to know. Cx

  27. Amanda Landers

    Reblogged this on Amanda's Shabby Chic and commented:
    Fabulous Shoes! I just love these shoes and desperate to get my hands on a pair. Well done to Claire who designed these beautiful Air & Grace pumps. Wow! I want about 6 pairs, thats going to be a small fortune as the rand has gone crazy to the pound.