Sarah Street

Founder of Bronwyn Footwear
Auckland, New Zealand
Sarah wears pieces from SS'24 Into the desert collection
Photography by Nicole Brannen

 

Congratulations on your new SS’24 collection. We are thrilled to present a curated edit of the Bronwyn footwear collection available in all Kate Sylvester stores.

Thank you, I’m so fortunate to be partnering with you for your last collection, it’s really beautifully bitter sweet.

What secured the decision to launch your own label?

I’ve been designing Footwear for over 14 years now, and I’ve always had a desire to do something on my own. I was on maternity leave with my second son Cas when I really considered if I could develop my own Brand. I began to look into it further and the idea started becoming a reality. I wouldn’t have been able to without the support of my family and friends, especially my husband.

I think starting your own brand certainly comes from a bit of naivety in terms of how hard running a business actually is. But I also think it’s what allowed me to make the jump, as if I had known how hard it is I don’t think I would have been as eager to start.

Have you always had a love for design and footwear? Tell us about your background?

I’ve always been creative, and began my design career in Product Design with a background in furniture design. I think that’s really helped me understand footwear design and the experience of the wearer; Furniture is all about ergonomics, form and function, and Footwear is essentially the same. From there, I sort of fell unexpectedly into footwear design, and learned everything I know about footwear on the job, working with manufacturing partners and craftspeople around the world to learn about the footwear design and manufacturing process, about patterns, lasts (the forms shoe patterns are made on). I believe is one of the best ways to learn.

How do you define the Bronwyn aesthetic?

Bronwyn is about designing wardrobe footwear staples that are equal parts coveted and considered, with a focus on comfort, proportion and balanced silhouettes. I want Woman to feel confident and comfortable in our shoes, so that’s my biggest driver, always.

Tell us about your creative process.

I often approach the seasons differently. Sometimes I’ll hand sketch ideas and have a notebook full of small drawings and concepts, and sometimes I’ll go straight to CAD drawings on computer. I’ll scroll through magazines, Pinterest, Vogue, the latest fashion shows and collect a whole lot of inspiration, and then I’ll start to focus on what would resonate with the Bronwyn consumer, and develop on an idea from there.

What inspires you for each collection?

This changes and evolves with each season. Of course I consider what styles have worked, and what haven’t. What trends are relevant to the Bronwyn customer, and what trends I see with the most longevity, and how I can interpret that into something that the Bronwyn Woman would adore and work into her wardrobe seamlessly.

How do you think footwear influences an outfit?

I think footwear is crucial to an outfit. Not only does it punctuate an outfit, but it also is an essential part of how the wearer feels. If a woman feels uncomfortable because of her shoes, it’s all she focuses on, so I definitely want woman to try on our shoes and say “wow, these are GREAT shoes”. Of course some shoes have more of a “break in” period than others, but that’s the goal with each pair we create.

How would you define your personal style?

I have quite an eclectic sense of style, but I err towards a more tailored aesthetic and definitely want to feel comfortable. I love baggy denim, love a matching set, and a tailored jacket.

What is your favourite piece from Kate’s finale collection for Spring Summer 2024?

I’m obsessed with the Valora Vest in the Khaki and the Black, and I adore the Bernadette Jacket in Ink.

What are you most excited for in 2024/25?

I feel there’s an imminent change on the horizon, I think I feel the most excited about chances to explore growth with Bronwyn and what that looks like.

I’m also excited to spend some time off with my family over Summer, especially my two boys Vinnie and Cas.