Figgie Shoes: Personalised & Painted Shoes

There are no words to describe these amazing shoes, well not so much the shoes, but the incredible painted designs that adorn them. Deborah, whose nickname is Figgie, is the artist behind these gorgeous creations. I am a HUGE fan of Deborah and her company Figgie Shoes and she was kind enough to chat with me about her wonderful shoe filled world.

How did you end up becoming  a shoe artist?

I got a call from a friend a few weeks before her wedding, asking if I had any time to paint her wedding shoes. Given that it was the start of the wedding season and I’m a full-time wedding photographer (as is this bride), it was a tight squeeze, but something I’d never done before. I love new projects and challenges, so I gladly said yes, and Figgie Shoes was born! 😀

What materials do you paint with and where do you get your inspiration? 

The materials vary depending on the fabric type and colour of the shoes, but I use a variety of fabric paint and ink (and Swarovski crystals!). My inspiration comes from everywhere––patterns I see in old rugs, picture frames, fine china…

When I go over the personalized item lists from my clients and hear or read why these things are significant to them, and they talk about their plans for their big day and what inspired THEM, I get all sorts of ideas from their stories. Subtle ways to tie the elements together, keeping with the overall theme for the day and the bride’s style. So ultimately, the designs truly are inspired by the wearer.

Deborah has even done clogs!

 
What’s your favourite pair that you’ve made?

Tough question to answer! I love romantic, feminine things, so the Mother’s Day heels with the lace and flowers at the heel always stand out in my mind, as do the Coral Lace slingbacks.

Of the personalized shoes, I might have to go with Holly’s “Strawberries & Sushi” bridal pumps. They were a grey/taupe coloured pair of platforms by Banana Republic, painted with a palette of cream, grey, pink, and blue. Very muted tones, and the story of their Dodger’s Stadium wedding just made them that much more unique!

 
What’s your favourite thing about weddings?

I always LOVE the decor (to the point where I have NO clue what theme I’m going to go with if or when I get married because I love everything!), but I think one of my favourite things as a photographer is getting to be right in on all the action and being with the bride and groom from the beginning to the end of the day. It’s a huge honour. (Also, I’m always jealous when I show up to meet the girls while they’re getting their hair and makeup done and they’re still in their pajamas!)

If you are looking for cute shoes for your bridesmaids or page boys then Figgie Shoes can help too.

Thanks Figgie!

P.S. The reason Figgie Shoes has some amazing photographs is because Deborah is a wedding photographer as well. Yup this is one talented lady! If you want to check out more shoes (there are loads more to browse through, I had such a hard time picking ones to show here) or see some fantastic wedding photography take a look at Figgie Shoes and Figgie Photography.