THE JOURNEY OF EGO ATELIER

How the Brand Started: From Passion to Craftsmanship

At Ego Atelier, the creation of exceptional handmade shoes has always been more than just a business—it's been a journey fuelled by passion, serendipity, and a relentless pursuit of mastery. As the founder, my story is one deeply rooted in a dedication to the craft, quality, comfort, and a commitment to redefining ethical luxury in the fashion industry.

The Spark of Inspiration

It all started with a simple moment of inspiration, one that would forever alter the course of my life. As I casually flipped through the pages of Vogue, an article featuring the legendary shoemaker Jimmy Choo caught my attention. His advice resonated deeply: to design the best shoes, one must thoroughly understand how they are made and how they fit. This insight became the catalyst for my journey into the world of shoemaking, igniting a passion I never knew existed.

Stepping into the World of Shoemaking

With this newfound passion driving me, I made the life-changing decision to move to London & enrol at Cordwainers College, a prestigious institution known for producing some of the world's finest shoe designers, including Jimmy Choo himself. This was my first formal step into the art and science of shoemaking. The experience was transformative, as it provided me with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to begin my journey in this intricate craft.

A Background in Luxury

Before stepping into the world of shoemaking, I built a successful career in hotel management, working in the vibrant cities of Vancouver and London. In this role, I thrived on creating personalized luxury experiences for guests, where every detail mattered, and excellence was non-negotiable. However, as my passion for shoemaking grew, I realized that the transition wasn’t just about switching careers—it was about bringing the same meticulous attention to detail, commitment to excellence, and dedication to environmental and personalized service into a new realm. My journey into shoemaking became a natural extension of my love for shoes, luxury and craftsmanship, allowing me to create shoes that are not only beautiful and comfortable but also crafted with the same care and consideration that defined my hospitality career.

Learning from the Masters

After Cordwainers College, & working at Mayfair Cobblers in London I returned to Vancouver, where I had the privilege of working at Rino's Shoes alongside seasoned shoemakers from Italy, Germany, Greece, and El Salvador. These mentors, with over a century of collective experience, imparted invaluable knowledge and skills. Under their guidance, I expanded my expertise to encompass men's, women's, and orthopaedic shoemaking techniques, as well as intricate repair methods. Each day spent in their company was a step closer to mastering the craft. I continued to Florence, Italy and studied with a shoemaker before I came back to England to expand my business & craft.

Crafting with Purpose

This diverse and holistic education equipped me with a unique perspective on shoemaking. I learned not only to create shoes that are aesthetically pleasing but also to understand how they would wear over time, ensuring they remain comfortable, durable, and sustainable. At Ego Atelier, this understanding is central to our ethos. Each pair of shoes is crafted with a bigger vision in mind—a concept that combines the indulgence and high-quality aspects of luxury goods with principles of ethical and sustainable practices.

We define this as Ethical Luxury. It's about more than just fashion; it's about responsible consumption and production. At Ego Atelier, we ensure that our luxury items are created in ways that are environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically fair. Each shoe is a testament to our commitment to these values, representing a perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and conscience.

The journey of Ego Atelier continues to evolve, driven by a deep-seated passion for shoemaking and a steadfast dedication to ethical luxury. Each pair of shoes we create is not just a product; it's a piece of art, a story of craftsmanship, and a promise of conscious product design for people & made for the planet.

ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY

Thanks for Reading!

Join next week to continue the Journey of Ego Atelier: Craftsmanship.

Sara x