Hello and Welcome to Shoe Online...

With the whirlwind that was MBFWA recently, there was little time to take stock and enjoy all the fabulous fashion in between the running to and from shows. So this week we are looking down on all the stylish ladies, literally, to discover a plethora of fancy footwork.

See all our favourites in `The SS12 Shoe Report' of this issue.

With the slowing down of fast fashion, many footwear brands are turning back the clock to embrace the artisan again. We highlight Croft Shoes, a stylish mens footwear brand celebrating the cobbler craft with an ethical philosophy, in 'Style, integrity and soul'.

And we investigate Australian manufacturer, Footcare International who's bucking the trend by exporting his locally made products to Asia, Europe and one of the largest footwear retailers in India. Read more in `Export pioneer for Australian made'.

If you are a new footwear brand, Australian manufacturer or designer, we want to know about you. Email me direct; sacha.strebe@aec.net.au

Or contact us on Facebook and Twitter.

Until next time,

Sacha Strebe

Editor – Shoe Online

Barry Kearney has caused a fair amount of buzz in the footwear industry lately. If you haven't heard already, his company Footcare International has successfully taken one giant step towards a positive future for Australian-made, exporting his locally made products to Asia, Europe and one of the largest footwear retailers in India. The Australian Shoe Fair regular manufactures, wholesales, imports and exports a comprehensive range of foot comfort and shoe care products from their manufacturing plant and warehouses located in Bayswater, just 35km from Melbourne city.

There aren't many brands whose underlying ethos is not only 'to do things differently', but ethically too. From the day Croft began in 2005, they embarked on this challenge and built their Chinese manufacturing workshop from scratch, which is where every Croft shoe is made today. Not one stitch is farmed out, and at the helm is one of the most experienced, passionate and talented craftsmen in the business. That speaks volumes in an industry that has been obsessed with fast fashion. But Croft are turning back the clock and embracing the artisan.

The SS12 Shoe Report

Sneaker Freakers cause footwear frenzy

The crème de la crème of Australian fashion and style set upon Sydney's shores for the ultimate fashion event of the year, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, and the fancy footwork was enviable to say the least. From statement slingbacks to chic sneakers or the covetable two-strapped heel, we scoured the web to bring you some of the hottest styles you'll want to be wearing now and next season. Here are some of our favourites;

Most of you who regularly read this online newsletter will admit to a slight obsession with footwear. Whether you're a designer, wholesaler, retailer or just general lover, we are all joined by the same sole affection for shoes. Sneaker freakers take footwear fetish to another level. In some cases, as one of our Shoe Online colleagues pointed out, they can own up to 19 pairs of the same shoe just because they 'liked' it. This is one habit we had to investigate...

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