About Diane Hassall

“I began designing shoes in earnest during my degree course in Fashion and Textile design in the late 80’s – I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with both Emma Hope and Jimmy Choo, who encouraged me to pursue it as a career, and this was then followed by setting up my own handmade label in Islington, North London.

I like to think that the bridal industry chose me rather than the other way round. I was asked to make a pair of shoe for the editor of one of the top bridal magazines and these were featured in the magazine. When I went into my studio the day after the first article came out, my answer machine was completely full. Almost overnight, every bride in the country wanted to make an appointment … I was thrilled and have never looked back!

I have since been fortunate enough to design bridal shoes at the highest possible level from celebrity weddings to permanent historical exhibits – in particular ‘The Cutting Edge: 50 Years of British Fashion’ Exhibition for the Victoria and Albert Museum.

My inspiration comes from a wide range of sources. I keep my ‘Pandora’s box’, a personal collection built up over many years, of beautiful old buttons, vintage lace, mother of pearl buckles and hand made silk flowers, some of which date back to the 1800’s. I love to seek out vintage fashion plates and books at antique fairs and shops as well as visiting costume museums and galleries. Naturally the catwalks around the world inspire me, so that my collections always have a contemporary edge.

Creating gorgeous wedding shoes is my passion. Each shoe is individually handmade and you can even have your wedding date branded on the leather soles - giving each pair it's own uniqueness. Numbers are limited and accordingly no two pairs are the same.”