Footwear label flies Aussie flag

SYDNEY: A shared lust for designer shoes has led two designers to start their own high-end all-Australian label.
The proud owners of at least 200 pairs of shoes between them, Sydney-based designers Vanessa Rowed and Agatha Antonian are hoping to break new ground in shoe design and construction with the debut of their label Agatha and Me.
Launched in the Preview section of fashion trade fair Fashion Exposed last month, the collection features shoes, bags and gloves and is targeted at professional women aged between 25 and 35 who have an "appreciation for style and sophistication".
A key point of difference is that all shoes and bags in the range are manufactured in Australia using Australian kangaroo, crocodile, emu and barramundi leathers, together with Australian merino wool.
Antonian said the girls' interest in designing an all-Australian shoe label grew when they discovered certain labels weren't providing the quality that they felt they deserved for the price they were paying.
"We also noticed that most shoes were made overseas and that it was it almost impossible to find any Australian leather shoes. After much investigation into different footwear ventures, we decided to create an all-Australian label that supported and promoted the Australian manufacturers and the amazing leathers this country produces."
Available in sizes six to 11 and retailing for anywhere up to $700, the girls believe there will be strong interest in their label although admit it may take some time to get a firm foothold in the market.
"The top-end established European shoe designers are considered our biggest competitor because, due to our price points, our shoes end up falling in the same price range. However, our label is not yet as established as these European brands. In sying that, we feel that being so Australia, we will be very well received not only locally but by overseas [stockists] as well."
While focusing on building its Australian stockist base first, Antonian said she anticipated the label would launch in the UK and US within the next 12 months.