Many of you already know how much we love a good collaboration. And when it is a collaboration involving footwear - we’re in our own personal heaven. Wendy Morrison has teamed up with iconic shoe label Terry de Havilland on a first fashion collection, which makes us very happy indeed.
Combining both brands' passion for colour, texture and craftsmanship, the result is an elegant, colourful ankle boot that is guaranteed to make you smile. Taking inspiration from Wendy’s award-winning Talisman rug design, this is a boot that will turn heads, and brighten each and every day.
For the love of shoes
‘Shoes have always been my favourite accessory as they are the perfect way to elevate an outfit - and a rug!’ Wendy explains. ‘When the opportunity came up to work with Terry de Havilland, it felt like a great match - a glamorous, joyful brand that also values great craftsmanship.’
"Shoes have always been my favourite accessory as they are the perfect way to elevate an outfit - and a rug!"
‘I was incredibly excited about the prospect of working with the Terry de Havilland brand,’ Wendy says. ‘We have a shared passion for colour, texture and great craftsmanship. I love beautiful shoes and I love the way the brand has remained true to itself since the 1970s. Authenticity is at the heart of all we do, so this collaboration felt like the right fit for us.
The collection features three boots in statement colourways - black, blue and green. The playful dragon - a symbol of good luck - from Wendy’s original Talisman rug design, is equally striking when reimagined for footwear. Each dragon is embroidered in gold, with shimmering green, lilac, pink and blue on the face and dancing tail. Flashes of metallics, on the heels and soles, and in a panel down the front of the boot, create a luxurious snakeskin effect. The elegant shaping, combined with bright, bold colours, makes a joyful statement. Just like Wendy’s interiors projects, this boot design looks stunning, but is also something to make you smile; a head turner that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Fun, fabulous and a celebration of all things joyful.
Design direction
‘I initially considered a few different designs that could possibly translate into a boot design,’ Wendy explains, ‘but once I settled on Talisman, she felt completely right. Talisman has a powerful story, connecting the past and future, and celebrating human optimism and the joy of life in a colourful, luxurious work of art. It was this sense of joy I wanted to capture in my boot design. Something to make you smile every time you see it.’
The dragon has long held a prominent place in Chinese mythology, where it is a symbol of power, strength, good luck, kindness and protection. ‘The playful element of the dragon, combined with a bold base colour, felt like a good translation into a boot that I could see myself wearing,’ Wendy says.
Joyful addition
Each boot comes in a bold, statement shade, inspired by the colours from the original hand-knotted rug. ‘I believe colour brings joy to life,’ Wendy says, ‘whether that is through fashion or interiors. The boots feel like they bring a little bit of joy into everyday life.
‘Fashion and interiors have always had strong links. My own design journey has taken me from fashion to interiors, so I feel closely connected to both. Both disciplines rely on core design principles, including colour theory, texture, balance, contrast and harmony. Whether dressing a person or a space, these elements are critical. Ultimately, we look to both fashion and interiors to bring joy into our lives.
‘As a life-long shoe lover, it’s been a dream of mine to design my own. It has been exciting and inspiring to work with Terry de Havilland, and see my rug stories come to life in a completely new way. I’m passionate about creative collaborations that allow both brands to explore different strengths, styles and expertise. There has to be a natural synergy with the other brand, but blending creativity in this way often leads to fresh and exciting ideas, and a result everyone can be proud of.’
From feet to floors
To celebrate the collaboration, Wendy has also designed two hand-tufted, soon-to-launch, runners, Joy and Euphoria. Inspiration from original rug designs, Talisman and Joy, can be seen woven through the stories of both Joy and Euphoria.
Hand-tufted in wool and Tencel, Joy features a pale centre surrounded by colour, with effervescent hummingbirds and flowers set against bold stripes, which are familiar from Talisman. Euphoria embraces the Talisman-esque stripes completely, decorated with the same hummingbirds and flowers, this time encased in a slim, golden border.
‘These runners certainly have the power to make you smile,’ Wendy says. ‘They both feel equally uplifting, in name and looks, the colours are beautiful, and they are very much about creating a feeling of joy.
Both runners will be available soon, to register your interest and be the first to hear of the launch please get in touch with our team.
Products Featured In This Journal
The Wendy Morrison Design x Terry de Havilland collection will be available to shop online at terrydehavilland.com from 19th September.
