UK footwear brand NEON is readying for its official launch this AW14, with its collection of British-made premium leather trainers in an array of rainbow brights and sleek metallic finishes.
The brand operates from its family-run Northampton factory, which has a heritage of over 100 years in the footwear business, and it utilises this experience to construct modern and carefully crafted footwear. The NEON slogan ‘Born in Britain’ is true to the entire design process, with its materials, manufacture and design all sourced and undertaken in the UK.
By manufacturing in the UK the brand benefits from being able to control order sizes, avoiding high import taxes, as well as monitor quality control and ensure its customers get quality craftsmanship. Buyers of NEON are not only able to choose colour and fabric combinations but can also benefit from short production times and the ability to make last minute orders.
Head designer and managing director at NEON, Sarah-Jayne Newey, comments: “A key element of the brand is its British heritage, from design through to production. It was important for us to be able to manufacture our product here in the UK, we’re a great example of what can be achieved in Britain and how more and more companies are looking closer to home for their manufacturing and production needs.”
She continues: “There is so much innovation in the UK fashion industry and we are proud to be part of this, the UK also has a long history of fashion and we’re positive that more and more brands will start following in our footsteps.”
NEON footwear was soft-launched in January 2014 at Scoop International and is designed with style-conscious women in mind; the entire shoe, including the wedge, is a single block colour using the same sumptuous leathers and hides throughout. The AWi14 collection will focus on rich hues, bold pops of colour and eye-catching metallic finishes.
£55-£62 + VAT/RRP £150-£170; Email Sarah Jayne Newey: SJ@neonfootwear.com; Neonfootwear.com
