Caroline Groves
Many generous words have been written and spoken about my work over the years, yet I have always felt that neither words nor photographs can fully convey the nature of it.
There is something understood only in the hand. In the same way that a fine fabric reveals itself through its weight, texture and movement, a handmade shoe has a presence that must be felt. Clients often remark on the experience of holding one of my boots, on the scent of the vegetable-tanned leather, the softness of the silk linings, the precision of the handwork and the quiet integrity of its construction.
Each pair is made without synthetic reinforcements or unnecessary adhesives. The hand welting, the materials, the balance and the smallest details all contribute to a sense of permanence and soul. To me, the making of footwear is closer to the construction of a musical instrument or a fine piece of furniture than to an assembly process.
That soul is what I wish to preserve in everything I make. Nothing feeds it more than the moment a client tries on, for the first time, something created entirely for her.
Materials
Every material is chosen for its beauty, integrity and longevity.
The upper leathers are sourced from some of the finest tanneries in the world, selected for their character, handle and ability to age beautifully. The leather used for insoles, soles, welting and stiffening comes from the last specialist oak bark tannery in the UK, a material valued for its strength, depth and traditional performance.
Even the smallest details are considered. Caroline’s shoelaces are made for her in France, ensuring that every element of the finished shoe belongs to the same standard of craft.
Sustainability
Sustainability begins with making carefully, consciously and only to purpose.
Caroline sources her upper leathers mainly from Italy, working with suppliers who hold quality and traceability certification from ICEC, the Istituto di Certificazione per l’Area della Pelle. Each piece is hand-selected to her specifications for its quality, character and suitability, with production processes chosen to reduce unnecessary energy and water consumption.
Her bespoke and small limited-edition work naturally avoids the excess of over-production. Each piece is made with intention, using materials and methods selected for longevity, repairability and lasting beauty.
Caroline is also committed to safe, respectful and inspiring working surroundings for the artisans involved in her process. The result is work made slowly, responsibly and with the expectation that it will be cherished for many years to come.
