Renowned luxury footwear designer Nicholas Kirkwood has made the difficult decision to close his business after nearly two decades of success. Making the announcement on Instagram, Kirkwood expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to bring his creative vision to life and produce exquisite, feminine shoe designs known for their high quality.
In his statement, Kirkwood revealed that he believes the brand has reached the end of its journey. However, this decision was not solely driven by financial factors or a lack of success. Rather, his passion for finding sustainable solutions within the footwear industry has led him to make this emotional choice. Over the past year, Kirkwood has been dedicating his efforts to developing green manufacturing techniques and exploring environmentally friendly materials for footwear.
Kirkwood’s ultimate vision is to incorporate these innovative practices into a new brand that contributes to a carbon-neutral future. While he acknowledges the considerable support he has received from his team, customers, stores, stylists, editors, collaborators, agencies, and factories, the desire to align his passion for sustainability with his business endeavors has guided him towards this decisive step.
Recognized for its feminine and architectural designs, Kirkwood’s label has captivated fashion enthusiasts with its unique elements, such as pearl trims and lace materials. Previously backed by LVMH, Kirkwood regained full ownership of his brand in autumn 2020. The separation was amicable and mutual, as LVMH shifted its focus towards larger power brands.
Although the most recent financial accounts for Kirkwood’s business, filed at Companies House, only cover the 2020 financial year, they reflect a significant decline in revenue, with a halved value of £4.07 million. Nevertheless, Kirkwood remains optimistic about the future and the potential for his new green concept to make a positive impact within the industry.
To know more about Nicholas Kirkwood and his journey in the footwear industry, you can visit his official website: https://www.nicholaskirkwood.com/.
For updates on sustainable innovations in the footwear industry and to explore other environmentally friendly brands, you can check out Green Sole: https://www.greensole.com/.
