Stitchdowns: Bolton Footwear: So much potential still
Published: 26th Feb 2021
Bolton's Grasshopper...Handwork, clean finish, comfort.
How long will stitchdowns be a fashion item this time around?
It’s hard to predict but I believe stitchdowns current popularity will continue for many more seasons, especially locally due to price and the versatility of the traditional Veldschoen silhouette. Fashion fluctuates depending on the times so the Vellie demand will come and go as it has over the years. I believe the spike in sales is motivated by a number of factors; the simple form that suggests a utilitarian style, the heritage of a Veldschoen especially in RSA and the UK, price, good marketing, etc. - Tim Vermeulen, Grasshoppers design head.
It is a fashion trend that has been doing well not only locally but internationally hence I think it will still be around for a while. - Samantha Pillay, Grasshoppers sales manager.
I see two markets here – the fashion Vellie which is being worn and punted by the celebs who are doing co-labs with brands like Puma, Clarks etc. and then you get the guy who just wants a Vellie for comfort and practicality. The world has woken up to the practicality of the stitch-down construction. - Gordon Gassert , Bronx Design Head.
Do they offer export potential?
Major opportunities for stitchdown manufacturing, design and local raw materials. - Tim Vermeulen.
The retail customers - chains or independents?
Both. Chains picked up the trend and they like the price. - Samantha Pillay.
Is it time to offer style changes?
Bolton offers plenty different stitchdown styles. We need retailers to test a larger range of styles for us to grow stitchdown manufacturing. - Tim Vermeulen.
Yes, the market is looking for newness, but I think it is important to stay close to the original Vellie look . - Samantha Pillay.
No, I wouldn’t stray too far from the original look. A Vellie is a timeless shoe. - Gordon Gassert.
How easy is it to give a stitchdown a new look?
It's very easy to create a new style, but tough to get the consumer to buy anything other than a traditional Chukka or Chelsea stitchdown. - Tim Vermeulen.
Upper materials are key here. Maybe introduce a bit of variation on the soles to create an alternative profile. Introduce a new last shape. - Gordon Gassert .
Are there manufacturing aspects about stitchdowns which are a bit of a challenge?
Very few challenges. Stitchdowns follow a simple route through production. It is widely accepted that stitchdowns are simple shoes so the manufacturing process is usually guided by the style. - Tim Vermeulen.
Yes there could be, if you want guys who can make these shoes with their eyes closed. Experience counts for everything. Getting a shapely plain vamp on a Chelsea boot is always a challenge. - Gordon Gassert.
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