Audley Shoes sounds English, because it is: the head designers of Audley, Tim and Fiona Slack, have been making shoes in the “British revival” style in London since the 1970s.
In 1988 the couple came to Elda, Spain and founded Audley, merging their eclectic, modernist architecture inspired designs with fine Spanish craftsmanship. As far as I was able to glean from the company website, the Elda-based Gilma Calzados factory (see pictures below) became the manufacturing base for the brand.
In Audley, the heel practically defines the shoe. It can come in different shapes – tubular, curving, block-shaped. Audley also has a wildly attractive and versatile color palette. Classics like black, white, and nude are complemented by an enviable range of pinks and purples, vivid electric blues, warm yellows and soft greens. Furthermore, the designs are made from excellent quality leather, smooth, as well as textured and patterned. The hardware also plays an important visual role.
In short, an Audley is a meticulously worked shoe, thought through down to the smallest detail.
A beautiful boot, elegant and unique, with a comfortable 6.5 cm (2.5”) heel. An unmistakable Audley.
The “Kimberley“, a low-cut fall boot, is my very first Audley. I bought it on YOOX. It’s very elegant with the double buckled “monk strap” and contrasting crepe rubber layered sole. I like looking at the porous or “crackled” leather in different light situations. The shoe is very comfortable and stable, thanks to the extra-wide block heel and it looks good both with pants or skirt. For sizes and price click on the picture above.
Fortunately for us in North America, the Audley online shop delivers worldwide. The great thing is that the prices you see already include taxes and shipping! A first return is also free of charge. Here are my other Audley favorites:
I almost bought the “Hada” sandal in white on YOOX, but waited too long and it was gone. The price point of Audley Shoes is medium- high, ranging from 200 to 460 Euros (USD275-500), so I was hoping for a greater discount. I’ve been kicking myself ever since. Now it’s on sale at the Audley online shop, in a single size – 37.
This retro-style three-color tubular heel pump is classic Audley, with punched leather in the front, smooth leather in the body, and textured leather in the heel.
All in all, Audley Shoes is an example of a particularly successful fusion between two shoe making traditions – the British and the Spanish. Years of creative exchange between the British designers and the Spanish artisans have given Audley its unique personality and made it what it is today – a top-quality Made in Spain brand.
Sources: www.tandfslackshoemakers.com
