Do you have a hard time finding boots that fit? Boots that
you drool over in the store only to be disappointed by when you try them on and
find out your calves are too big or too small for them, thinking you must have
the most odd-shaped legs out of all your friends? (You don't.) Your legs are
normal, it's just that most footwear companies take only one measurement into
account - foot length - and that makes for an ill-fitting boot. I have really skinny calves (and meatier
thighs) which makes it very hard for me to find boots where the material
doesn't sag in the ankle or calf. But fortunately for me and millions of other frustrated women, the
search for the perfect boot is over thanks to the launch of the new online made-to-measure
footwear store Poppy Barley.
Created by sisters Kendall and Justine Barber of Edmonton, Poppy
Barley creates custom-made boots based on 8 measurements the customer takes of
their feet and legs, as directed on the website. They then choose the color,
style, hardware and type of sole and submit their order. The boots are then handcrafted and delivered to
your doorstep. My friend and Alberta editor of Fashion magazine, the statuesque Caroline Gault received a pair
of Poppy Barley boots a few weeks ago and loves them. "I have extremely
narrow size 12 feet and long legs, so I have problems with both width and length
when it comes to boot (and shoe!) shopping", says Caroline, "With my
Poppy Barley's, there is no baggy leather around the ankle, they make my feet
look smaller because they curve to the arch of my foot, and they actually
elongate the look of my legs because they are snug around my calf. I ordered The Classic Riding Boot, which will never go out of fashion. There's also
something really special about wearing something one-of-a-kind in a world of
mass manufacturing."
Caroline's boots, before and after
I had the chance to interview co-founder Kendall Barber (who
is also the creator of the popular Edmonton lifestyle blog City and Dale), to discuss her exciting new venture.
Congratulations on the launch of Poppy Barley! Tell me a little bit about how
your company came to fruition.
While traveling in Bali, my sister
Justine conceived the idea of bringing the made to measure footwear experience
to anyone with access to a measuring tape and the internet. The first few
months, we spent researching – talking to women, understanding the art of
shoe-making and developing a business model. Once we knew we could execute the
idea, we quit our jobs and put all our savings into the company (Justine even
used her wedding money!).
Poppy Barley is the only online made-to-measure footwear company in North
America, correct? This makes your business very unique!
Made to measure footwear companies
exist but only in the functional sphere – for example there are companies that
cater to equestrian riders, polo players and police officers. Poppy
Barley is taking the made to measure footwear concept and applying it to
fashion through a unique online retail concept. We found over 60% of women
struggle to find boots that fit due to fit issues such as narrow feet, wide
calves, high arches, long legs, etc. Poppy Barley makes it possible for women
to own made to measure boots at an attainable price point.
What has the feedback been like so far?
We just launched! We are eagerly
awaiting feedback from our customers. For many months we made boots for our
“test models”. The models had a wide range of “fit issues” and we successfully
made beautiful, impeccably well-fitting boots for many ladies. The biggest feedback to date is the
request for more boot styles, custom design options and leather colors. We
completely agree and will be expanding our collections and design options.
Who is your ideal customer?
Our ideal customer appreciates the
quality of custom and understands the superior fit of made to measure
boots. Many of our first customers are women
who struggle to find boots (long legs, high arches, wide calves, narrow feet,
etc). Once you’ve experienced a pair of boots made specifically for you – it’s
hard to imagine wearing anything else.
Who actually makes the boots?
Finding the talent to craft our boots
was very difficult! We have a boutique workshop in Mexico where artisans and
cordwainers excel at the art of shoe-making.
How much can a Poppy Barley customer expect to pay for
custom boots?
Our boots start at $450.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes! We ship anywhere in Canada or the
USA (and hope to offer shipping to other countries soon!)
How long will it take for a customer to receive their boots?
Boots will arrive on a customer’s
doorstep 4-6 weeks after ordering.
Where do you see Poppy Barley in 5 years?
Poppy
Barley will revolutionize the way women buy footwear. We believe it’s possible
for women to have perfect fitting shoes and boots, designed and crafted exactly
to the style they envision in their head.
Thanks Kendall!
If you're a woman who doesn't want to sacrifice comfort for style while shopping for boots, you'll definitely want to visit the Poppy Barley website here.
All pictures courtesy of Poppy Barley
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