Hotter's announces winner of paper shoe project

Hotter Shoes has announced Marilyn Brown as the winner of its paper shoe competition.

Inspired by Hotter designer Ellspeth Robson's paper shoe project, customers were challenged to create their own bright and stylish paper shoes. Entries were photographed and submitted by post and email, with Ellspeth selecting Marilyn Brown's colourful take on the Rio Carnival to win a pair of real Hotter shoes.

Ellspeth was inspired to create the paper shoe project after spotting some in a shop window in San Francisco, four years ago, she explained:

"I wondered what they were; one was designed like a bird and another like a garden with the heel a flower pot, I had to find out more. Shortly afterwards it was my boss's birthday and I decided to make him a paper shoe and my pattern cutting training helped me translate the 2D design to 3D. My local craft shop was intrigued with the project and when I showed them the results they asked me to set up some paper shoe making classes."

Ellspeth, whose latest Hotter shoe designs include lightweight, smart heels with cushioning underfoot, went to her local Art and Design College in Hartlepool, before studying fashion and textiles at Leicester Polytechnic, where she discovered a talent for footwear design.

For four years she ran courses in Hinckley teaching her skills and she's planning to resume her classes - starting with her paper shoe challenge.

Anyone can create their own mini paper shoe by visiting the Hotter website and downloading Ellspeth's template, with craft makers encouraged to share their designs on Hotter’s Facebook page.

About Hotter Comfort Concept:
The Hotter Comfort Concept brand was founded in the early 1990s by Stewart Houlgrave whose parents set up Beaconsfield Footwear as a slipper manufacturer in 1959. With a mission to make shoes as comfortable as slippers Stewart created a collection of stylish shoes with hidden comfort features including super soft and breathable leathers, lightweight and flexible soles, cushioning underfoot and wiggle room for toes.

Hotter Shoes are sold direct to customers via an onsite customer service centre and www.hotter.com. Since 2009, its 50th year, the company has revamped its website, aired 6 TV campaigns and launched in the US. With its exceptional product quality and outstanding customer service, Hotter embarked on an ambitious store opening programme in 2010, opening a total of 50 stores open across the UK by the end of 2012. Staying true to its British heritage, Hotter now manufactures 1.5 million pairs of stylish and comfortable shoes made in England, making it the UK's biggest shoe maker.

More information can be found on Hotter's online Comfort Club.

PR Contact:
Melanie Killilea
PR Manager
Hotter Comfort Concept Shoes
2 Peel Road
Skelmersdale
Lancashire
WN8 9PT
01695 712720
www.hottershoes.com