How many times have you had to settle for a pair of boring pumps just because they could easily take you from day to night? Is your husband nagging you about how many shoes you have in the closet? Are you nagging yourself about all the shoes you have in your closet? As much as we love them, those pretty little monsters can seriously crowd our lives, not to mention our living spaces. Also, as much as we hate to admit it, we tire of them quite easily. The struggle may be real, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel, thanks to Christian and Catherine Winkler of C&C Lifestyle.
C&C’s innovative creation is what we’ve been waiting for, with a line of different styles with convertible uppers and detachable detailing that can transform your whole look in a matter of seconds! Not to mention the fact that they’re also comfortable and made with quality and care, as the company exclusively collaborates with luxury Italian shoe manufacturers and experienced industrial designers. They also consult with renowned orthopedic professionals. “We merge the best of ALL worlds creating a marriage between centuries of shoe making traditions in Italy and high tech industrial design with orthopedics.” And it gets even better. This modern concept even uses different shades of “nude” to match all different types of skin-tones!
With their 2016 launch approaching, we sat down with Christian and Catherine Winkler, the co-founders of C&C Lifestyle to dish about this genius concept that guarantees comfort and creativity. Gather ye round, ladies, for our prayers have been answered and the future has indeed arrived.
The concept, born five years ago, was inspired by a local cobbler and leather handyman named Ibrahim: “When I took my favorite briefcase to Ibrahim for a tune-up, he told me he was a shoemaker, so I started taking my uncomfortable heels to him to make them fit better.” Catherine gushes. “I love fashion, and wanted to make more use out of my favorite shoes, so I would bring things to him, and it didn’t matter what brand or how much I paid, I wouldn’t mind if he ripped them apart and put them together again. Watching him made me realize that uppers can be interchangeable.” And thus the concept of convertible uppers was born, and the vision of creating comfort and freedom of expression in footwear had begun.
The couple furthered their research and Catherine continued to play with her shoes by having straps removed, heels replaced, arch support built, and uppers reduced in size. The result, several years down the line is a collection that offers a range of base heels with timeless designs including a basic sandal and a closed toed sandal reminiscent of the Louboutin Pigalle. Both sandals offer many possibilities for creation- you could use a detachable strap, adjusting it to the length of your choice with some creative loop-di- looping for either sandal. The classic single strap sandal even supports a long detachable cutout knee length boot upper, (the Oweisha Knee High Cuff) and a shorter version, (the Lacy Cuff) for an edgier cutout bootie. Catherine also recommends for the ladies who invest in this fine creation to discover their inner shoe-designer and use items from their own wardrobes as add-ons! “I like to use a light scarf instead of straps sometimes, just to give it more of an edge – it depends on what you’re wearing!”
To further revolutionize customer footwear, C&C aims to cater to all sizes, because like snowflakes, no two feet are ever alike.” We are never going to make 1000 pairs of identical shoes that fit no one exactly and wearers have to endure pain because of prolonged misplaced pressure. We will produce shoes that are constructed in such a way that the needs of diverse users can be served.” With an almost bespoke fit, ultimately these shoes are made with every woman’s unique podiatric needs catered to. “What we want to do is ensure that each woman will find the right fit for her unique foot. We understand that all feet come in different shapes and sizes, which is why we want to create bases that have a narrow, medium or wide fit. Nobody who purchases these shoes will ever be uncomfortable.” Another plus is lighter packing for traveling. Unlike other shoes, you could pack or wear your pair and take along three different uppers or details that would free space in your suitcase for other essentials such as toiletries! And by having the freedom to update your style within minutes, it’s guaranteed that you won’t experience buyer’s remorse or chuck the pair into the back of your closet.
C & C Lifestyle are certain that the initial buzz created about their products will endure, and they are comfortable with showcasing their merchandise online; “the benefits of online shopping allow people all over the world to experience our merchandise from the comfort of their own homes.” C&C doesn’t doubt the success the universally applicable concept may bring to the Middle East- but it isn’t only about success, it’s about revolutionizing fashion and setting women free of the frenzy of the industry! “Women are ‘shackled’ and some do believe they need to be in pain to be beautiful. Heels are designed to please men because they make a woman look more attractive!” (Can we get an Amen up in here?) “But our product is made for women, made by women, and we know what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. We want people to find both external and internal value in what they buy.” The goal is for women to be stylish, elegant, and free themselves of distractions due to their wardrobe. “My job requires me to be on my feet all day, and I don’t want to have to focus on how much my feet hurt! I want to get my work done and look fabulous while existing without any consequences.”
Liberate yourselves from the frenzy of the fashion industry, ladies, and embrace the concept of elegance, confidence and freedom of confinement. “I’m giving women freedom and power. Take control of the health of YOUR feet- No more bunions and you do what you want! With these shoes, there is zero limit!”
Remember, you read it here first! C&C Lifestyle’s collection will be available in early 2016. Be sure to check out www.cclifestyle.net for more details.
