Sophia Webster, a visionary shoe designer, has transformed the delicate symbol of the butterfly into a distinctive hallmark that has captivated the fashion world. With roots in South Africa and a solid artistic background, Sophia delved deeply into the resilience and beauty of Nature, translating these qualities into true works of art. From the halls of the Royal College of Art to the feet of celebrities and clients worldwide, Sophia shows that dreams can take wing and soar high.
Remarkable journeys often start with a dream and sheer determination, as was the case with Sophia Webster, who quickly gained a following of sophisticated and discerning clients worldwide, embracing the butterfly as her signature. Representing life, resilience, hope, joy, and freedom, butterflies played a significant role in her work at the Royal College of Art, where she designed the iconic Chiara 3D Butterfly silhouette. Sophia dreamed of launching her own brand and knew she needed a memorable design, which inspired her to create sandals featuring butterfly wings at the heel. This motif also held a special connection to her grandmother, who, upon passing, left behind a box of old letters adorned with butterfly stickers and sayings. Her grandmother, a war refugee, embodied the spirit of a butterfly, adapting and transforming to survive through immense trauma, just as a caterpillar morphs into a magnificent butterfly. Additionally, Sophia discovered a watch inscribed by the Maharaja of Johor to her grandfather, Captain Cayley-Webster, revealing a family legacy of exploration tied to… butterflies!
Sophia established her company in September 2012, following the success of her debut spring-summer 2013 collection, which earned her the Condé Nast Emerging Shoe Designer of the Year and the British Fashion Award in 2013. With a passion for sculpture developed at the London School of Art and drawing classes at Camberwell School of Art, she learned the intricacies of shoe design under the mentorship of Nicholas Kirkwood. These formative years, filled with internships, freelance work, and collaborations, provided invaluable insights into design, production, and luxury, which she later recommended to aspiring creative entrepreneurs. In 2016, she made history as the first female shoe designer to receive the prestigious Vogue Fashion Fund award, and in 2019, she was honoured with an honorary doctorate from the Montfort University for her significant contributions to shoe design. While not coming from a fashion-oriented family, Sophia’s love for style was fuelled by teenage Nickelodeon shows and the Spice Girls, who introduced her to feminism. Years later, collaborating with the Spice Girls for their reunion tour and seeing Rihanna, one of her favourite artists, wear a pair from her first collection, marked significant milestones. Celebrities like Taylor Swift, Sarah Jessica Parker, Katy Perry, Scarlett Johansson, and Heidi Klum have also embraced her footwear. Today, no celebrity seems untouched by Sophia Webster’s creations.
Drawing inspiration from Nature, art, music, and film, Sophia infuses her knowledge of sculpture into colourful and playful designs that are nearly art pieces. Her commitment to sustainability and innovation is evident in her Upcycled collection, which repurposes materials from past collections, and in her inclusive Extended Sizes line, which caters to women up to size 46. The butterfly symbol has become so pivotal that, inspired by her iconic Chiara sandal, the brand supports a foundation for butterfly conservation.
“Butterflies never cease to amaze me. It’s not only the dazzling colours of their wings but also the process of patience and struggle as they transform from caterpillars into beautiful butterflies that I find inspiring. It is with great pleasure that I support the Butterfly Conservation for the second consecutive year,” Sophia shares, reinforcing her positive impact.
Her functional and sculptural designs have evolved alongside her life, with collections for brides, ballet flats, and children’s shoes reflecting personal milestones. Now at the pinnacle of the footwear world, Sophia launched her book Oh My Gosh, I Love Your Shoes in October. Today, her shoes are sold in over 200 luxury stores, including Selfridges, Net-a-Porter, Saks, and Harvey Nichols.
Sophia Webster’s brand has become a small empire managed as a family business, with her husband serving as CEO. Her creations are celebrated by celebrities and stylists around the globe, and her name has become synonymous with vibrant, eclectic, and joyful footwear.
