King’s Lynn shoe firm takes confident steps into the fashion world

Oliveira, an up-and-coming online business based in King’s Lynn, is stepping into 2012 by launching a stylish collection of ‘toe post’ shoes.

The unique range is designed to give women’s heels a fresh new look this spring/summer, and the firm has a positive message behind its UK launch.

Designer Maria Oliveira, who created the ‘toe post’ designs for the collection, said: “We’re aiming at women who love shoes to be as individual as they are, and the beauty of ‘toe posts’ is that they look different on every woman who puts them on.

“Each pair of Oliveiras is designed to be elegant and feminine, but also to appeal to real women who lead busy lives and don’t want their style cramped by pinching or painful footwear.”

The company is also taking a modern approach to retail, selling the shoes through its website, oliveira.uk.com.

Maria added: “We’ve seen an increasing trend towards people choosing shoes and clothes online, using sites such as ASOS and Amazon where there are fewer overheads. According to YouGov’s new SixthSense research, nine out of ten consumers made online purchases in the last six months of 2011, via computer, tablet or smartphone.

“Our ethos is to make online shopping easy and a pleasure, with a simple returns policy so that Oliveira customers can try on what they’ve ordered at home.”

Independent mum, Maria decided to start designing shoes following an inspirational trip to Sri Lanka, and has created nine elegant styles of ‘toe posts’.

The range includes shoes for parties, daywear, weddings and holidays, and the company is expecting ‘toe posts’ to be a hit with celebrities and fashion experts, as well as women seeking shoes they’ll love to wear and wear.

While aiming for success across the UK, Oliveira is also keen to support the local community, and Maria is inviting groups, charities and good causes in the King’s Lynn area to put themselves forward to receive 10 per cent of the sale price of selected shoes.

Causes chosen by Oliveira will be allocated a promotional code, which customers can use when making their purchase online. Each time they do, Oliveira will make a 10 per cent donation.

To nominate a local group, charity or good cause in the King’s Lynn area, people are invited to email a brief reason for its selection to enquiries[at]oliveira.uk.com