Comfort Club Winter 2013

®

Style... it’s our signature Footwear in the Ancient World BOUTIQUE

Club

COMFORT

WINTER 2013

by hotter

Come Out and Play Take a look inside

EXCLUSIVE TO HOTTER COMFORT CLUB MEMBERS

WINTER 2013

COMFORT

Club

EDITOR’S LETTER

INTRODUCING

Pyramids keep popping up in this edition – from the ancient secrets of Tutankhamen’s footwear collection to the hi-tech comfort pads we discreetly hide in our party shoes.

We’re delighted to welcome Professor Joann Fletcher to our Winter Comfort Club to give us an insight into the footwear of the ancient world – did you see her fascinating BBC2 series? She’s been exploring the features of Hotter shoes too, so discover her verdict on page 6.

Your verdict is important to us too – so why not pop along to www.hotter.com to write a review about your latest Hotter shoes. And if you’re in two minds about a shoe, or two, you’ll also discover exactly what other customers think about our collection.

Enjoy the colder months, in warm outdoor shoes, cosy boots and snug slippers... until next time, best wishes,

Admire

Glamour

Just in time for the party season we’re delighted to introduce BOUTIQUE ...

by hotter

you’ll wish all your shoes felt just like this.

This pretty-as-a-picture trio, with on trend block heels and eye-catching colourways, include Mary Jane Fame, heeled loafer Glamour and slip on Admire. Feel free to fall in love with their catwalk-style good looks, because these shoes are designed to make sure you’re smiling from your first dance to your last.

2 | Find our full collection at www.hotter.com

FOOTNOTES Ged Wall

Print Manager Meet Hococo* with Ged Wall, who often works through the night to ensure our catalogues are colour perfect.

Fame

Shhh!... it’s our little secret

Hidden inside each pair is Hotter’s newest secret ingredient PYRAMID TECHNOLOGY which puts science into comfort.

Deep inside the shoe soles we’ve concealed pyramid-shaped foam pads which contract and trap air as you walk, acting as a cushion to the balls of your feet where pressure can be constant. Placed directly above the flexi grooves

of the shoes’ sole, and at the heel, the special pads enhance flexibility and soften these parts of the insole.

My favourite comfort food is... sausage, chips and beans... because that’s all I used to ask for as a child even in the most expensive restaurants!

The best day of my life... was in fact two - split equally between the birth of my two lovely children!

You wouldn’t know it but I’m good at... sketching, baking and, after an evening course last year, Chinese cooking!

My most memorable moment at Hotter is ... moving from the original site in Sandy Lane to the brand new site that we’re in now. It was a big change for us! *Knit your own Hococo by downloading the pattern at www.hotter.com/hococo

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unique, with a story to tell and he asked me to see if I could revamp a few.

“I coat each last with chalk paint to create a base colour, and then sand down anywhere there are numbers, measurements and writing, so the history of the last can come through.

LASTING IMPRESSIONS Upcycling vintage shoe lasts is designer Ellspeth’s latest project - and once she started breathing new life into these beautiful wooden, foot shaped forms, she couldn’t stop until she had created a unique piece of art for each Hotter store.

WHAT STARTED as a challenge from Hotter founder Stewart Houlgrave has become an eyecatching project which could soon be found in a Hotter store near you.

“On my first three I drew a lace style in pen, a daisy and a snakeskin pump. When I was happy with the design I used wax to enhance the sheen and seal the paint” she said.

“On one of our trips looking at the newest trends to ‘Hotterise’, we got talking about the hi-tech lasts that we use in our factory and Stewart mentioned his collection of old, wooden lasts,” explained Ellspeth. “Each one is

Using inspiration from her collection of wild flower, butterfly and craft books, Ellspeth has now completed 54 unique lasts, and is planning more... including a special one for a lucky Comfort Club reader!

WIN

A DECORATED LAST LADIES SHOE DESIGNER ELLSPETH ROBSON.

4 | Find our full collection at www.hotter.com

Inspire Ellspeth with the design you would like to see on a last her favourite will win.

Entry details back page.

Welcome WHETHER YOU SURF the web at home, your local library or on your tablet at your nearest Wi-Fi hotspot, spare a few minutes in cyber space to visit www.hotter. com where we’ve created a Wonderfully Welcoming World for you to explore.

to www.hotter.com

If you’re not in the mood for shoe shopping - yes we know it does happen! - then click over to our Comfort Club pages for news, stories and photos for you to enjoy. Sign up to our newsletter and the newest Comfort Club

will ‘ping’ into your inbox each month and we’ll keep you updated with all the latest Hotter news.

Happy shoe shopping see you online!

If you’ve not had time to visit us yet, we’d like to introduce you to a few of the special features we’ve created to help you find the perfect shoes for your next adventure.

DID YOU KNOW... every pair has a zoom button. So if you’re unsure about that beautiful little boot you’ve seen in our catalogue, simply log on, zoom in and explore the smallest detail.

STILL UNSURE? Then click away at the alternative images of heels, toes and shoe tops.

CONVINCED... but not quite?

Online you can have a second opinion. A third. Even a fourth.

With our star ratings and customer reviews you’ll discover what other Hotter customers think.

Win £100 to spend at www.hotter.com

Visit our online collection and tell us the name of one women’s and one men’s shoe featured in the best sellers categories.

Entry details on back page.

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Article by Professor Joann Fletcher

Ancient world

FOOT WEAR IN THE...

Although people tend to think that glamorous footwear is a modern idea and assume people in the past shuffled about in simple sandals, the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans had the technical ability to make practical and comfortable footwear which also looked stunning.

In ancient Egypt, flip-flop type sandals were the most

practical option. Usually made of plaited plant fibre or leather, the footwear of the wealthy was embellished with delicate filigree gold and studded with lapis lazuli, carnelian and feldspar.

Even the soles could be decorated, with images of bound enemies waiting to be crushed, quite literally, with every step.

By Tutankhamen’s time, around 1330 BC, the first shoes

6 | Find our full collection at www.hotter.com

“As someone who spends a lot of time trekking around some pretty far-flung locations, often being filmed at the same time, its essential to have shoes which are not only comfortable but which look good (and obviously in my favourite colour black). Hotter shoes definitely tick every one of these boxes - I love them!”

Bronze statue of Mercury with winged sandals 1st BC

(so-called ‘enveloping sandals’) had just come into Egypt from Syria. And among the 40 or so pairs of footwear found in Tutankhamen’s tomb in 1922 was a pair of imported leather shoes, studded with gold and lapis lazuli buttons. The king’s mummy even wore a pair of solid gold sandals, although these were clearly a special, if impractical, touch for the afterlife, with comfort more a concern of the living.

Fast-forwarding over a thousand years to that other ‘big name’ Cleopatra, footwear was certainly still a key part of dressing to impress and a means of enhancing status. And with Cleopatra herself a big fan of pearls, from her pearl tipped hairpins to her enormous pearl earrings, the fashion soon developed for attaching pearls to footwear to create matching ensembles among the super-rich.

Another ancient invention was the heeled shoe, from the ‘soccus’ low-heeled slipper to the 5 inch built-up sole of the ‘cothurnus’ boot. Usually worn by women and actors, Cleopatra’s sworn enemy Octavian made up for his puny stature by wearing thick soles

to make him look taller, while her strapping husband, Roman general Mark Antony, favoured imported footwear, from his French Gallic sandals to his white Athenian shoes known as ‘phaikas’.

But for many ancient people, shoes were far more than simply items of clothing. As far back as Egyptian times when the gods were portrayed on footwear to bestow protection on the wearer, the Roman god Mercury the messenger could be identified by his winged sandals. Yet as the god who also guided dead souls into the next world, his magical sandals were regarded as so important they were made into small bronze brooches decorated in blue enamel to be worn by the devout.

“40 or so pairs of footwear were found in Tutankhamen’s tomb”

Lapis lazuli

Carnelian

Clearly the ancients loved their footwear in all its many shapes and colours, and were just as passionate about achieving the perfect combination of beauty and comfort as we are today.

Joann is guest curating ‘The Romans Are Coming’ at Experience Barnsley Museum and Discovery Centre until 5th January 2014

The legendary gold mask of Tutankhamen, which also featured matching gold sandals.

Professor Joann Fletcher of the University of York specialises in ancient dress and adornment and recently wrote and presented the BBC2 Series ‘Ancient Egypt: Life and Death in the Valley of the Kings’.

Her books include ‘The Search for Nefertiti’ and ‘Cleopatra the Great’ (both by Hodder & Stoughton).

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Style

OUR CUSTOMERS SIMPLY LOVE OUR SIGNATURE STYLES, FOR WORK, FOR PLAY AND FOR FUN …

. . . I T ’ S O U R SIG NAT U R E OUR SIGNATURE COLLECTION includes everything that Hotter does best... thoughtful design, beautiful seasonal colours and secret indulgent Comfort Concept® features to bring a smile to your face.

Every season you’ll find new Signature styles to add to your collection so if you’re a Shake addict or a Jewel fan we’re sure you’ll be tempted by cute Dolce or sweet Appledore. Already found a favourite? Then try a new shade this season... beautiful Boysenberry, rich Plum or warm Chestnut.

Describe your Signature outfit and tell us which pair of Hotter shoes would complete your style!

Our favourite will WIN the pair they choose.

Appledore

8 | Find our full collection at www.hotter.com

Entry details on back page.

SHIMMY TAKES TO THE AIR For work Shimmy’s classic design, and signature comfort, are the perfect combination.

Who better to take our smart courts for a test drive than a hard working, high flying British Airways Cabin Crew.

Here’s what Bianca Cooney from Thames Ditton in Surrey told us: “For my job I need a good pair of comfortable cabin shoes. I’m constantly on the look out for a pair of court shoes that tick all the boxes and I think I may have found them with my new Hotter court shoes.

“They were instantly comfortable, which is very important as my

job requires me to be on my feet for long periods of time and it’s great not having to ‘wear them in’. They have a good grip so no slipping and sliding when the aircraft hasn’t quite levelled out on a quick 30 minute flight.

“I’m looking forward to testing how durable they are and if they are long lasting I may be on to a winner at last. Overall a fabulous, comfortable classic court shoe and I score them 8 out of 10 and definitely recommended.”

Bianca Cooney “The design has a modern edge which makes me feel stylish yet comfortable at the same time.”

SHAKE...

BABY SHAKE!

I

Love

Jennifer Smith from our Norwich store, has created a pair of baby Shake shoes.

shoes

& I also love...

DOG TRAINING

Gill Clark wears her favourite Hotter shoes to show her miniature schnauzer Bella.

“Just after my 50th birthday last year I got my first dog Bella and life hasn’t been the same since.

We won a prize at the first dog show we entered and we were hooked.” Gill wears her ‘lucky Hotter shoes’ when she competes with Bella and the team have won several events.

“My feet are always super comfortable thanks to my Hotter shoes, so all I need to think about is helping my little star to look her best!”

If you love Hotter shoes and love something else too, let us know by emailing: weloveshoes@hotter.com and we’ll share your story.

Jennifer is currently studying design at Norwich University and has had work exhibited at the Tate in London and Norwich Castle Gallery.

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Your personal fit experts!

Imagine having a personal fitting team to help you explore the world of Hotter shoes and find a pair that fits you perfectly.

With you every step of the way, our ten Personal Shoppers are Hotter experts who know our shoes from top to toe, inside and out.

They’ve accumulated a wealth of knowledge about our footwear past and present and if they don’t know the answer to your question they won’t rest until they find out for you!

Here’s three questions they are often asked... can you think of more? Post your question on our Facebook page and we’ll ask our Personal Shoppers to answer.

“How wide are your shoes?”

Mark, whose style of the season is Defender answers: Our shoes come in three width fittings D/E, EE and EEE. If a first time customer asks about fit, I can explain how they can measure their feet and then we can work out the best fitting for them to try.

Mark enjoys Defender Vikki’s choice: Chantel Emma loves Glamour

“My shoes feel tight across my instep - what’s the problem?”

Emma, a fan of our Glamour shoes, says: It sounds like the customer probably has a high instep and the style they have selected might not be suitable or they may need a wider fitting. Most of the Personal Shoppers have worked at Hotter for many years so we’ve lots of product knowledge to help us recommend new styles... and, if we don’t know, we have all the dimensions to hand or can ask a friend!

10 | Find our full collection at www.hotter.com

“The style I usually wear is no longer in your catalogue can you suggest an alternative?”

Vikki, who loves Chantel, comments: Our design team work hard to update our collection each season with on-trend styles and features that we know our customers will love.

For this customer I would try to find out more about the style, fit, fastening and appearance of the original shoe - and then work out some alternative options... there’s usually a few.

Happy to help...

If you need help call free on

0800 083 3083

to speak to a Personal Shopper or to arrange a convenient time for them to call you back.

Wine for

CHRISTMAS

By Graham Gendall Norton

You’ve excelled yourself in the kitchen: now for the wines to complement your festive cooking and add a touch of class.

FIRST CHAMPAGNE. I’ve chosen Louis Roederer Premier Brut, Non Vintage.

(Brut means dry: in addition, here also, a slight creamy touch some hints of fruit, also biscuit notes.)

Before the main course accompany perhaps with smoked or cold salmon and the poshest of potato crisps. All our wines here are from Majestic, and this bottle is priced at £40, but if you buy two before 2nd December, they’ll be £27.99 each.

France

Also, a wine of age may deposit sediment at the bottom of the bottle. Pour carefully, stopping at the sediment, swill out the bottle, and place it centre table next to its decanter glowing ruby-red, to proclaim year and quality, before the bird or joint triumphantly shares that place of honour.

NOW, OUR WHITES, all served chilled, but then let them open out in the glass.

Petit Chablis UVC 2012, (£11.99), from Burgundy, made from Chardonnay grapes, fresh, crisp, with citrus and green From ’05 comes Château de apple; matches white l’Abbaye de Sainte-Ferme (£9.99). meat and fish. For All good clarets the latter - and also are blends, this of a great aperitif - try Cabernet Sauvignon, also Muscadet Sèvre Merlot, and Cabernet et Maine Sur Lie Franc. Smooth, soft, 2012 Domaine de la NOW FOR THE CLARETS; the plumy, ripe.

Tourmaline (£7.99), best red Bordeaux, the better of Château Grivière, with an attractive ‘spritz’ tingling which improve with age. Pour is from ’06 (£11.99) the tongue. Christmas pudding into a decanter at least 20 minutes The grapes are has its own brandy. Our clarets before drinking to allow the wine Merlot and are ideal with Stilton. to breathe and improve - just as Cabernet Sauvignon, essential as basting a turkey. the former predominating, its ripe blackcurrant COMPETITION: and cranberry Answer the following: hints softening the structureName two grapes which can be giving Cabernet. blended in a “Château” Entry details on back page.

Florielle

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CHARITY

CONNECTIONS

Lisa (left) with Kira

This year Hotter employees have been raising money for charity with walks, runs, rides and... well, let us explain more about racing the sun and the Grandest National...

Peter steps out

Hotter Managing Director Peter Taylor has stepped out of his comfort zone to ‘Race the Sun’ for Action Medical Research raising over £4,500.

With three friends, Peter trained hard for the 3,116ft ascent of Helvellyn, a 3km canoe ride across Lake Thirlmere and a 50 mile bike ride which all had to be completed by sunset.

“I’d like to thank everyone who helped raise money for such a

deserving charity which funds research to help thousands of sick and disabled children,” said Peter. “My daughter Suzi challenged me to get out of my comfort zone at the start of 2013 and that’s exactly where I found myself!”

Action Medical Research is a registered charity in England & Wales (208701) and in Scotland (SC039284).

Record Breakers!

Happy Feet the Horse, powered

by Customer Advisors Lisa MacDonald and Kira Green galloped past the post to become a world record breaker in the Grandest National at Aintree in September. The pair represented the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in the successful Guinness World Record attempt for the most pantomime animals in a race.

“I was inspired to take part because my mum was treated in Clatterbridge and the staff were so caring and helpful,” said Kira who, with Lisa, raised over £400.

The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity is a registered charity (105727)

Peter with his Race the Sun team Meyrick, John and Richard.

We love to hear from you by post, by email to weloveshoes@hotter.com or on our Facebook page.

All competitions in this edition close on 17th November 2013. Winners details will be printed in our Comfort Club at www.hotter.com or contact the Editor for a full list.

Melanie Killilea, Editor, Comfort Club, Hotter Comfort Concept®,

2 Peel Road, Skelmersdale, Lancashire, WN8 9PT

Call 0800 525 893 or visit www.hotter.com to sign up for our newsletter, see more Comfort Club news and view our full collection.

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