Images: Lani Tons for Ticara Devone
It's my responsbility as a writer, blogger, influecer or however you may categorize me, is for me to provide you all new places to shop, new designers, to discover and support small businesses. Today, we're chatting with Brittney Perry. She's the creator and brain behind Perry Co. Shoes which is a unisex footwear and accessories brand here in Chicago. Also, she's a black woman with her own line and it deserves to be recognized. I had the pleasure of meeting Brittany last summer at an art show in the city where her shoes were displayed. Now, we're talking about everything Perry Co. from inspiration, design and sound advice. Take a look at our chat below and watch my unboxing of her favorite silhouette.
WHEN BRITTNEY PERRY FIRST FELL IN LOVE WITH SNEAKERS AND THE CREATION OF HER BRAND, PERRY CO. SHOES
BP: I fell in love with sneakers when I was a kid, maybe around age 11. I have an older brother that had a lot of sneakers and I think it kind of rubbed off on me. I also played basketball, so I was into basketball sneakers at a very young age.
Growing up, there were few options for women that wanted to wear sneakers. I would wear a lot of mens shoes because they had more options. I first had the idea to start my own shoe when I was in college. I didn’t know where to start and the idea kind of faded. It wasn’t until I started my corporate job and with the introduction to Instagram that I found the resources and courage to start my own shoe even though I did not attend school for design. Having the corporate job and also growing up without options was the basis of my brand being unisex and versatile.
Perry Co. Shoes Tie-Dye Crew Socks in Purple & Blue
DRAWING INSPIRATION + FAVORITE DESIGN FROM THE CURRENT PERRY CO. LINEUP
BP: When I design new silhouettes, I draw inspiration from some of my favorite sneakers I wore growing up. AF1's, blazers, jordans. The thing that those 3 shoes have in common is they are known as classics. They withstand the test of time. So far I have tried to keep my shoes minimal, but adding different textures and materials other than just leather.
My favorite is my first shoe "The Prelude". I actually found a designer named Quintin Williams in LA that guided me with the whole process of creating this shoe. This design was created in 2015, but it took me about 2 years of back and forth with the manufacturer and trying to save my money up just to get this shoe completed. This is the one that started everything and it means the world to me.
Perry Co. Shoes “The Prelude” in Denim.
…ALL ABOUT DENIM
BP: Surprisingly, denim has been my favorite material to work with. It's not something that you see often. Other than denim, of course I love Full Grain Leather and usually like to mix in some suede or nubuck on different parts of the shoe. At some point i'd like to create my own sneaker bag and maybe even design my own watches as well.
THE FUTURE OF DESIGN + PERRY CO. SHOES
BP: I'm hoping that I will be able to do PerryCo full time. I'd like to get in more boutiques across the USA and hopefully expand into the European market. I'd really like to sign someone to the brand as well to start their own signature shoe at some point. I have a lot of ideas. :) With everything going on with Covid, I'm actually testing out other products (shorts, socks, shoe laces). I'd like to get one or two collaborations with an artist and a fashion designer for some limited release shoes.
DROPPING GEMS, BE SURE TO PICK IT UP.
BP: I think a lot of people are waiting for the perfect time to start something. There will never be a perfect time. You just have to start! Always believe in your product/idea and stay true to yourself.
Connect with Perry Co. Shoes on their social media and shop their latest collection below.