Cecilie Bahnsen Has Created A Capsule Collection Of Shoes For High Street Favourite, Charles & Keith

The Danish designer has sprinkled her magic over four new pairs of flats.

Published on25 05 2020

Cecilie Bahnsen is the designer responsible for some of the most popular dresses of the past couple of seasons. Even if you don't own one of her voluminous, ethereal gowns – a favourite of the fashion set – chances are, you own something inspired by a Bahnsen creation. She is a major reason why oversized dresses, generally, have become so ubiquitous, which is why the news that Bahnsen has collaborated with a high street brand is very exciting indeed.

The brand in question is Charles & Keith, the Singaporean label renowned for its style-led, affordable shoes and bags. 'Since the creation of our company we have always been supporting young designers in Fashion and Arts scenes,' says Charles & Keith. 'When meeting with Cecilie Bahnsen it was an instantaneous match as it would perfectly combine our shoe-making savoir faire and her incredible knowledge on fabric craftsmanship.'

The collection includes four different styles, all of which are based on traditional schoolwear. As a result, there are three takes on the classic Mary-Jane shape and one pair of mules – all given Bahnsen's signature couture-like touch. Says Bahnsen: 'I’ve always been fascinated by school uniforms. I think that explains why I loved the Mary Jane shoe in the Charles & Keith’s collection so much. It’s a traditional school-girlish shoe, but it also has that quality of a masculine-feminine contrast that I’m always looking for.'

Sustainability is always a focus for Bahnsen and this collection is no different. There are two main fabrics used – Recycled Satin, applying a beautiful hand-drawn quilted embroidery and a unique patchwork made from Bahnsen's existing fabrics, giving them a new life. Each dust bag has also been stitched from leftover cuts of fabrics from previous seasons.

The Mary-Janes are available in black, white and a delicate floral print, while the bright yellow mules aslo feature the oversized buckles seen throughout the collection. Prices range from £225 to £299, which is more expensive than Charles & Keith's mainline collection. But for a truly lovely pair of shoes, designed by Bahnsen and built to last, it feels like a sound investment.