Interview with Bambos Stylianou – Freed of London’s Theatrical Department Manager
Interview with Jayne Bordoli – Freed of London’s Garments Manager
September 22, 2017
Catch-up with Stuart Hatton Jr – One half of our ‘Same Sex Dancing’ campaign.
March 6, 2018
As our factory staff returned from their well-deserved summer break, we caught up with Freed of London’s very own Bambos Stylianou as part of our #FreedFriday posts. The Theatrical Department Manager gave us an insight into what’s new, old and everything in-between as well as a bit about his own history!
Was being involved in Theatrical design always something you had planned to do? If not what were your original ambitions?
Not what I had planned as such but I always had an interest in Theatre and Dance so it was like a natural fit for me. My original ambitions were to be recognised as a stylist.
Did you study to learn your trade or are you self-taught? Would you say it has been an advantage or a disadvantage coming into the Design industry like you did?
I went to design college for fashion, but I used my knowledge to self-teach myself all aspects of shoe making. I think I had an absolute advantage.
How did you come across Freed of London?
I have known of Freed of London for many, many years, because I have always worked mostly in this part of London, it was the heartbeat of the shoe industry.
Did you see yourself working for a company like Freed of London?
I didn’t think I was going to be qualified enough, but my experience seemed to qualify me!
What do you find most challenging about your role?
I have 4 departments to manage so keeping a good flow of work is always a challenge.
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
Seeing the hard work everybody does paying off.
What changes have you made since you working at Freed of London?
I have made a few construction changes e.g. new insoles and colour coding, new stiffeners, new linings etc.
Which is your most favourite Ballroom/Latin shoe design and why?
I would say Penelope and Paloma, same shoe with crystals too, I think it shows the direction that Freed of London is going in terms of styling and quality and I also designed them.
Can you reveal any future plans/ongoing projects which are in the pipeline?
I can say we are in the process of developing a new men’s Latin shoe which will change the way men wear the shoes. We are also re-introducing a new Bridal range.
Related posts
Interview with Jayne Bordoli – Freed of London’s Garments Manager
September 22, 2017Catch-up with Stuart Hatton Jr – One half of our ‘Same Sex Dancing’ campaign.
March 6, 2018As our factory staff returned from their well-deserved summer break, we caught up with Freed of London’s very own Bambos Stylianou as part of our #FreedFriday posts. The Theatrical Department Manager gave us an insight into what’s new, old and everything in-between as well as a bit about his own history!
Was being involved in Theatrical design always something you had planned to do? If not what were your original ambitions?
Not what I had planned as such but I always had an interest in Theatre and Dance so it was like a natural fit for me. My original ambitions were to be recognised as a stylist.
Did you study to learn your trade or are you self-taught? Would you say it has been an advantage or a disadvantage coming into the Design industry like you did?
I went to design college for fashion, but I used my knowledge to self-teach myself all aspects of shoe making. I think I had an absolute advantage.
How did you come across Freed of London?
I have known of Freed of London for many, many years, because I have always worked mostly in this part of London, it was the heartbeat of the shoe industry.
Did you see yourself working for a company like Freed of London?
I didn’t think I was going to be qualified enough, but my experience seemed to qualify me!
What do you find most challenging about your role?
I have 4 departments to manage so keeping a good flow of work is always a challenge.
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
Seeing the hard work everybody does paying off.
What changes have you made since you working at Freed of London?
I have made a few construction changes e.g. new insoles and colour coding, new stiffeners, new linings etc.
Which is your most favourite Ballroom/Latin shoe design and why?
I would say Penelope and Paloma, same shoe with crystals too, I think it shows the direction that Freed of London is going in terms of styling and quality and I also designed them.
Can you reveal any future plans/ongoing projects which are in the pipeline?
I can say we are in the process of developing a new men’s Latin shoe which will change the way men wear the shoes. We are also re-introducing a new Bridal range.