Hard Hearted Harlot
www.harlotshoes.com

Established in 2004, Hard Hearted Harlot is the collaboration of English footwear designers Carol and Perry King and the Portuguese shoe factory Meigo.
Carol obtained a B.H. hons degree in Footwear Design at De Montfort University and has subsequently worked freelance for various footwear companies worldwide and lectured at three English Universities. During one consultancy contract at British Shoe, she met and married fellow designer Perry King who had been in the footwear industry for a number of years.
Perry had just launched the acclaimed Fly London brand which he and Carol successfully developed over the next 12 years.
In 2004 Perry and Carol felt the creative need to return to developing and designing unique and interesting shoes, moving away from the mass market that Fly had became and returning to the creative development that they excel in.
From its conception, the aim of both design team and factory has been to design and manufacture stylish shoes for women who are looking for individuality and self expression.
Encompassing all the concepts that are the basis for good design, Harlot is a collection of women’s shoes which are beautiful and interesting but non-conformist. For inspiration, Harlot draws on the eclectic world of art, fashion and design for it’s references: “We take soundings from the world of haute couture and fashion in the broadest sense; what we don’t do is study other people’s shoes”, comments Carol; “This gives us a clearer vision and it helps us produce unique designs”.
Helping to realise this ideal the couple moved with their two young daughters to rural Catalunya, Spain, where they have their home and design studio.
The focus of the collection is on design integrity and the whole shoe. All Harlot soles, uppers, heels, last shapes and constructions are designed from scratch for each line.
The collection is made in a state-of-the-art factory using the finest imported Italian leathers. Skilled craftsmen shoemakers work alongside the latest production machinery in a factory which is flexible enough to supply orders large or small.
This marriage of traditional and modern methods puts Harlot in the singular position of being able to produce high quality artisan shoes at affordable prices.
“Our production capability is a unique advantage which I believe gives the brand a commercial edge” says Perry King, “We’re only just beginning to realise the full potential that Harlot can offer”.
Harlot; for today’s foot fetish loving women wishing to express herself day or night.