Tracey Neuls meets Andrea Cheong
Escaping the oligarchy of fast fashion in London can feel impossible, especially when the streets are lined with giant corporations and brands churning out new trends and disposable designs seemingly every week. But journalist, internet personality, and fashion educator Andrea Cheong is helping people around the world make more thoughtful decisions about what they wear, and what they buy.
@andreacheong_ on Instagram
The author of ‘Why Don’t I Have Anything to Wear?’ and host of Kering’s podcast on fashion and the environment visited our store in March to chat with Tracey and try on a few pairs herself. Together, they spoke about Tracey’s design process, from earth-conscious materials like sugarcane and natural crepe soles, to vegetable-dyed leathers chosen for their low environmental impact and long-lasting beauty. They also discussed craftsmanship, originality, and the importance of designing beyond trends, making shoes to be lived in, cared for, and worn for years rather than seasons.
Andrea tried on a range of styles, drawn to the balance of variety and recognisable character across the collection. Every wardrobe needs its staples, and she gravitated towards pieces that combined comfort, longevity, and personality, including our LALA Lamb Shearling Slipper in both Ginger and Mangosteen. Alongside this, Andrea tried the GENE and JULIP, both built on our distinctly comfortable rubber mid-heel. In the end she left with our JONES boots in Black, a pair which speaks to the buy-less, wear-more ethos she champions. Made with a cork wedge sourced from trees grown locally to our atelier and reinforced with a protective sole for lasting wear, the boots pair practicality with enduring design. The timeless lace-up silhouette and unmistakable Tracey Neuls details such as the heart-shaped toe, first designed in 1997, give the boot entirely its own character.
It's always rewarding to connect with people who share the brand’s design ethos. Sustainability should not be a marketing tool but a standard as we strive to protect genuine craftsmanship and the world around us. Slow fashion offers more than environmental benefit, there is a genuine sense of ease and joy in moving away from overconsumption and poorly made materials. Local artisans making garments with longevity in mind, and living with a smaller, well curated wardrobe not only offers better fashion, but a greater sense of clarity and connection to what we wear, oh and more time in the morning too!
Written by Jason Cassar for Tracey Neuls Online.