New Additions To Our Liberty Collection - The Norwich Shoe Industry

The Cocorose London x Liberty Art Fabric Collection.

Some very exciting news about our made in England ballerina collection with Liberty Fabrics. On Monday our brand new Liberty Art Fabrics ballerinas become available online! We're so excited to introduce them to you... The Bond Street

A floral material, with sequins hand made into a classic loafer. The insole is double padded and contoured for instep comfort. We also are introducing the Green Park ballerina.

The Green Park Ballerina

Our beautiful Bond Street shoes come in a very special sequinned Liberty Art Fabric and in a special smoking slipper style. The Green Park is a classic ballerina with three different coloured prints to choose from. All our new Liberty Collection shoes are part of our Luxury Heritage Collection and are hand-made here in England. Lovely!

We also have a brand new Notting Hill style, another addition to our Luxury Heritage collection, available in a selection of coloured leathers. Browse the full Luxury Heritage collection.

Our factory, in Norwich is one of the last women's shoe factories in the United Kingdom. The city of Norwich (one of England's olds towns, dating back to at least the 10th century) was a centre of British women’s shoe manufacturing from the 1700's. It reaching its peak in the 20th century. Renowned brands like Bally produced the highest quality women's footwear, and supported thousands of skilled jobs. Globalisation gradually led to the industry's decline, with most factories closing by 2010. 

We work with the mazing team at Van Dal. They trace roots to London, where Adelman Goodman began shoemaking in 1920's and 30', before relocating to Norwich in 1936. Van Dal joined a thriving industry of around 30 factories In the 40's and 50's its Dibden Road factory, where we make today, made thousands of pairs weekly and remained Norwich’s last ladies-shoe maker into the 21st century. In 2011 Van Dal celebrated 75 years.

FAQ: The British Shoe Industry in Norwich

1. Why was Norwich significant to the British shoe industry?
It became a major hub for shoe manufacturing in the 19th and 20th centuries, known especially for women’s footwear. Norwich had a strong textile heritage, a highly skilled workforce, and access to trade routes. This greatly helped it grow into one of Britain’s key shoemaking cities.

2. What types of shoes were made in Norwich?
Norwich was particularly known for producing high-quality women's shoes, including leather court shoes, fashion flats, and wide-fit styles. Brands specialised in elegant, durable shoes made for everyday and formal wear.

3. Which well-known shoe brands were based in Norwich?
Van Dal, which launched as a brand in it's self in 1946. And still the most prominent name still associated with the city. Norvic Shoes and Bally also had operations in Norwich, contributing to the city's reputation for quality footwear.

4. What led to the decline of shoe manufacturing in Norwich?
From the late 20th century, increasing competition from cheaper European production and changing retail landscapes caused many Norwich factories to close. By 2000, with more overseas pressure - now Europe and Asia - most had shut down.

.... 2019 Update .. our UK factory finally closed its doors after over 80 years. Although Van Dal brand remains, just all production has be moved offshore in 2018.