18 Years of Cocorose: Lessons, Laughter & Our Kew Vegan Trainers in The Independent

Hello Cocorosers 💗

Over the years, I’ve learned that business isn’t about perfection, and it certainly isn’t always about the numbers — despite what the bank says! We’ve grown, fallen apart, rebuilt, and through it all, I’ve realised that business is never about getting it right, but about showing up anyway and celebrating those meaningful and unfiltered moments. Onwards, always.

And finally, we’ve got even more to smile about — our Kew collection was just featured in The Independent’s IndyBest section as one of the best vegan trainers. Scroll down for more.

18 Lessons in 18 Years

To mark 18 years of Cocorose, here are 18 honest, heartfelt, and sometimes hilarious lessons we’ve learned along the way:

1. A good shoe can change your day and your mood.

2. Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.

3. You don’t need to shout to be heard. Quiet luxury speaks volumes.

4. Foldable shoes really do save the day (and the night).

5. Leather samples will always look different under showroom lights.

6. A delayed shipment feels like a catastrophe until your customers show incredible kindness.

7. Saying thank you is never overrated.

8. Your customers become your community, and often your friends.

9. Never underestimate the power of small batches.

10. Hand-cut soles mean no two shoes are ever exactly alike.

11. Listening to customer feedback has helped us improve everything.

12. Sustainability isn’t a trend. It’s a responsibility.

13. Shoes can spark joy, but people make the magic.

14. There is such a thing as “the one.” We’ve seen it when someone tries on their perfect pair.

15. Launching a collection while holding a teething baby? Yes, we did that.

16. Heart isn’t just in our shoes. It’s in our design process, our packaging, and our conversations.

17. It’s okay to evolve. It’s not okay to forget why you started.

18. Nothing beats the feeling of seeing someone wear Cocorose in the wild. Still gives us goosebumps.

Why the Kew Vegan Trainers Represent the Future

When we launched the Kew Vegan Trainers, we weren’t just releasing a new style. We were making a statement — a step forward in conscious fashion.

Crafted from organic, plant-based cactus leather, the Kew trainers are breathable, durable, and cruelty-free. They deliver the same all-day wearability Cocorose is known for.

They also carry a minimalist, clean design that works seamlessly across seasons and wardrobes. Sustainable doesn’t have to mean boring, and Kew proves it.

Being featured by The Independent wasn’t just exciting. It was confirmation that thoughtful design and environmental consciousness can go hand in hand. It showed us that what we’re building resonates beyond our own community.

The Press Feature: What It Means to Be Seen

Being included in The Independent’s IndyBest guide as one of the best vegan trainers isn’t just an editorial moment. It’s recognition. It’s motivation. And it’s deeply personal.

For a small, independent brand like ours, press validation reminds us that the long nights, the design dilemmas, the shipping delays, and the reworks — they’re all worth it.

It shows our customers that we’re not just telling our story. Others are noticing it too.

More importantly, it means our mission — to create beautiful, comfortable, and ethical footwear — is landing with those who value purpose as much as product.

Our Craft Has Evolved, But Our Values Haven’t

Since day one, our North Star has been the same: make shoes that are beautiful, wearable, and consciously made.

Our silhouettes have evolved. Our materials have grown more innovative, from traditional leather to vegan cactus leather and recycled components. But our values haven’t budged.

Craftsmanship still guides every decision. Every cut, stitch, and sole is a nod to the makers behind the scenes and the wearers who trust us to carry them through their day.

Comfort isn’t a bonus. It’s a necessity. Whether it’s the cushioned footbed, breathable lining, or flexible sole, we obsess over how it feels as much as how it looks.

And we continue to make small-batch production a pillar, because we believe fashion should be intentional, not wasteful.

As we walk into our next chapter, the heart stitched on our Hoxton trainers reminds us what matters: care, community, and walking the talk.

Thank you for walking this journey with us,
Janan & Team Cocorose xx

FEATURED IN THE INDEPENDENT

SOFT METALLICS

BECAUSE LIFE IS TOO SHORT

YOUR COCOROSE MOMENTS