SHOP STORIES: SPICE LONDON

From the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street to the tranquillity of Primrose Hill, Gerard Levy has lived and breathed the world of footwear for virtually his entire life. Our partner in London for two years, Gerard not only acts as our agent in the UK and Ireland through Gil Agency , but is also our client under the Spice flagship store in Park London.

Spice is not just any store: it is a reflection of his passion and exclusive dedication to footwear. Today, Gerard opens the door to Spice to tell us more about his project.

Who is Gerard? How would you define yourself?

Like a person who has spent practically his entire adult life surrounded by shoes!

When did you open Spice London ? And Gil Agency ? What inspired you to take the plunge and open your own business?

My mother initially ran a stall selling trainers in the 1980s. She then opened a shoe shop in what was then an unknown part of Primrose Hill. Although I wanted to be a graphic designer, I couldn't get into university. So I dropped out and went straight into work. But I didn't want to work in my mother's shop, I didn't want that job. My first job was at 16 in a busy shoe shop on Oxford Street.

After a few years, I returned and, with the knowledge I had acquired, I started to manage the shop. My mother retired, but my sister and my wife continue to work in the shop. Over the years, the shop has won awards and has been nominated on several occasions.

I also run my own shoe agency and a few years ago I created PLFM, my own shoe fair. I eventually sold it to Pure London. In fact, producing that fair on my own has probably been one of the highlights of my career.

What do you think our philosophy brings to Spice London ?

As a shoe buyer and agent, I only choose certain brands that have a real "story" and Naguisa does.

Of all our designs so far, which have been your favorites?

If I had to choose a style that I like and that embodies Naguisa's values, I think it would be the SOC model. I consider it to be the heart of the brand!

Are you in the UK? These are some of the stores that feature NAGUISA in their shop window:

Collen & Clare Limited – Southwold

Cuckoo Clothing – Barton

Hat-trick – Hereford

Indian Summer – London

Jon Ian – Cowbridge

Joseph Azagury - Wimbledon Village

Lemon&melon Ltd – Cork

Pili Pala – Narbeth

Plümo - London

Regal – London

Spice London – London

Stuff – Ealing

The West Village – London

Vix Shoes – Newark