ALIAS MAE
Alias Mae is an Australian owned brand founded by talented shoe designer Tom Kirkhope. Kirkhope’s family had been shoemakers in the industry throughout his childhood and although heavily entwined in the design industry they encouraged him to take his own path in life. His adoration for shoes came about when he started his first job at CUBE footwear which inspired him to start his designing career at the age of 23.
Tom Kirkhope has won a Young Achievers Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Australasian footwear industry in 2008 and has gained the technical knowledge, vast experience in the industry & an impeccable eye for detail. He has had the opportunity to work with admirable designers such as Toni Maticevski, Wayne Cooper, One Day Bridal & Alannah Hill.
He had begun his solo career in 2011 when he founded Alias Mae. The brand has established a reputation for their innovative footwear designs and colourways specialising in contemporary styling. Each product created by the brand is made to steer clear of classic shoes that already exist in the footwear industry and is executed to perfection. Kirkhope is a firm believer in ‘good quality leather and skilled workmanship’ and ensures that each design he makes undergoes an attentive process of research and development. The motto that Kirkhope lives by is that product is #1 and consumers are always demanding something new.
“ You have to start from the bottom and learn the ropes of footwear manufacturing and development through experience in the industry”
Kirkhope was able to create a successful footwear brand starting from the bottom. His desire and dedication to pursue a larger role in the shoe industry in Australia has shown aspiring design students to become more hands on and develop skills through experience. In an interview Kirkhope stated that anyone wanting to pursue a career in the design industry should ‘stay focused on putting one foot in front of the other’ and have sincere passion for what it is they are doing.
Alias Mae is now distributed in Australia, New Zealand and Europe.
“I didn’t know if I was ready. Really it just comes down to taking that first step”
Wearing:
Zali Leather Ankle Boots (Black) also available in Taupe & Grey
Alias Mae is available to purchase at select retailers including REVOLVE, the ICONIC, David Jones & ALIAS MAE website.