“Good food and a glass of champagne is always a good idea. Katerina of MILKY AISLE on her recommended lockdown pick-me-up
Lithuanian-born Katerina Pinko, the designer behind new niche, luxury bridal footwear label, MILKY AISLE is causing waves in the industry with her glittering (and notably, very comfortable) bridal footwear designs. Debuting a collection awash with luxury details – think shimmering pearls tucked in the arch of a heel, sculptural scalloped edges, plumes of ethereal feathers and glimmering embellishment that will instantly steal many a brides’ heart – I’m in no doubt you’ll want to become a MILKY AISLE girl as soon as possible (I, in fact, already have my eyes firmly on the sumptuous scalloped form of Palla D’orsay). Having moved to London to study fashion design at the prestigious Istituto Marangoni, Katerina’s immense skill and innate sense of style is clearly evident, and her determination to make sure brides’ are comfortable on their way down the aisle, instantly recognisable via the carefully curated design of her shoes. “I wanted to create eminently wearable styles that could carry the brides through their very special day, that would be elegant, but also audaciously feminine.”
I caught up with the designer herself to get the lowdown on her lockdown, and what’s next for the brand…
Photography by SIVAKOFF STUDIO
#1 We’ve just gone into Lockdown 3. In three words, describe how you are currently feeling…
No.1 “Relaxed.”
No.2 “Challenged.”
No.3 “Optimistic.”
#2 Talk to us about your usual daily routine for your business and how this will change in lockdown…
“Daily tasks for a shoe designer greatly depend on the time of the year. There are some days when I am really busy sitting at my desk sketching shoes or maybe working on a new last with the developer or working towards sales. But, during lockdown my day is definitely slower. I am working at home, but my day routine has not relaxed because I have to take care of my family – my husband and my four year old son. Only after am I settling down at my desk and writing a to-do list. At the moment, it’s more about thinking how to save business and stay afloat – but I’m still always sketching of course.”
#3 How will/does lockdown impact your business, and how can people (brides/the wedding industry) support you throughout?
“Since MILKY AISLE is an absolute 2020 year start up, it is a very challenging time for us. We had big plans for 2020 including three exhibitions in London, Moscow and New York, but all were cancelled due to Covid-19. It is difficult to get the right contacts to start stocking shoes at any store or boutique, and sometimes exhibitions really help when it comes to meeting the person you need to move your business forward. Unfortunately, we lost the year, but anyway we try to stay optimistic and slowly move step by step.”
#4 Name three small businesses on Instagram you are supporting or would like to support more…
No.1 “@isydress – the best online wedding dress shop. The owner is my good friend, she really works hard and always inspires me to move forward.”
No.2 “@sivakoff_studio – my beloved bridal photographer.”
No.3 “@bridalstylevancouver – hopefully our future partners. They are about to launch an online bridal shop.”
#5 Favourite lockdown snack?
“During the lockdown we developed a strong love for healthy eating, less meat more greens. My favourite snack is poached egg with smoked salmon and avocado salsa.”
#6 What’s your most recommended lockdown pick-me-up when you’re feeling down during lockdown? What’s getting you through the days?
“Good food and a glass of champagne is always a good idea ;)”
#7 Name a dinner/meal or beverage choice you feel might bring someone joy to their lockdown life…
“Oysters? or maybe a hot home made chocolate cake with ice cream on the side?”
#8 Talk us through what’s new at your brand…
“The situation is quite difficult at the moment, but we hope all will be good soon, and I try to push all the things forward with all my might. So, if all goes well, I am planning a wider shoe range at MILKY AISLE. I would also like to produce casual shoes.”
#9 What’s your lockdown outfit most days?
“Jeans, t-shirt and sweater. Dreaming about the days when I can wear my best dress and high heels again.”
#10 What series have you now completed on Netflix/Amazon Prime etc.? Any recommendations?
“The Queens Gambit.”
#11 The person(s) you will hug first when social distancing is no longer in place?
“My parents and my lovely grandparents. I’ve missed them a lot and have not seen them since last year.”
#12 An act of kindness towards you that you’ve really appreciated during lockdown?
“I would like to send much love to my social circle. Everyone supported me as much as they can. I really appreciate all of them.”
#13 For a little Instagram-escapism and positivity, what account would you recommend?
“@eat_guilt_free is very useful while the restaurants are not available.”
#14 Name three things the lockdown has made you grateful for:
No.1 “Time.”
No.2 “Family.”
No.3 “Health.”
#15 Which restaurant will you dine at first once restrictions are lifted again?
“Panama Food Garden Vilnius, Lithuania. They serve the most tasty octopus.”
#16 What would be your five film recommendations to watch during lockdown…
“Father of the Bride, Father of the Bride 2, My best friend wedding, My big fat Greek wedding and Pretty Women.”
#17 What book would be top of your lockdown book list?
“The Master and Margarita by M. Bulgakov.”
#18 Name an odd purchase you’ve made during lockdown…
“Hmm…nothing.”
#19 The best gift you received this festive period?
“Robot vacuum cleaner – very useful thing.”
#20 Name a brand you would love to collaborate with…
“Galia Lahav.”
#21 What’s your advice to lockdown brides?
“Stay calm, enjoy every moment, it will never repeat again. Celebrate your love every day and choose the most beautiful bridal shoes. I also advise to contact me directly @pinkokaterina, I will support every one of my brides during this year and promise to give my personal discount to each.”
#22 Your favourite beverage of choice?
“Red wine, champagne or a margarita, it depends on my mood ;)”
#24 Name your favourite magazine to curl up with…
“Tatler.”
To discover more of MILKY AISLE’s beautiful bridal shoes, head to the MILKY AISLE website immediately.
Want to read more WFH Diary entries from your favourite bridal brands, boutiques and designers? Head on over to the Bridal Editor WFH Diary page.
