Video Exclusive: How Are Shoes Made?

Ever wondered how the season's hottest heels go from sketch to reality? To celebrate #ShoesFirst, we've made an exclusive video with designer Camilla Elphick - watch her 'Coco Bananas' sandal come alive before your eyes...

We all know that every great outfit starts with a fabulous pair of shoes - which is why Marie Claire have created a whole event around them - hello #ShoesFirst! (See the October issue for our special section devoted to footwear in all its glory)

But how do the shoes themselves start? Ever gazed at a pair of Louboutins and wondered how they went from being a mere twinkle in Christian's eye to the jaw-dropping creations you see in front of you? Or what the top looks like when it's not attached to the shoe? Or how the heel can be so high – and still stay straight?

Wonder no more, shoe lovers. In this exclusive video, we take you on a rollercoaster ride through the whole process of making a pair of heels. Some of the hottest around, in fact. One of our favourite new London design talents, Camilla Elphick, who's fast becoming known for her elegant-meets-quirky shoes, took us on a tour of her Italian factories to show us the making of Coco Bananas. No, not a cocktail, but one of her favourite designs for SS16.

Working their way through a production process involving several factories, Camilla's shoes go through an intricate journey involving the work of lots of different craftsmen, who all have serious skills in leather-cutting, heel-hammering and the like.

By the time they’re wrapped in tissue and put into a Camilla Elphick-stamped box ready to steal the limelight, they’ve been through about 15 stages.

Click on the video below to see how Coco Bananas go from creative concept to reality, starting with Elphick's moodboard and original sketch. Added bonus: this is also your official sneak preview of her SS16 collection, not due to be unveiled until London Fashion Week next week. Even the Marie Claire fashion team don’t normally get those kind of privileges…