To give you an exclusive peek into the creative process behind the designs of Housewarming and After Dark, we sat down with the incredible team who brought these cozy collections to life: Gabrielle Thompson (Director of Footwear), Catherine Kingdon (Associate Director of Product), Rosie Jamieson (Associate Director of Technical Footwear), and Hannah Trotman (Product Developer). Here’s what they had to say about our latest cozy, stylish drops.
Q: Let’s start with the inspiration behind the Housewarming Collection. What does ‘Housewarming’ mean to you all, and how did that translate into the designs?
Catherine: “For us, Housewarming is all about welcoming something new and making it your own. When designing for fall, we wanted to capture that sense of comfort and luxury—and have it all under one roof. It’s a fresh start, but with a comforting, familiar vibe that feels like home. Whether you’re gathering with friends around the dinner table or relaxing with a good book, we wanted these shoes to be the perfect style for every moment.”
Rosie: “It’s about creating shoes that feel like home. FRANKIE4 is all about empowering women with support and style, so we wanted to elevate that sensation with this collection. Think luxurious materials, rich tones, and a mix of textures that embody warmth. The goal was to make shoes that are as cozy as they are chic—where every step feels like the perfect fit.”
Gabrielle: “We also wanted to make sure the collection spoke to the idea of ‘gentle living.’ Fall is a season where we slow down a little, spend time with loved ones, and embrace the simple pleasures. Our shoes reflect that grounded, effortless vibe, while still providing the premium comfort and podiatrist-designed support that FRANKIE4 is known for.”
Q: There are so many beautiful design elements in this collection, for example the conscious choice of materials like patent leather, shearling, and suede. Can you share more about how those features came to be?
Hannah: “We really wanted to blend luxury with practicality, so when selecting materials like patent leather, shearling, and suede, it was important to choose textures that feel both timeless and fresh. The touch of shearling from Australian and New Zealand sheep found in Miles, for example, adds a luxe, elevated touch while remaining soft and cozy. Each material was chosen to create a perfect harmony of comfort, style, and versatility.”
Rosie: “The neutrals in this collection are just stunning—we aimed for a palette that feels grounded and versatile, but still sophisticated. Shadow in rye suede and Sage in bark are the perfect examples of this. They’re those colors you can wear with everything, and they work so well with any autumnal aesthetic. We also added hints of shades like eucalyptus and navy for a touch of contrast, giving the collection depth (Axel in chalk and eucalyptus, for example). Together, it’s a balanced, harmonious mix that feels fresh for the season.”
Gabrielle: “We also paid special attention to the texture of the materials. The mix of soft suedes, smooth leathers, and luxe, cozy fabrics create that elevated yet easy-going vibe. It’s like being wrapped in a blanket with a hot cup of tea—cozy and decadent. And with additions like Foxx in white tumbled and Liberty in black, we have even more luxurious textures to complete the classics in the collection."
Q: This drop feels very much like it’s rooted in quiet luxury. Can you expand on how you achieved that understated elegance in the collection?
Catherine: “Quiet luxury is really about subtlety—it's focusing on the details, beautiful finishes that aren’t too flashy, but still feel premium. For example, the new stud details on the Mim in white rock stud and black rock stud and Raider now in ecru adds just the right amount of edge, enhancing the sleekness of the shoes without overpowering them.”
Rosie: "Exactly, everything is consciously crafted. For example, with Cleo, we’ve really captured that perfect balance of comfort and French-inspired style in three beautiful colorways. It’s luxury that feels natural and easy to wear—like slipping into something that just works, with features that support your feet all day without ever feeling fussy. It’s the kind of elegance that’s as much about how the shoes make you feel as how they look.”
Hannah: “I was just thinking the perfect example of this quiet luxury is the new arrival finish of the bestseller, Coco in mushroom suede. So sleek, refined, and effortlessly elegant. The silhouette is polished, but the plush underfoot feel makes it a dream to wear. It’s the kind of heel that looks sophisticated yet feels unbelievably comfortable—perfect for elevating any fall look.”
Gabrielle: "Hepburn is one of my favorites because it feels like true quiet luxury. The Mary Jane design is timeless, but what really makes it stand out is it’s supportive with that style star power. With pressure-relieving lining and a custom fit too, it’s all about groundbreaking effortless style and all-day wearability."
Q: With the Housewarming theme in mind, how does this collection complement the everyday lifestyle? What kind of woman do you envision wearing these shoes?
Gabrielle: “We designed this collection with versatility in mind—styles that work for both laid-back weekends and everything in between. It’s for women who want to feel effortlessly put-together while finding the perfect match for their style and schedule.”
Rosie: “It’s about owning your look. The Housewarming Collection isn’t just trendsetting—it’s about timeless pieces that seamlessly blend into your wardrobe. These shoes are meant to be worn from day to night, dressed up or down. It’s all about the balance of style and function.”
Hannah: “We envision a woman who’s confident in her choices, someone who embraces comfort without compromising style. These shoes offer that ‘second-skin’ feel, supporting her all day while looking chic with every step.”
Q: With After Dark, the Winter 2025 drop just out, what can customers expect from this new drop?
Catherine: “After Dark, the theme took inspiration from where comfort meets a sharper edge. This collection leans into rich textures, darker tones, and a sense of polish that feels both elevated and effortless. You’ll see bold new materials like luxe knits (like Melrose), tumbled leathers, and plush shearling that bring warmth and depth to winter dressing.”
Gabrielle: “Winter 2025 is all about duality: styles that move seamlessly from day to night, from understated to statement. We’ve introduced refined silhouettes that balance strength and softness, with that unmistakable FRANKIE4 comfort built in. Think sleek, versatile designs that make colder days feel anything but predictable.”
Q: What are you most excited for the community to experience with this collection?
Rosie: “I’m so excited for the community to experience the sheer comfort and luxury of these shoes. When you wear them, you’ll feel like you’ve found your true style sanctuary. It’s not just about how they look—it’s about how they make you feel. That’s what we’re most proud of.”
Hannah: “The textures, the softness, the fit—it’s all designed to make you feel at home in your own shoes. It’s that feeling of stepping into a new season and knowing that your shoes will carry you through every moment with ease.”
With the Housewarming Collection and fresh drop of After Dark Winter 2025, Fall/Winter 2025 has just become the season of comfort, style, and a true sense of home. Whether you're embracing cozy luxury or adding brand-new silhouettes to your wardrobe, these shoes are here to carry you through every step of the season.
Stay tuned for even more, and in the meantime, we invite you to step inside and make yourself at home in the House of FRANKIE4.