Meet the Maker: Emma Winter of La Tribe
Since 2015 La Tribe has been bringing a compilation of effortlessly cool essentials to our wardrobes. Founder Emma Winter shared the La Tribe story, creative process and her everyday essentials with Superette.
When and how did La Tribe come about?
La Tribe was born from my own obsession with shoes, I felt there was a gap in the market for a footwear brand which had a bohemian aesthetic. Fast forward 5 years later we are slowly evolving into a lifestyle brand adding jewellery, accessories and recently a small curated apparel offering.
Any advice you would give to someone thinking of starting a brand?
Being creative isn’t enough there are many talented people in this world, you need to understand how business works – formulate a business plan, learn how to read a PL and balance sheet, create a budget, set your margins accurately. Understanding the financials is the key to making quality decisions when starting a brand and will set good foundations when it takes off.
La Tribe x Superette Platform Slide – Mocha
What’s your design process and is there anything you do to help to get the ideas rolling?
I am lucky to be surrounded by an incredible bunch of women who are in varying stages in life and of all ages. A lot of ideas come from conversations about what they feel they are missing in their wardrobes. I also have a large collection of vintage shoes from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. I like seeing the handmade construction techniques and shapes from these eras which often are the foundations and inspiration behind a lot of our boot and heel designs.
Do you have a favourite style that you’ve created over the years?
One of my favourite styles would have to be the Dylan boot. It was one of the first ankle boots we did and came with a removable holster. It resonated with a lot of women at that time and were lovingly thrashed by many. We still get requests asking if we can repeat it again!
From Left to Right: La Tribe x Superette Platform Slide, La Tribe x Superette Twist Slide
What is your workspace style and what essentials would we find on your desk at the moment?
A coffee, diptyque candle, Artline fine tip pens, Crystals, Leather swatches, Aesop hand cream, iPhone.
What little pleasures have you found being at home?
Being able to slow down and just be in the moment with my family.
From Left to Right: La Tribe Mini Thunder Bolt Studs , La Tribe Black Zirconia Stud Chain, La Tribe Olive Peridot Stud 1924
What should every woman have in her wardrobe?
A good pair of jeans, a classic white shirt, sneakers and a nice pair of leather boots.
From Left to Right: La Tribe Cashmere Socks, La Tribe Riding Boot (Coming Soon)
How would you describe your personal style?
Understated. I always feel most comfortable dressing down rather than up.
From Left to Right: La Tribe Pool Slides – Choc, La Tribe Pool Slides – Black
How has your style changed since becoming a mum?
I’ve always been a casual dresser, so my wardrobe hasn’t changed too much. Although I am pregnant at the moment and my skin gets really sensitive and itchy so I’m wearing a lot of natural fibers – cotton, silks, etc.
Do you have any tips for other mums out there?
Don’t be too hard on yourself! It’s a marathon, not a sprint and there’s no medal at the end so don’t feel like you need to be perfect all time. Be yourself, show your children that they are loved, teach them resilience and good manners.
La Tribe Pool Slides – Choc
Where to from here, what’s next for La Tribe?
The last month has given us the opportunity to reflect on what’s working and what needs improving with in our brand. We have been busy creating new styles, sourcing new materials, developing new colour’s and styles for the next 6 months.
I really miss having sheepskin slippers especially this last month ha-ha. We did some unisex ones a few years back which were really popular. So we have been busy designing 2 new slipper styles in June. We are excited to work with Superette on launching the sheepskin slippers in their own exclusive colour ways.