Natalie Miller HOLSTER Interview

Natalie Miller HOLSTER Interview

Holster® Australia was launched in 2002 by partners Natalie Miller and Ben Nothling. After beginning their career with leather beaded flip flops, the Holster® jellies were launched in 2006.

On holiday in Bali, Natalie and Ben were inspired by the opportunity to offer great value accessories that were in local demand. At the time shell belts were an incredibly hot fashion item, especially in Queensland. Whilst belts disappeared in popularity, Ben and Natalie identified a unique opportunity within the shoe category. They knew their idea had a local resonance, but was also a powerful vehicle for global growth. With Ben's talent for business and Natalie's flair for design, they produced a range of jelly sandals that no other company had embraced as a concept.

'I wanted to design the perfect pair of shoes that would take me stylishly (yet comfortably) anywhere I wanted to go. Holster® offers a versatile lifestyle solution… from dusk to dawn all summer long" Natalie says.

Natalie wanted to embrace the beach girl style by designing embellished footwear which included espadrilles, flats, jelly sandals and jelly wedges. The collection always includes a variety of colours and shapes for all personalities, as well as stunning and unique A-grade jewels, studs, shells and Swarovski® crystals that look fashion-forward on the beach and beyond.

'I am inspired by vacations and the things that I see and experience. When you slip on a pair of Holsters® I want you to feel like you are on holidays in paradise" says Natalie. 'The Holster® woman is an ethereal mix of down-to-earth glamour, beach-side romanticism and someone who smiles with the world; never taking life too seriously".

The iconic jelly sandals from Holster® Australia are now in high demand globally with its famous shoe collection now a must have for any ladies' summer wardrobe. Celebrities have shown they love Holster® including Dannii Minogue whom has been spotted in her Holster® sandals for years. Dannii recently included Holster® in her style book as her favourite flip flop brand for summer.

Aside from being fashion forward each season, Holster® is also committed to ensuring innovation in physical design with the introduction of new uppers, soles and arch supports. This ensures the brand continues to offer comfort and delivers on the credentials as both a trusted Australian owned and designed footwear label and a company committed to foot health.

The Holster® design team work very hard on developing shoes that look glamorous but are also very comfortable and have added support features. Our team of shoe and mould technicians work hard to engineer our footwear moulds.

From its Noosa base, the iconic jelly sandals are sold in UK retail giants such as Harvey Nichols, Harrods, Selfridges, Brown Thomas and Russell & Bromley and Australian retailers David Jones and Mathers. Holster® is now sold in 1500 outlets worldwide and over 45 countries globally.

To view the complete SS12 collection visit the Holster® website www.Holsterfashion.com

Make Every Day a Holiday
SS12 Collection

The Holster® SS12 'Make Every Day a Holiday' collection takes the concept of Jelly sandals to a whole new level. Chic comfort combined with an extensive focus on design and quality will have you looking fashion-forward on the beach and beyond to suit every occasion.

Embracing beach girl style, this season's designer collection showcases the Holster® signature designs. The range is embellished with stunning and unique A-Grade jewels, studs, Mother of Pearl Shell and Swarovski® elements and crystals.

The Holster® SS12 -Make Every Day a Holiday' collection is a true reflection of the beautiful beachside surroundings of Noosa, Queensland. It is here that Natalie Miller, Holster® designer takes her inspiration from.

'When you slip on a pair of Holsters® I want you to feel like you are on holidays in paradise. Sunset is one of my favourite times of the day. I am obsessed with tropical islands, fresh air, nature and everything summer… All of these elements combine to reflect the Holster® collection this season. Nature's beauty clears my mind and allows my creativity to flow". Natalie Miller, designer of Holster®.

New design techniques, shapes and materials have been infused into the SS12 collection. Nautical stripe insole prints, new embellishments and colour blocking are central to this year's collection. Taking inspiration from the beaches of St Lucia and cocktails at sunset, the collection features bright, bold colours such as Tangerine and Marina in addition to the signature Holster® neutrals.

Whilst maintaining the fashionability the brand is known for, Holster® this season also wanted to ensure that comfort was optimised. The brand will introduce two new styles this season to assist with greater support. This will include the new HORSE-SHOE sole which cushions the heel through an air pocket and the EVA Wedge (available in two heights) which makes you feel like you are walking on air. 'We wanted to continue to offer glamorous and fashion-forward shoes that are actually kind to your feet".

Interview with Natalie Miller

Question: Can you describe the flip flops in the Holster collection?

Natalie Miller: New design techniques, shapes and materials have been infused into the SS12 ladies and kids collection. Nautical stripe insole prints, new embellishments and colour blocking are central along with bright hues like Tangerine and Marina which are proving to be very popular this season.


Question: What inspires you when creating a collection?

Natalie Miller: When you slip on a pair of holsters I want you to feel like you are on holidays in paradise. Sunset is one of my favourite times of the day. I am obsessed with tropical islands, fresh air, nature and everything summer… All of these elements combine to reflect the holster collection this season. Nature's beauty clears my mind and allows my design creativity to flow.


Question: Tell us about the Make Every Day a Holiday collection:

Natalie Miller: The SS '12 -Make Every Day a Holiday' if fun, fashion forward and full of colour. Holster always takes the concept of jelly sandals to a whole new untouched level. Known for our signature embellishment this collection does not disappoint and includes styles adorned with stunning A-grade jewels, studs, Mother of Pearl shell and Swarovski crystals. Offering flats, wedges and espadrilles our footwear styles will take you from the beach to the bistro to the bar without the need for a change of shoes.


Question: Can you talk about what inspired you to create Holster?

Natalie Miller: Although holster dabbled in shoes prior, the inaugural holster jelly was launched in 2004. Years later we then saw a gap in the market place for footwear that is comfortable, durable, high quality and affordable– hence the jelly sandal with bling was born. (Holster is now world renowned for our trademark bling!)


Question: What inspired the name Holster?

Natalie Miller: In 2001 my partner Ben and I decided to launch our own surfwear label. Ben's dream was to import surfboards covers from Bali. The holster brand was born out of Ben's idea that a surfboard should fit snugly into its cover just as a gun fits into its holster. Obviously the brand has changed direction since then.


Question: How important is creating a comfortable flip flops that fits with the current fashion, for Holster?

Natalie Miller: It is extremely important that the shoe feels as good on the foot as it looks. We have placed even greater emphasis on foot comfort and health this season, developing outsoles with increased arch and heel support so you can look cute and feel comfortable all summer long.


 Question: Where do you source your materials?

Natalie Miller: A variety of different countries all over the world.


Question: How does it feel to have Dannii Minogue as a Holster fan?

Natalie Miller: We absolutely love everything about Dannii and we're thrilled she's such a big fan. She always looks amazing, her taste is incredible and we are very flattered that she loves the brand.

Question: Which other celebrities choose to wear Holster flip flops?

Natalie Miller: We have local and international singers, soap stars, movie stars and even members of the British Royal Family. Some recent celebs that have been spotted in their holsters include ,Katie Price [Jordan] , Rachel Finch, Shelley Craft, Bai Ling, Izabelle Miko & Rebecca Mader.


Question: What are your top tips for us to choose the right pair of Holster flip flops, to suit?

Natalie Miller: Don't follow the trends, set your own trends. Fashion is an extension of your personality so I recommend choosing a style that compliments your wardrobe, works well with your individual foot shape and makes you feel good about yourself.


Question: Where can Australians buy Holster?

Natalie Miller: We have a vast arrange stockists all throughout Australia [including David Jones]. Visit our website at www.holsterfashion.com for help with stockists and to shop online. You can also follow our facebook page -holster fashion' to be in the know of everything holster.


Question: What is the RRP for Holster flip flops?

Natalie Miller: This season we start at $39.99 and reach $119.99 for our Swarovski jelly.


Interview by Brooke Hunter