Designer Johanna Ho's kids give her some competition in shoe stakes
Fashion designer Johanna Ho Chi-yan has so many shoes that her husband complains she is invading his wardrobe space. But he will probably have to grin and bear it, or move to a bigger house, now that their two young daughters are building up their shoe collections.
At the launch of British children's shoes brand Step2wo's autumn-winter collection on Tuesday, Ho's younger daughter, Katrina, stomped happily around Harvey Nichols in Pacific Place trying on shoes. Ho chose a pair of black ankle boots with studs to take home for her older daughter.
When choosing children's shoes, "the most important thing is that they are comfortable, as they are pretty active, and that the design suits their age", Ho said.
"My daughters are becoming quite choosy now and they have very different tastes. I let them choose what they like, but sometimes I have to interfere if I can't stand their choice - it's my designer's instinct."
Also present were Step2wo founders Lulu and Nick Rayne, who were happy they were able to satisfy Ho.
"Ours shoes are made with all sorts of features, such as adjustable straps, padding, arched support and leather lining so the foot can breathe," Nick Rayne said. The couple are also the brains behind the concept of the whole children's department at Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge and Hong Kong.
"But they are also fun and exciting. We follow adult fashions and translate them for kids."
