Ethical shoe biz Poppy Barley opens pop-up shop in Vancouver

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      Ethical shoe company Poppy Barley has opened its first-ever pop-up shop in Vancouver at Gastown’s Nicole Bridger.

      Founded and based in Edmonton and originally known for its made-to-order boots, the company offers a selection women’s and men’s footwear, such as heels, flats, and oxfords, all of which are designed in Canada and responsibly manufactured in Mexico. All shoes (starting at $225) are handcrafted from AA-grade leather—characterized by its quality and fine grain—and are recognized for their versatility and comfortable fits.

      “We believe in ‘Buy less, buy better’,” Justine Barber, cofounder of Poppy Barley, tells the Straight during a media launch of the pop-up, “so our design philosophy is that everything we produce has to be a foundational piece in your wardrobe.”

      Shoppers can expect to see a selection of peep-toe mules, slingback sandals, and buttery slides—in hues like nude, red, and black—as well as ankle and tall boots with suede and buckle details. These shoes are available onsite in “standard” sizes, though the pop-up is taking custom orders for those requiring smaller or larger foot widths, boot heights, or calf girths.

      An assortment of leather accessories, including handbags, crossbody bags, and totes, are also on hand.

      Launched by sisters Justine and Kendall Barber in 2012, Poppy Barley began as an online store offering ethically produced made-to-order leather boots. It now produces four ready-to-wear women's collections a year, as well as men’s footwear and accessories. The company believes in transparency, and according to its website, goes to great lengths to ensure that its artisans are working in just conditions and for fair wages.

      The Vancouver pop-up takes place ahead of the opening of Poppy Barley’s first showroom in Edmonton this August. According to Barber, local ecofriendly designer Nicole Bridger’s store proved a perfect place to host a shop-in-shop due to the two labels’ commitment to responsible manufacturing.

      “There’s just great synergy between our brand and theirs,” says Barber.

      The Poppy Barley pop-up takes place at Nicole Bridger (14 Water Street) until August 31. 

      Poppy Barley
      Poppy Barley
      Poppy Barley
      Poppy Barley
      Follow Lucy Lau on Twitter @lucylau.

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