In this interview at the British Invention Show 2008, designer Jane Rafter recognizes that, although patented, her innovative shoe design could be copied.

The design of the sandals allows different uppers to be added to one base, effectively giving the wearer many shoes in one

As important as relying on IP lawyers to help protect against imitations is building her untouchable reputation for quality handcrafted design.

Although her Slinks sandals are individually handmade and crafted as she starts out, she plans to grow the range and production alongside her reputation, knowing that quality and appeal at the high end of the market are key to establishing a brand. 

Jane quickly won a Top Drawer award for her sandals, and has gone on to earn the Exceptionally Creative award at BFIIN 2009. The publicity and profile has earned Slinks coverage in dozens of magazines, newspapers and websites which has played a key role in building awareness of the Jane Rafter brand and getting the sandals into boutiques. 

Video interview part 1 5:49 mins (click on arrow in video below to play)

Video interview part 2 7:58 mins (click on arrow in video below to play)

Winning the Top Drawer award in 2008 earned publicity for Slinks in high-end magazines

 To find out more about Slinks and her designs, visit the Jane Rafter website

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