User:Sweeneyshoes!!

Oliver Sweeney is a British shoe designer, born in Leicester in 1954.

His first job in footwear was at a bespoke shoe makers as the shop boy, where he learnt how to repair and make shoes. After this he joined the design department of McAffees, where he progressed to the role of Head of Design. In 1989 Oliver established his own Oliver Sweeney brand. It was launched in Harrods, where Oliver himself served the customers. In 2000, Oliver Sweeney opened its first stand alone store.

In 2003, Oliver designed the 'Chelsea' style of shoe. This design caught the eye of Dylan Jones, Editor of British GQ, and became the first of Oliver's notable designs.

Oliver Sweeney footwear is based around the Anatomical LastTM, which Oliver designed before establishing the business. The last is the foot shaped piece around which the shoe is built. Oliver's last is designed to accurately mimic the anatomical shape of the foot. It is sculpted to give support to the arch, the instep points to the big toe, like the real foot. A gentle twist through its length simulates the natural shape of the foot, and helps reduce rolling to the outside of the foot.

Oliver sold the business privately in 2009. it was taken over by Amery Capital, which was founded by the former Marks & Spencer director Maurice Helfgott with support from the Bennett brothers, Maurice and Michael. The Bennetts were the founders of Warehouse and Oasis, played a role in the development of Coast and also in the transformation of Phase Eight. Amery Capital also has a stake in the women’s clothing store, Kookai. As of 2012 there are now 6 stores in the UK and a concession in Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge.