The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, is celebrated for her impeccable style, particularly her choice of accessories such as footwear. Her preferred brand for heels is Emmy London, known for its luxurious, handcrafted designs made in Portugal. The brand, led by creative director Emmy Scarterfield and based in Chelsea, is renowned for its durable shoes crafted from premium Italian leather. It’s no wonder Kate has amassed a collection of 16 pairs in various colors.
Kate’s collection includes the signature Rebecca pumps in ten shades, the Josie pumps in three, and the now-discontinued Valerie platforms in two colors. Her favorite style, the Rebecca pump, is a pointed court shoe priced at £495, designed for both casual and formal occasions. Made from soft suede, the Rebecca features a 4.2-inch heel, a leather scalloped lining, and a branded sole with a single crystal embellishment, which is a hallmark of Emmy London’s designs.
The Princess often chooses shoe colors that match her outfits. For example, during the National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh to mark the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in July 2023, Kate wore Emmy London cobalt blue pumps with a Catherine Walker coat, complemented by a coordinating Philip Treacy hat. This demonstrated her mastery of tonal dressing and color-block styling, an approach that may be inspired by Queen Elizabeth’s famous remark, “If I wore beige, nobody would know who I am.”
The Rebecca pumps, available in 18 finishes including patent black leather, tan leather, blush suede, and red suede, fit seamlessly into Kate’s vibrant wardrobe. She has skillfully coordinated the Rebecca pumps in shades like Makeup (pink) and Riviera (blue-grey) with an Alexander McQueen trouser suit and an Emilia Wickstead coatdress, respectively. In 2022, she paired her Edeline Lee dress with Rebecca pumps in green suede.
In addition to the Rebecca style, Kate has also added three pairs of Josie pumps in tan, green, and navy to her collection. These elegant yet comfortable block-heeled court shoes, also priced at £495, feature a pointed toe, padded insole, and an 85mm heel. Kate often pairs the Josie pumps with wide-leg trousers, as she did at the 2019 King’s Cup Regatta in Greenwich, where she wore the Midnight Blue Josie pumps with a Breton top and trousers. She has worn these shoes multiple times since then, including during the 2019 Christmas Day church service, where she matched her green Josie pumps with a coat worn by her daughter, Princess Charlotte.
While Kate typically opts for heels, she occasionally chooses flat shoes from Emmy London. During a visit to the Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford last year, she debuted the Lulu flats in Midnight Navy, which perfectly complemented her blazer and trouser ensemble. The £405 Lulu flats are both stylish and practical, featuring a pointed toe, low-profile heel, and extra padding for comfort.
Emmy London’s attention to detail is evident in their craftsmanship. The shoes are traditionally crafted using a “last,” a mold that determines the shape of the shoe, and each pair features hand-embroidered embellishments and a signature crystal on the sole. The brand also offers a bespoke service, allowing customers to choose a colored crystal for their sole that holds special meaning, such as a blue gem for brides to represent “something blue” on their wedding day.
Kate is also a fan of Emmy London’s bags, having carried 14 Natasha clutches to date, often coordinating them with her footwear or opting for a neutral shade. She’s not the only royal admirer of the brand; Zara Tindall and Autumn Phillips have also been seen sporting several Emmy London designs. Like Kate, Zara owns the Rebecca pumps in pink makeup suede and wore them to a Buckingham Palace garden party earlier this year.
Emmy London is committed to sustainability, partnering with top suppliers and selecting their tannery before even sketching their debut collection to ensure the finest suede. They use high-quality leathers, components, soles, and fabrics in every piece, aiming to balance beauty and comfort. The shoes are presented in luxurious, gift-like packaging.
In response to clients’ needs, Emmy London has recently introduced a “Care & Comfort Kit” for summer events. Priced at £35, this kit includes heel stoppers, reusable gel insoles, and a suede cleaning block, catering to practical concerns while maintaining the brand’s commitment to elegance and quality.
Emmy Scarterfield’s passion for shoes began early in her childhood and was honed through a design career that took her from Cordwainer’s College to designing for prestigious brands like Giorgio Armani and Bottega Veneta in Milan. Her expertise and commitment to craftsmanship are evident in every pair of Emmy London shoes, making the brand a favorite among fashion-conscious royals and customers alike.