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Small Sizez, Big Stylez - Yunginz - Kidz Shoes from Australia
Inverview with Jenny Celebrin and Yolanda la Gorcè
April 3, 2009
Kids between the ages of 1-6 years can now get their shoe style fix thanks to new Australian fashion shoe label, Yunginz (pronounced 'young-ins'), with its range of shoes that are small in Size but Big in Style!
Frustrated at the lack of shoe choice for young kids, mum Jenny Celebrin with business partner and mum, Yolanda La Gorcè, decided to create a range that embodied everything they were looking for in shoes for their kids. On the must-have list was high style, reasonable price, quality fit and support.
The result - an Australian hot and happening shoe label for littlies. Yunginz shoes offer the latest in shoe fashion, utilising high quality materials and designed to support little feet to help them get their best start in life. Not only do they offer the very best for kid's feet and fashion but they are affordable.
Their mini-me, adorable versions of older styles will delight little kids who are always trying to copy older siblings or friends. The quality designs and workmanship, with particular attention to the needs of a child's growing feet, will delight mums seeking the best for their kids but at prices that are not in the league of adult shoes.
Meet Yunginz's designer mom team - Jenny Celebrin and Yolanda La Gorcè
This is your second year in the shoe business for kids. How’s it all going?
Really well, it’s extremely hard work but from the feedback we have been given retailers and consumers are very much welcoming something different in the kids footwear market. It is very satisfying to see something that you have designed from scratch actually end up on someone’s little foot!
What were the main reasons you started Yunginz?
Due to a lack of trendy styles for kids, frustrating with not being able to find what was needed for Jenny’s daughter.
These aren’t just shoes that look good, you’ve done your homework to get a great fit for kids’ feet too. Which professionals did you consult before you started designing your shoes?
When we started the business we got some GENERAL advice from a podiatrist local to our area. We are not affiliated with the podiatrist in anyway and the advice is not ongoing. We simply used the advice that was given and we make sure that each of our designs incorporates elements that create comfort for a child’s growing foot.
How important is fit for little feet?
Very important, as parents we have our own opinion as to what we feel is important - such as strappings across the top of the foot for more open style of shoe. We feel having strapping prevents kids from toe grabbing when walking. If there is no strap then kids (and adults!) tend to dig in with their toes when their heel lifts in order to keep their feet in the shoe which is not a good thing.
What about materials? Is what a shoe is made out of important for kids’ feet?
We think so. We most definitely work in leathers as opposed to PU. Of course we have some canvas styles but where the design calls for a non-canvas material (such as sandals etc) we always use leather which allows the foot to breath, as opposed to PU which is very uncomfortable in the summer due to causing sweating of the feet. Our canvas styles also have cotton inners in most cases, again allowing the foot to breath.
We’ve all been told to wait until our babies start walking before putting them in a structured shoe. At approximately what age should we be getting that first pair of shoes for our little ones?
We agree that ‘pre-walkers’ are the most practical and comfortable type of footwear for children prior to walking. We think that is a personal choice as each child is different and they all start walking at different ages. Generally speaking we’d suggest around the 18 month mark.
Is it worth going to a shoe store with a professional fitter?
In our opinion we feel that the first time out of pre-walkers requires a proper footwear fitting session for a child, then perhaps 3-6 monthly due to increase of sizing etc. Caring for your children’s feet is very important at an early age so they do not develop any foot problems over the years. If a child has a foot problem then we definitely recommend that shoes are fitted properly at a shoe store by a fitting professional each time footwear is purchased.
How often should you get your child fitted for shoes?
We feel it depends on how quickly you feel your child’s feet grow, again that is an individual thing – in general we would suggest perhaps every 3-6 months.
If you are fitting shoes on your kids yourself what are the main things you should look for?
Flexibility with the outer sole (preferably the outer sole should bend at the area where the ball of your foot is, below the large toe). We feel that softness for the feet is also important which is why all Yunginz footwear includes cushioned inner soles. Arch support is also important, as well as good support around the ankle area. Of course, some styles of shoes are not made for an ‘all day wearing’ purpose. Parents should always find good fitting footwear that they children wear most of the day, then of course there are other styles which you can be more flexible with that are only worn for a couple of hours at a time, such as birthday parties, weddings, and other special occasion type events.
When we were kids there was that expectation that you would need to break a pair of shoes in. Is this true?
Yes I think that is one of the many old wives tales. Sometimes shoes (in general – not specifically relating to Yunginz shoes) worn for the first few times might feel a little stiff, then they soften up more as they mould to your foot, but no shoe should cause blistering or any severe soreness even when worn for the first time.
How much do children’s feet grow each year?
Again each child is different. We do have some information on our website from footwear experts who say that Toddlers aged 2-3 years grow approximately half a foot size every four months. Over the age of 3 years, they increase half a foot size every four to six months.
What’s your favourite style for winter for boys and girls?
Jenny’s favourite – girls red boot, boys black tartan trim shoe. Yolanda’s – boys tartan trim show and girls lace ballet flat shoe.
Yunginz shoes are not standard US sizing so please check their size chart in order to obtain accurate sizing information for this brand.
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