Meet Your Makers - Vol 1

As we collectively settle into our new normal at home, we’re spending our time celebrating creativity, under our campaign ‘In the Making.’ Whilst our usual working atmosphere has changed, we are continuing to celebrate creativity with a spotlight series on a few of our inspiring makers in the Merchant 1948 family.

Meet our very own maker, Tania; one of the designers behind our Deuce sneakers range. She fills us in on all things creative and what she’s currently making during this time. 

What does creativity mean to you? 

T: For me, creativity means finding new ways to hone my craftsmanship and design skills. It allows me to be challenged and grow, even after working in this industry for 20 years.

What do you love about being a designer?

T: Having an idea, a hunch or a dream and be able to bring it to life. It is so rewarding to know that a pair of shoes you have produced, is being loved and worn by someone in the world.  

How do you start your creative process for a new season?

T: Surprisingly, my creative process begins with a lot of data! This builds the foundation and direction for the season. I draw inspiration for designs, from random sketches I have worked on, to our team brainstorms or global trends. Once we have reached our final sketches, we begin sample testing in our factories and review them in-house. It is so exciting, seeing our samples arrive for the first time! 

Any favourite Deuce designs? 

T: My current favourite, this season is Vale. I am drawn to the simplicity of the sneaker’s outline and the proportion of the sole to the upper. I bought the style the first day it came into the store and have to actively stop myself from wearing them every day!

Who or where do you draw inspiration from? 

T: In a short answer – everything and anything can trigger an idea. The colour blends used in street art or how a dress flows on someone walking past. We are observant and open-minded, and it has become an everyday habit to absorb anything we see, hear or feel and craft it into something physical.

What are you reading/listening to at the moment?

T:  Reading ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ by Delia Owens and listening to The Infinite Monkey Cage podcast – I am slightly obsessed with Astrophysics so my listening and reading skew more towards that for now. 

At the very heart of Deuce is a desire to create sneakers that feel as good as they look. Designing with a fashion-meets-function approach, Tania and our team in Auckland, New Zealand pride themselves on delivering sneakers that are lightweight, comfortable and durable – without sacrificing style.

Before Deuce was in the making, our founder, Shane was frustrated that the traditional canvas sneakers his kids wore, provided barely any arch support. While they looked cool, your feet ached after spending a day in them.

The Deuce Designers have spent numerous years crafting our design process by talking to our customers about their needs, visiting our factory, talking to our team and learning from these craftsmen to evolve our process. The design process is something we’re so proud of, and it’s a key part of the Deuce brand today. Details make all the difference with our range of designs including fresh, fashion-forward silhouettes, premium leathers and fabrics, athletic-inspired footbed technology and vulcanised rubber soles - just to name a few!

This current hiccup in our journey, will not stop us from standing together, celebrating creativity and staying inspired. Let us know how you stay inspired and creative at home.