This Mother's Day we celebrate the bond between mothers and daughters with the spotlight on our very own Inspiring Soles from Merchant 1948 and Deuce Sneakers. Join us as we explore heartfelt stories and connections. Through intimate conversations, we get a glimpse into the cherished memories, love, and special moments that bond us all, as we honour and celebrate our mothers this Mother’s Day.
Everything you need to know to clean, protect, and maintain your suede shoes at home in New Zealand’s unique climate. Suede shoes and bags are a timeless investment, offering soft texture, effortless style, and everyday versatility. However, suede requires specific care to keep it looking its best. This guide is for anyone who owns suede footwear. From everyday sneakers to dress shoes and boots, and wants to extend their lifespan. Drawing on professional footwear care practices and experience working with premium materials, we’ll walk you through exactly how to clean suede shoes properly, prevent damage, and protect them from New Zealand weather conditions. What Is Suede and Why Does It Need Special Care? Suede is a type of leather made from the underside of animal hide. Unlike full-grain leather, suede has a soft, velvety surface known as the “nap.” Because suede is more porous and delicate than smooth leather, it: • Absorbs water easily • Stains more quickly • Can lose texture if cleaned incorrectly • Shows scuffs and marks more visibly New Zealand’s mix of rain, humidity, and dry summer dust makes suede protection especially important. Proper care ensures your suede shoes stay soft, clean, and structured for years. Essential Tools to Clean Suede Shoes at Home Before cleaning suede shoes, gather the right tools. Using proper suede care products prevents accidental damage. Suede Protector Spray A high-quality suede protector spray creates a water-repellent barrier to protect against rain and stains. This is especially important in New Zealand’s unpredictable weather. Suede Shampoo or Cleaner Choose a cleaner specifically formulated for suede. Regular leather cleaners or household products can damage the nap. Suede Brush A suede brush (often with rubber or brass bristles) helps lift dirt and restore the nap without flattening the texture. Towels or Paper to Stuff Inside Shoes Stuffing your shoes helps them maintain their shape while cleaning and drying. How to Clean Suede Shoes Step by Step Follow this simple process to safely clean suede shoes at home. 1. Prepare the Shoes for Cleaning Make sure your shoes are completely dry before starting. Cleaning damp suede can push stains deeper into the material. • Let shoes air dry naturally • Avoid direct heat or sunlight • Stuff with towels or newspaper to maintain shape 2. Gently Brush Away Surface Dirt Using a suede brush: • Brush in short, gentle strokes • Move in the direction of the nap • Apply slightly firmer pressure for stubborn dirt This step alone often removes light marks and dust. 3. Use a Suede Shampoo for Tough Stains For deeper stains: • Apply a small amount of suede cleaner • Use a soft brush or cloth to gently work it in • Avoid soaking the material Always spot test first on a hidden area. 4. Let the Shoes Dry Naturally Allow shoes to air dry fully at room temperature. Never use a heater, dryer, or direct sunlight, as heat can stiffen and shrink suede. 5. Restore the Nap Once dry, brush the suede again to lift and restore its soft texture. This step brings back the original finish. 6. Apply Suede Protector Spray Finish with a light, even coat of suede protector spray. Hold the spray about 15–20cm away and allow it to dry completely before wearing. Tips for Preventative Suede Care in New Zealand Preventative care is the best way to maintain suede shoes. Protect Before First Wear Always apply suede protector spray before wearing new suede shoes outside. Avoid Heavy Rain While protector spray helps, suede is not waterproof. Avoid wearing suede in heavy rain or muddy conditions. Brush Regularly Light brushing after wear prevents dirt build-up and keeps the nap lifted. Store Correctly Store suede shoes in a cool, dry place. Use shoe trees to maintain shape and avoid plastic containers that trap moisture. How to Remove Common Suede Stains Water Stains Lightly dampen the entire surface evenly (not just the stain), then let dry and brush to prevent water rings. Oil or Grease Stains Sprinkle corn flour over the stain and let sit overnight to absorb oils before brushing away. Scuff Marks Use a suede eraser or gently rub with a clean towel to lift marks. FAQs About Caring for Suede Shoes 1. Can you wash suede shoes in the washing machine? No. Washing machines can ruin suede by oversaturating and damaging the nap. 2. How often should I apply suede protector spray? Reapply every 4–6 weeks, or more frequently during wetter months in New Zealand. 3. What happens if suede gets wet? Let it dry naturally, then brush to restore the nap. Avoid heat drying. 4. Can I use regular leather cleaner on suede? No. Suede requires specialized cleaners to avoid flattening or staining the material. 5. Is suede suitable for everyday wear? Yes, with proper protection and maintenance. Regular brushing and protective spray make suede durable for daily use. Timeless style, properly maintained Suede shoes are a stylish, versatile addition to any wardrobe, and with the right care, they can last for years. Regular brushing, gentle cleaning, and consistent protection are the keys to keeping suede looking premium season after season. If you’re investing in quality suede footwear from Merchant 1948, taking a few minutes to care for them properly will protect both their appearance and longevity. Shop the Suede Series New in suede loafers, sneakers, and boots in timeless suede have just landed. Shop now and step confidently into every season.
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Introducing the season’s most coveted hue in women’s office wear shoes This article explores The Cherry Edit, a refined collection of women’s leather shoes in deep burgundy red — a colour defining modern dressing for the office and beyond. Designed for women seeking polished, versatile footwear that moves effortlessly from workday to evening, this guide covers why cherry is trending, how to style it, and which silhouettes work best for office wear. Crafted with premium materials and timeless design principles, The Cherry Edit is rooted in quality, longevity, and wearability — making it a trustworthy choice for women investing in shoes that balance heritage style with contemporary relevance. Why Cherry Is the Standout Colour for Women’s Office Wear Shoes Deep red — often referred to as cherry — has emerged as a key colour trend this season offering an elegant alternative to black and brown. Rich, understated, and endlessly versatile, cherry brings warmth and depth without overpowering an outfit. This season, tastemakers are leaning into heritage tones that feel timeless rather than trend-driven. Cherry fits seamlessly into this movement, elevating classic office silhouettes while maintaining a sense of quiet confidence. It’s bold, but never loud — refined, yet distinctive. The Cherry Edit: Timeless Silhouettes, Modern Finish Crafted for everyday elegance The Cherry Edit features classic styles reimagined in deep burgundy leather and polished high-gloss finishes. Each pair is designed to feel considered and enduring — shoes you’ll reach for season after season. Key styles in the collection • Ankle boots – Structured and versatile, ideal for cooler months and tailored looks • Slingbacks – Elegant and understated, perfect for office-to-evening wear • Courts – Comfortable heels with refined silhouettes with subtle design accents for added interest Each style balances traditional form with contemporary detailing, making them ideal women’s office wear shoes that don’t sacrifice personality for polish. How to Style Red Shoes: Colours & Outfit Pairings Best colours to pair with deep cherry red Cherry works beautifully with a wide range of classic and modern tones, making it easy to integrate into an existing wardrobe: • Neutrals: Cream, taupe, camel, charcoal, and soft grey • Classic tones: Navy, chocolate brown, and black • Soft contrasts: Blush, dusty pink, and muted rose •Rich pairings: Forest green, deep plum, and warm beige Styling tips for work and beyond • Pair cherry ankle boots with tailored trousers and a crisp white shirt for a polished office look • Style slingbacks with a midi skirt or structured dress for effortless sophistication • Let cherry heels add interest to monochrome outfits, elevating even the simplest workwear • The key is balance — cherry acts as a refined statement while remaining grounded in classic styling. Why The Cherry Edit Is On-Trend for Women’s Office Wear Shoes Women’s office wear is shifting toward versatility and longevity. Shoes are no longer purely functional — they’re an extension of personal style, even in professional settings. The Cherry Edit aligns perfectly with this evolution: • Offers a fresh alternative to traditional office shoe colours • Complements modern tailoring and capsule wardrobes • Transitions seamlessly from workday to social plans It’s a reflection of contemporary office dressing — polished, confident, and intentionally styled. FAQs 1. Are cherry shoes suitable for formal office environments? Yes. Cherry is a refined, understated colour that works well in professional settings, especially in classic silhouettes. 2. Can I wear cherry shoes year-round? Absolutely. While especially popular in autumn and winter, cherry pairs beautifully with lighter tones for year-round wear. 3. How do cherry shoes compare to black office shoes? Cherry offers the same versatility as black but adds warmth and individuality without feeling bold or distracting. 4. What outfits work best with cherry office shoes? Tailored trousers, midi skirts, dresses, and neutral-toned suiting all pair effortlessly with cherry footwear. 5. Are cherry shoes a passing trend? Cherry is rooted in heritage colour palettes, making it a timeless choice rather than a fleeting trend. Discover The Cherry Edit Elevate your everyday wardrobe with footwear designed for longevity, versatility, and understated impact. Explore The Cherry Edit as part of our Desk to Dusk workwear collection that blends classic craftsmanship with modern sophistication — refined by day, distinctive by night.
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Perfect shoes for the perfect couple on their happiest day. The Lovers - The Wedding Edit, has timeless heels and dress shoes for brides and grooms alike to take their first steps together in matrimony. With pearl accents for the glamorous bride, dainty lace for a garden party wedding, elevated sandals for the couple eloping, and dress shoes ranging from soft and polished to high shine patent leather to suit the groom’s style. Merchant 1948 has the finishing touches for the whole wedding party, wherever your vows take place.
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