WEARINGIRISH showcases top designers/brands from Ireland. In this series, meet the designers and hear their stories. Here Margaret chats with Michael Tutty of Tutty’s Handmade Shoes. Visit tuttyshandmadeshoes.ie for more!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND. Tutty’s Handmade Shoes is a family business. Started by my grandfather George Tutty in 1946, he ran the business alongside his wife, Nelly Tutty. Eddie, his eldest son and wife Mary took it over, followed by my parents George and Marian in 2005. I’m stepping into big shoes. WHAT WAS THE MOST DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER? Returning to the family business after taking a sabbatical. The sense of pride and excitement I felt continuing the tradition of my family business is something that motivates me to bring the brand to the next level. WHAT’S YOUR AMBITION FOR YOUR BRAND? For Tutty’s to become a relevant heritage brand and in turn, develop a robust international presence in the premium footwear market. HOW YOU WOULD DEFINE THE HEART AND SOUL OF YOUR BRAND? Family is the heart and soul of our brand. Tutty’s Handmade Shoes is built on the passion and expertise that the family poured into the brand over the past 70 years.
WHERE DOES YOUR BRAND NAME COME FROM? My grandfather George Tutty, Snr. established Tutty’s Handmade Shoes back in 1946. What better way to show pride in your work than putting your name to it? WHAT INSPIRES YOU ABOUT THE WEARINGIRISH MOVEMENT? The WearingIrish Movement has inspired us to use “the pride of being Irish” as a marketing tool. WHO DO YOU WANT TO WEAR IRISH? Everybody! TAKE US THROUGH YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS. Our creative process begins and ends with our clients. It is their personality that we embrace to create our bespoke footwear. HOW DOES A SENSE OF PLACE INFORM YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS— SPECIFICALLY IRELAND? Handmade crafts are a big part of our heritage here in Ireland. At Tutty’s Handmade Shoes, skills have been passed down through generations to maintain our work, holding onto the values of a craftsperson and shoemaker to keep our heritage alive. WHAT DOES BEING IRISH MEAN TO YOU AND IN WHAT WAY HAS IT INFLUENCED YOUR CREATIONS? We are a proud Irish family. George Tutty, Snr. originated from Dublin, trained in Ennistimon in Co. Clare, before moving to Limerick and starting the business in Naas Co. Kildare where we have been ever since. We are proud of our roots, the skills and knowledge we have picked up along the way. MOST COVETED ITEM IN YOUR COLLECTION? The Classic Oxford Shoe. The possibilities to put your stamp on the design are endless. THREE THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? Family, friends, and a good pair of shoes. YOUR GO-TO STYLING TRICK? A stylish yet comfortable pair of shoes will always boost your confidence—and what’s more stylish than self-confidence? TELL US ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW THAT I DIDN’T ASK. I studied mechanical engineering in college and worked in America for several years before returning home to Ireland to work in the business alongside my father.