Podiatrist Designed Footwear Brand FRANKIE4 Opens Flagship In Seattle
Australian footwear brand FRANKIE4 has been making major strides since its inception in 2010.
Alyssa Jade is a distinguished international fashion stylist and trend…
Australian footwear brand FRANKIE4 has been making major strides since its inception in 2010. The podiatrist Caroline McCulloch founded the brand with a substantial following on its unique blend of customized comfort and beautifully crafted shoes. Now, the award-winning brand is set to make an even bigger splash in North America by opening its first permanent retail store at the Bellevue Collection, located outside of Seattle, WA.
This exciting development follows the success of their pop-up location in Bellevue Square last spring and summer. FRANKIE4 embodies a signature combination of style and support unique to the Pacific Northwest.
Using LWG-certified Gold and Silver-rated leathers aligns FRANKIE4 with the growing demand for ethical sourcing and sustainability in the fashion industry. With a commitment to quality materials and craftsmanship and the brand's distinct aesthetic, FRANKIE4 has earned over 100K 5-star reviews.
Among the brand's supporters are celebrities like Kelly Clarkson, who lauded the brand's boots as akin to 'walking on clouds.' Such endorsements underscore the brand's appeal to a diverse range of women seeking stylish, comfortable footwear.
The new Seattle store, designed by JPC Architects, presents a bright, airy, and elevated shopping experience without pretentiousness. The space includes subtle nods to its Australian roots, such as curated coffee table books by renowned Australian photographer, Kara Rosenlund. An abundance of live plants and greenery adorn the store's modern interior, reflecting the brand's global design concept centered on wellness and customer well-being.
Hilary McMillan, Frankie4's Group Chief Executive Officer, emphasizes the importance of education in their approach. She explains, "We spend a lot of time educating our team on the materials we use, why we use them, and common foot pathologies that women will come into the store with."
Their mission is to change the perception that foot pain is 'normal' for women and promote supportive footwear as an accessible solution.
FRANKIE4's thoughtful approach extends to the shopping experience in their stores. Each of the 9 Australian franchises, and now the Bellevue branch, offers expert fittings to ensure a truly customized experience. The brand's Sole Saver Pack allows the fitting of shoes to be adjusted on the spot, accommodating different foot types, and further enhancing the personalized service.