Catwalk show is very ice

Published 6 Jan 2012 09:30

AN EARLEY mum helped to hot up a chilly ice-rink when she launched her new collection of shoes alongside three generations of her family.

Maria Oliveira, who has lived off Ryhill Way in Lower Earley for 18 years, caused a sizzle on the ice when she showed off her 'toe post' style shoes with a hot catwalk spectacle during the interval of a Bracknell Bees ice-hockey match at John Nike Leisure Centre.

Maria said: "I am a huge supporter of the Bracknell Bees and sponsor their shirts, so it was a real privilege to launch my first collection in front of 2,000 fans.

"The interest was phenomenal, with really positive feedback on the designs and quality of the shoes."

The 48-year-old, who was supported by daughters Mercedes, 18, and Marisa, 15, as well as 72-year-old mum Carmen at the launch on Tuesday, December 27, was inspired to start designing her own shows after visiting family in Sri Lanka.

She said: "I have always loved drawing and shoes are my absolute passion, so I have pads and pads of sketches at home.

"When I was on holiday in Sri Lanka, I packed very sensible shoes, even though I loved heels, and I found that when I watched everyone get ready, I had no shoes that I wanted to wear.

"But in the shops, I found something that was similar to the shoes I have just designed and it was like being reunited with a glass slipper. It was perfect."

The collection, which features nine different styles, took just over a year to complete before it was launched last October.

Maria, who was born in Portugal, hopes to add to her collection with a range of wellington boots later this year. She added: "Jimmy Choo had to start somewhere and I am at my happiest when drawing and creating.

"I feel very proud at what I have achieved. I get a warm feeling whenever I go on my website and it is truly a dream come true to have the shoes go from being just a drawing in my pad to holding them in my hands."

The collection is available exclusively online and 10% of the proceeds will be donated to the Bracknell Bees if customers enter the promotional code BRACKNELLBEES when visiting www.oliveira.uk.com

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