Izzy Lane: ethical shoes that don't cost the earth

Isobel Davis came into the fashion business almost by mistake. When she discovered that local farmers were burning wool and sheep were being slaughtered for having slight imperfections, Izzy set up a sheep sanctuary with rescued Wensleydale and Shetland sheep and started creating clothing in a mill in Selkirk using Victorian machinery. She has a network of 100 knitters across the Dales and uses one of the last dyers in Bradford. Not surprisingly, when it came to launching her accessories, Izzy hooked up with a traditional East End cobbler who hand crafts each pair of shoes. Currently there are four styles, all with the very English names; Lily, Daphne, Helen and Isobel. Most are made from polyurethane, the canvas is made from Fair Trade cotton and they have been approved by The Vegetarian Society. The funkiest style to emerge so far is Isobel - a chunky affair in faux snakeskin with a 10.5cm heel. Bag a pair for £211.50 and when someone comments,"nice shoes" you'll be able to assure them no animals were harmed making them!