First Look: Australia’s Frankie4 opens Seattle flagship
A celeb-fave footwear brand that combines customized comfort with fashion is expanding its fledgling U.S. presence.
The Australian, podiatrist-founded women's footwear brand Frankie4 has opened a flagship at The Bellevue Collection in Bellevue, Wash., just outside of Seattle. The opening follows a pop-up location at the shopping center this past spring and summer.
In addition, Frankie4 recently launched U.S. wholesale partnerships with Nordstrom and J.Jill. The brand has the support of many celebrities and has been worn by Kelly Clarkson, Nina Dobrev, Jennifer Garner, Aubrey Plaza, Emma Roberts, Naomi Watts and others.
Designed by JPC Architects, the flagship is bright and airy, with an elevated but welcoming feel. The clean, modern interior features plenty of live plants and greenery to inspire the idea of wellness and well-being, integral aspects of the brand's DNA. The 1,300-sq.-ft. store features sneakers, dress flats, sandals, heels and boots.
As with all Frankie4 retail stores globally, the Bellevue store offer expert fittings to provide a customized experience.
“Our team has the tools to help women find the perfect fit for them,” said Frankie4 Group CEO Hilary McMillan. “With most of our styles, this enables us to adjust the fitting of the shoes then and there to accommodate different foot types.”
Founded in 2010 by an Australian podiatrist, Frankie4 footwear is designed to alleviate and prevent heel and arch pain, plantar fasciitis and forefoot pain. Its designs are all patented and have design elements registered unique to the brand, according to the company.
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Photo via Frankie4. -
Photo via Frankie4. -
Photo via Frankie4. -
Photo via Frankie4. -
Photo via Frankie4.
"Heel pain (plantar fasciitis) is extremely common in women and can be debilitating,” said McMillan. “Frankie4 exists because living with painful feet is not 'normal', and making the change to good-for-you, supportive footwear is a simple solution for so many.”With most of our styles, including our Sole Saver Pack, this enables us to adjust the fitting of the shoes then and there to accommodate different foot types.”
Frankie4 is known for its “sole hero footbeds,” which lift, cradles and cushions the heel, while its arch support goal is to help with better lower limb alignment. The brand’s proprietary “sole saver pack” helps customers mix-and-match according to their needs, whether for a narrow, regular or wide fit.
The company is dedicated to responsible production. The forefront foam lining featured in some shoes is a re-engineered textile made from recycled water bottles. The brand also uses LWG-certified leathers, recycled cotton in shoe laces and recycled packaging.