A BRIDE with a passion for fashion has gone into business specialising in designer wedding footwear.

Allison Mendelsohn, from Newton Aycliffe, set up Exclusively Shoes following a difficult search for the perfect footwear for her own big day.

She said: "I believe there is a gap in the market for top quality designer wedding shoes. One of my best friends, Barbara Douglas, designs wedding dresses and designed and made mine last September. I help her at exhibitions and, when we go, we never see any shoes. A lot of brides ask her where they can get nice footwear."

Mrs Mendelsohn said she was looking forward to her new venture. "I just love shoes and clothes," she said. "I've worked with Barbara doing exhibitions and helping out, and I'm really excited about this."

As she works part-time as a medical secretary and has a two-year-old son, Mrs Mendelsohn wanted to run her business from home, but found that many companies would deal only with retail premises.

However, she persisted and found two designer ranges prepared to supply her in the required quantities.

She will sell shoes by Benjamin Adams and Filippa Scott, both young British designers who specialise in shoes and have designed for celebrities.

Benjamin Adams designs bridal shoes for London label Paradox. All his shoes are made with duchesse silk or pearlised kid leather uppers, with leather soles and linings.

Filippa Scott works for her own label and uses duchesse satin with leather soles and linings. For comfort, all her shoes include extra insole padding.

Prospective brides will be able to see Mrs Mendelsohn at her home, by appointment, for consultations and fittings. She also offers a home visiting service to those who live locally.

Shoes in both ranges come in ivory, but a dying service is available for most of them.

Mrs Mendelsohn said: "In the near future, I hope to be able to offer a customising service, matching the range of shoes to the fabric of the bridal gown."

Prices range from £99.95 to £220 and a small range of matching handbags can also be ordered.

The collection will be displayed at Hallgarth Hall wedding exhibition on Sunday, June 19. Contact Exclusively Shoes on 01325 307388 or 07971 577572.