Radical News
Read articles, watch videos, learn more about our products past and present.
Yes! Journal
Where are Radical Yes shoes made?
In conversation with Elfy Scott. We invited journalist, writer and podcaster Elfy Scott to help us answer some of the questions we get asked most frequently about our brand. It's the question everyone wants the answer to, and we’re super proud of our flat shoe origins. We’ll admit, we’ve got pretty high standards - not just when it comes to shoes. That’s why we chose the award-winning journalist, presenter and producer, Elfy Scott, to talk all things, well Radical Yes, with our founder Kerryn Moscicki. In this video, the duo hone in on where exactly our shoes are made, why we produce there and what we look out for when choosing our makers. Since our flat shoes are made in small quantities with a focus on quality, it’s so important that we find makers with the same values. That’s not so easy today with the focus geared towards large-scale production, but we stay committed to our vision. Watch the interview... “All of our factories are small family-owned businesses.” Kerryn Moscicki Founder, Radical Yes See new arrivals here.
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Why do we make shoes in small batches?
In conversation with Elfy Scott. We invited journalist, writer and podcaster Elfy Scott to help us answer some of the questions we get asked most frequently about our brand. There are so many reasons why we choose to make our flat shoes in small quantities. It’s not just about sustainability, our community is also at the heart of this decision. But that’s not all. When Elfy Scott (journalist, producer and host of ‘Left Right Out’ and ‘The Green Canary’ podcasts) posed the question to our founder Kerryn Moscicki, there were several factors behind the decision. In this video, Kerryn talks about the significance of making women’s sandals and sneakers in small batches, why it’s important to Radical Yes and the “secret club” that exists. Are you in it? Watch the interview... “I love the idea of little and often both in my life and also in manufacturing.” Kerryn Moscicki Founder, Radical Yes See new arrivals here.
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Why flat shoes?
In conversation with Elfy Scott. We invited journalist, writer and podcaster Elfy Scott to help us answer some of the questions we get asked most frequently about our brand. Flat shoe liberation is what Radical Yes is all about. Ever wondered why? It piqued the interest of the wonderful Elfy Scott, one of our favourite journalists, producers and hosts on this side of the world. So, when she caught up with our founder Kerryn Moscicki, it was one of the first questions on her lips. In this video Kerryn reveals what the deal is with flat shoes. While the origins may be that bit alternative, you’ll thank us in the end - really. And no, it’s got nothing to do with age. Here’s what Kerryn and Elfy had to say on the matter… Watch the interview... “Literally, like who wants to wear heels - you’ve got to get your sh*t done!” Kerryn Moscicki Founder, Radical Yes See new arrivals here.
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Radical Yes: the meaning behind ‘radical’
In conversation with Elfy Scott. We invited journalist, writer and podcaster Elfy Scott to help us answer some of the questions we get asked most frequently about our brand. Radical Yes is a female-founded brand that celebrates women and creativity. In fact, we created flat shoe liberation especially for women (thank us later). So when we had the opportunity to catch up with Elfy Scott, the incredible (award-winning, might we add) journalist, we couldn’t contain our excitement. In this video, the woman behind it all, Kerryn Moscicki, spills the tea on what the ‘radical’ in Radical Yes really means. It’s one of the most frequently asked questions about our shoes and the answer is really, quite radical, so we’re delighted to finally share it with you. To find out more, check out the video. Watch the interview... "Producing things much slower, working with less urgency, working in a more considered way." Kerryn Moscicki Founder, Radical Yes See new arrivals here.
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Earth Day 2022: Is Radical Yes A Sustainable Brand?
If you have been following our brand for a while you might know - our position is that we do not identify as a ‘sustainable’ brand. What we aim to be is conscious and responsible. Most importantly – what we are not - is a ‘fast fashion’ brand. Here are some of the things we have purposefully built into our business model from the start in the pursuit of being a responsible, community minded brand; From the beginning, we have designed our products with the idea of long term ‘every (other) day’* use in mind. We aim to make shoes that are highly wearable, useful items – in silhouettes that we believe can guarantee a minimum of 30 wears. This figure is not about durability (of course you can expect at least 10 times the amount of wear from our shoes), but prioritising function over fads. This figure is given even greater context in contrast with the built in obsolesces of fast fashion – where products “are actually designed to be worn less than 7 times.” (The Age, Monday 18th April) The 30 wears philosophy is central to our process and was inspired by a figure that 'True Cost' Film Producer Livia Firth demonstrated to be a tipping point in reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing in terms of water consumption, material waste and resource management. This is one of the many reasons we choose to only make flat shoes because of their every-other-day* usefulness and wearability. *Rotating your shoes is another important factor we advocate in increasing the lifespan of your products - which you can read more about here. We continually invest in research and development to improve the quality of our shoes. To date, the largest focus of this investment has been in opening our own proprietary designed outsole molds that we subject to the highest international abrasion testing standards (Intertek Certification). Opening our own outsole molds also means we have greater transparency on the raw materials used to pour the soles. We never ‘spec down’ our products and we never ‘barter’ prices with our makers. We maintain long standing relationships with our factory partners and do not move our production to find ‘the cheapest deal’ available. This is counter to my previous experience developing product for high street brands seeking the lowest price for the highest volume at the expense of the quality outcome. We manufacturer in small quantities and in quantities we feel confident we will sell everything we make. In contrast to a fast fashion 6 week sales cycle, we work off a 26 week seasonal cycle to try to keep discounting, end of line products and excess stock to a minimum. This approach creates less material wastage and reduces shipping, freight and transport emissions. These ideas form part of our ‘Hasten Slowly’ philosophy. We passionately advocate for care and repair of all products. In contrast to a fast fashion 6 week sales cycle, we work off a 26 week seasonal cycle to try to keep discounting, end of line products and excess stock to a minimum. This approach creates less material wastage and reduces shipping, freight and transport emissions. These ideas form part of our ‘Hasten Slowly’ philosophy. We offer ways for our customers to keep their worn products out of landfill. One of the ways we assist our customers with this process is through our ‘Toe Tapper’ trade initiative passing pre-loved shoes on to our Not-For-Profit partner Ready Set to either sell at their famous fundraising sales or to help dress long-term unemployed women looking to re-enter the workforce. We believe making better product that can be worn more often means more sustainable outcomes for both people and planet. We acknowledge that we are not perfect. That our brand exists on a passage of continual innovation and change and Radical Yes has a long way to go in being a truly sustainable brand. Styles for every (other) day wear.
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Why Did We Make A Bag Shaped Like A Croissant?
Why Did We Make A Bag Shaped Like A Croissant? The reason has nothing to do with our shop being next door to Bread Club (well maybe just a little)... Join us as we introduce our newest 'big bag' the Rainbow Tote. Made from recycled nylon and shaped like our favourite French pastry, we talk about three great 'end-uses' for this versatile new bag! Click below to watch the video... "With only one bag, you can change your outfit." - Sonia Rykiel See more bags here.
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Talking Shoe Care with Anna from 'On The Mend'
Aside from the important sustainability gains that are made when we care for our belongings, we have found something almost spiritual in caring for your shoes as a signifier for the way we carry ourselves with deliberate intention through life. It is a kind of physical manifestation of the ‘Hasten Slowly’ idea to slow down, take notice and take care and one of the reasons we created our own ‘Full Moon Blessing’ shoe care ritual. Join us on our YouTube channel as we talk all things shoe care with our personal shoe repair Guru, Anna from On the Mend.
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Something for You, Something for Your Community. Earth Day 2021.
April 22nd is Earth Day. But what is Earth Day and what are we doing about it? Read more to find out how you can help.
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5 Reasons Not To Wear The Same Shoes Every Day.
We get it. You love your new radical shoes and you want to wear them every waking hour of every day! While we absolutely design our shoes with everyday versatility and regular use in mind, they are not indestructible. So here's 5 important reasons why giving your shoes a rest between wears is just one step to giving them the longest life possible.
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