My first experience with the John Fluevog Brand was after a walk to The Toronto Distillery District some years ago. Friends had come down to the city to visit me in my new home, and to shop. We were all taken back at the uniqueness of the shoes our eyes took in! Thus, on visits by family from the States since, I have felt it as the place to take them to for shoes. My feelings have been supported by the big smile on a photo from a niece in Michigan, modelling the trademark blue shoes that her mother bought while here. So naturally, when the opportunity arose for an interview with John Fluevog himself, I didn’t hesitate.
Rose Marie Bresolin: John, your shoes are so very different and have been from the start. What gave you the courage to shift as far away from the more conventional footwear?
John Fluevog: I never thought of them as being so non-conventional. I only wanted to make a product that felt and looked good to me; footwear that expressed how I saw the world and what I’d like others to feel.
What constituted your initial market?
My market has changed over the years. I have never been one thing and never had just one customer.
Don’t forget I have been through disco, the boring early 80’s, punk, grunge club, and each era has its own feeling.
When you started up In Vancouver, you had a partner. You were already experiencing success when you two parted ways, so, tell us, did you have even a moment’s thought to closing up shop and taking life easy?
I never thought of taking it easy because there has never been a time when I think I have “made it” and can relax.
To read more about John Fluevog in Spencer Magazine’s Winter issue, please click here!
