Oh, dear. I thought this was going to be easy. Quite often when I interview a clog maker, it's a fairly straightforward process of presenting a few factoids and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, then displaying their wares in the course of laying out the interview. But once I sat down a took a close, close look at the Tessa Clogs web site, I found myself wondering where to start.
The beginning of the story is fairly clear. Owner Chris and his wife Tessa got into the shoe business quite by accident. As he'll relate in the interview below, one thing simply led to another, and before they knew it they had opened up shop and were filling orders year round. Like I said: that part's easy to get a handle on. Where I'm faltering is how best to present the stunning variety of clogs and clog related goodies that they carry. You can count on most clog makers to offer the standard Swedish style clog, and Tessa Clogs does not disappoint. But instead of offering a few minor variations on that Scandinavian theme, these folks have had their thinking caps on. So along with the basic clog that we all know and love,...
...you'll also find a stunning assortment of clogs that are handpainted (by the missus herself!)...
...along with an intriguing array of higher heeled clogs...
...and an assortment of Mary Jane clogs...
...and a unique collection of even higher heeled platform clog sandals that I haven't seen elsewhere...
...and a distinctive line of lug sole clogs that once again is out of the ordinary...
...and then we shouldn't overlook the interesting and inventive styles they offer for men...
...which totally ignores their metallic leather,...
...animal print,...
...and other wildly creative clogs...
...to say nothing of their clever clog customizing Snap Straps...
...or the shoes that appear to be a combination of several of the above.
You see my dilemma?
Suffice it to say, Tessa Clogs offers lots to explore and, more importantly, plenty to daydream about. But I'll let the self designated "clog guy" behind the Tessa Clogs Clog Blog (to be enjoyed here) tell you more of their story.
_________________________________
ECHID: How did Tessa clogs first come to be? Did you set out to start a clog shop? Or were you heading in another direction and something pulled you this way?
TESSA CLOGS: Back in 1994, we were wearing the hand painted clogs we made in Sweden around our home town of Vail, Colorado, and everyone (locals and tourists) was asking us where we got them. We decided what a great idea – maybe we should start selling clogs that we hand painted. Besides selling our Tessa Clogs at first to small fairs around the Vail area, two large retail stores in Vail (Gorsuch and Kid Sport) approached us to sell our shoes in their stores. Once our wholesale business started to take off, we needed warehouse space to store our clogs. We decided on a small retail area we could use as an outlet for our Tessa Clogs and where we would also sell Scandinavian goods.
ECHID: How did you get started actually designing your own clogs? And I should ask, too, what exactly do you do as designers? Is it simply painting the leather uppers? Or do you have some input on the creation of the soles and heels and the rest of the shoe in general?
TESSA CLOGS: Where Tessa was brought up in the south of Sweden, hand painted clogs are common. We just took the idea and expanded on it. For design, we like to look at where fashion is going and decide from there how we want our clogs to look – heel, leathers, colors, etc. We are still a using a traditional sole on most off our clogs, but have also developed some off our own high heel soles.
ECHID: You opened your shop in 1996 back before the internet brought the world to your virtual door. What were those early days like as just a gift shop in Vail compared to the attention you receive online today?
TESSA CLOGS: We love to sell Tessa Clogs to visitors [who come] to our retail store – Swedish Clog Cabin. We have had a web presence since 1998, so in the beginning we would jump up whenever an order would come in via email. Especially in the fall and spring when Vail is at its slowest. Still to this day, we have many folks from out of town that come for a vacation and the first thing they like to do is stop in and see our new designs. There is always something a little more special about visiting our retail store here in Vail versus buying over the internet.
ECHID: Tell me more about the Tessa Snap Straps. Is that your own innovation?
TESSA CLOGS: Tessa Snap Straps are a way for people to accessories their Tessa Clogs – one Tessa Clog, but many styles. Not all of us can have a closet full of shoes so we were trying to think of a way for people to change the look of their clog without having to buy another pair. From there our Tessa Snap Straps evolved.
ECHID: Your fur lined clogs are a new design. Tell me more about what inspired that style. And how has it been received?
TESSA CLOGS: Vail and snow. Living here at 8,000+ feet above sea level, we have many days of snow and cold – why not line some clogs with fur and see how it takes off? The reception on these clogs has been wonderful. We just got back from the Magic [Apparel and Accessories] show in Las Vegas – you will be seeing our Tessa Fur Clogs at more retailers this Fall.
ECHID: You carry some very distinctive higher heel styles in both clogs and sandals that I haven't seen from other retailers. How did those come to be part of the Tessa line? I would imagine they'd be quite popular and carried by other clog makers, but I truly haven't seen anything like them on other sites.
TESSA CLOGS: We love the traditional clog, but it may not be on the bleeding edge of fashion. BUT if you design a clog on a high heel – well, then you are on the leading edge. Plus – a high heel just looks good. Our tallest high heel – Kate – is a 3½” sole – this was our biggest seller at Magic.
ECHID: I love the rugged look of your lug sole clogs. Is that your own innovation? Inspired by life in the Rockies, perhaps?
TESSA CLOGS: Rocky Mountains and lugged hiking boots – well – why not lugged Tessa Clogs – our Mountain Sole – the SUV of clogs! LOL
ECHID: What are you most proud of when it comes to Tessa Clogs? What feedback have you gotten from customers that makes you feel great?
TESSA CLOGS: We are happy to “put smiles and Tessa Clogs on and brighten your day!” Life is way too short, we are doing something that we love and that our customers love also.
I love love love my Tessa clogs! In fact, I can't wait until summer when I can wear them all day, every day. Right now, I'm bringing them to work and then changing out of my boots to don them. They're probably the most comfortable clogs I have, and they were, incidentally, the most inexpensive pair as well. They're like these: http://www.tessaclogs.com/blackpatenthighheelsandal.aspx
, but in a lovely sienna color.
Posted by: Tea | 03/05/2010 at 08:42 AM
I'm not sure if they're still doing shows, but for a while, Tessa was a vendor at a holiday show put on by the Junior League in KC (my hometown). They are truly some of the nicest people and their kids are *so* cute. I have bronze metallic leather ones--http://www.tessaclogs.com/bronzefoil.aspx--that get me compliments wherever I go!
Posted by: rebecca | 03/08/2010 at 09:47 AM
They DO seem like sweet people. Next time Im in Colorado Ill have to see if I can steer the rental car toward Vail and pay them a visit!
By the way, is KC still your hometown? My son started college there last fall so Im getting to know the city a little bit.
Posted by: Lindsey Cochran | 03/08/2010 at 09:54 AM
Lindsey,
Sadly no. My husband and I moved to South Florida about two years ago and we miss it every day. Feel free to email me if you are looking for KC suggestions, where to buy clogs, food recs, etc etc!
Posted by: rebecca | 03/12/2010 at 08:50 AM
Has anybody purchased the extreme heel clog? If so, does it run true to size? After searching for a clog that has a higher heel but still looks like a clog, and would be "appropriate" for a guy I think this clog is it.
Posted by: john | 02/22/2011 at 06:23 AM
Oops, I meant ultimate heel cogs from Tessa in my last post.
Posted by: john | 02/22/2011 at 06:39 AM
Thanks for asking. ;I've been a fan of the Tessa high heeled clogs for awhile now, but I would need them in a 42 or 43 so I've never placed an order. I do know a male reader who's looked into other Tessa clogs for himself. Let me get him to chime in on this comment thread.
As far as the search for higher heeled clogs for guys, I'm going to do a little digging myself and post what I can come up with this Friday on the next Guy Day Friday feature. Make sure you come back then. Among other things, I'm thinking of creating a petition of sorts to send to the folks at Tessa (and some other makers I know of) showing that there are a number of customers ready and willing to buy a higher heeled men's clog when one finally becomes available. I think if we can get a significant number of readers to get on board, we can inspire some maker to place a special order with his/her manufacturer! Tune in Friday.
Thanks for giving me the idea!
Posted by: Lindsey Cochran | 02/22/2011 at 09:40 AM
On the issue of higher heeled clogs for men, I would love to see what you find that do not look too feminine. I think it might be interesting to have a poll to see what heel heights would be worn by men who like clogs and like to wear clogs.
Posted by: john | 02/22/2011 at 11:53 AM
The issue often comes down to large enough sizes. There are quite a few chunky high heeled styles out there that my male readers would be willing to wear, but the manufacturers just don't make them in anything over a 10.
This Kurt Geiger pair is plenty sturdy and rugged, but they only made it up to size 41.
Women's Shoes Online, Kurt Geiger Boston Tan Courts Classic
Posted by: Lindsey Cochran | 02/22/2011 at 12:03 PM
I know about that clog and would love to buy it - it comes in my size. However, it is not sold in the us and Kurt Geiger won't ship. Any other thoughts on sturdy and rugged higher heeled clogs?
Posted by: john | 02/22/2011 at 12:31 PM
i can't wait to see guy day friday
Posted by: john | 02/23/2011 at 07:19 AM
I am pleased as punch with my tessa clogs as are my daughter and great grand daughter. Iordered two pair in pink and they just love them. My great grand daughter will soon grow out of hers and i guess i`ll have to order her another pair in what ever color she decides on this time. My clogs seem to get more comfortable the longer i wear them. For some reason, the navy pair seem to feel a tad better in the fit than the black pair. Thinking about this i must admit that i do wear the blue pair more often. I also have to say these clogs wear like iron and are almost indestructable! You will never retire wealthy with these clogs as long lasting as they are! I read the items about high heel clogs for men and i believe it would be a great idea. I have some back problems and my doctor recommended wearing a higher heel shoe. Other than western boots, there is not a high heel mans shoe and i have a few pair of womens high heel loafers i wear without any tasteless comments. While this is satisfactory to me, im sure it would bother some men unless they,of course are living an alternate lifestyle. I have noticed evidences of this type of lifestyle more often and in a broader spectrum. I`m sure the heel height would be less of a problem than the style of shoe would be. Guess i`ve rattled on enough so will stop hera and once again "thank you" for providing such a marvelous product!
Posted by: glenn buck | 10/01/2011 at 02:55 PM
Thanks for your comments. I've heard nothing but good things about Tessa Clogs. I'm glad your experience has been the same!
Posted by: Lindsey Cochran | 10/03/2011 at 10:17 AM
Best clogs EVER.......found your site while surfing......best surf I 've found YET.....People friendly HELP as I order on phone easily........love all the designs from whimsy to colorful CUTE!! Keep designing and hand painting LOVE IT ALL.!!
Posted by: Carole Simmons | 01/13/2012 at 08:26 PM
Thank you for the feedback!
Posted by: Lindsey Cochran | 01/13/2012 at 09:41 PM