In Calli's Shoes

In Your Shoes

We're often asked, "Who is the Cocorose Woman"? But the truth is, our customers aren't a marketing persona and so we don't just have one. Our campaign "In Your Shoes" tells the wonderful stories of our Cocorosers, from all walks of life and from all around the world. Strong, beautiful and completely unique - we can't wait to introduce you to each other.
#InYourShoes
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We really are spoiled for choice in London when it comes to sightseeing, enjoying the arts, music and theatre, and being connected to so many different cultures. I'm chatting with Calli, who lives in London and normally enjoys all the great things that London has to offer, including walking in the beautiful parks, the huge array of choice when it comes to eating out and the wonderful exhibitions that are curated throughout the year. Calli saw the fabulous V&A exhibition Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk when it first opened and she was lucky, as this exhibition has now been postponed due to the coronavirus situation.

Calli volunteers at her local OXFAM and was there on one of the last day before it closed due to the pandemic. "I'm sad about that as it's really a very rewarding experience, from the volunteers, people who shop there to the fascinating items that are donated and re-loved," she says. "I do miss it but we've all had to self-isolate and play our part in the community."

Early on, when lockdown was just setting in, Calli helped set up a street-wide WhatsApp group for her local neighbours to stay connected. And, to help her mental health during lockdown, she found out that the museums were offering virtual tours. "I've modified my love of art and culture and interacting with others to fit the circumstances," she says.

I first met Calli at the Spirit of Christmas fair in London's Kensington Olympia. "That was where I made my first purchase," she says. "I immediately loved the design and concept and could see the practicality of the shoes. However, the best bit came later as they are so comfortable and useful. I always take a pair on holiday as I can wear them whilst out and about, walking all around town, but also to dinner and look stylish." In these changing times, “They are enduring, as they are my lockdown lifestyle ‘go-tos’”.

Over the years, Calli has built up her Cocorose collection and now has 8 pairs. She loves her Clapham "combat khaki" Camo pair as they look "contemporary with an edge and are a great neutral."

"The quality is excellent," she tells me. "They're long-lasting which is so important when spending in a considered way."

Conscious living is something that Calli is very passionate about. "Mindful spending and minimum waste eating," she explains.

Calli's favourite food is Italian and before lockdown, she did a Waitrose Cookery School Italian food day. "It was fabulous," she says. "Well into lockdown and I'm still making the panna cotta (see the recipe below!) with different twists. Rhubarb and cardamom is absolutely divine," she tells me as my tummy starts to growl. I love anything rhubarb and Gareth loves cardamom so I think this could be the perfect dessert for us... must get the recipe!

As our conversation moves onto films and what to watch during lockdown, Calli tells me her favourite film is 'Searching for the Sugar Man' which is "a very moving story about apartheid and music. And the South African scenery is sublime." I'd never heard of it so a quick Google later and this is right up my street. Another to add to the never-ending 'must-watch' list.

As we start to move into the next phase and lockdown continues to ease and we're all encouraged to return to some form of normality, I hope that many will become more conscious about their living. Things which were taken for granted to be more cherished; a far deeper appreciation for family, friends and those around us; and a more empathetic understanding of our surroundings and environment. As Calli says, "just being more mindful will make the world a much better and kinder place."

Lemongrass Panna Cotta Recipe

Serves 2

Ingredients

For the pannacotta

• 1 ½ gelatine leaves
• 165 ml whole milk
• 165 ml double cream
• 55g caster sugar (plain)
• 4 drops of ‘Spice Drops’ lemongrass

For the topping

• Fresh mango slices
• Mango jam – ‘Single Variety’

 Amaretti biscuits to serve

 Method:

1. Place gelatine leaves in a bowl and cover with cold water.  Leave to soak for at least 2 minutes to allow time to soften the leaves.
2. Put the sugar, milk and cream in a medium sized pan and heat gently stirring and bring the liquid to the boil.  Immediately, remove pan from heat before it over boils over.
3. Add 4 drops of ‘Spice Drops’ lemongrass, stir.
4. Remove gelatine from cold water and squeeze excess water out before adding the leaves to the pan.  Stir thoroughly.
5. Pour the mixture via a sieve into a measuring jug to ensure all the gelatine has dissolved.
6. Take two ramekins or glasses and pour the liquid into each evenly.
7. Cover with cling film and place in a refrigerator for 2-6 hours to set.

To serve:

1. Place a tablespoon of ‘Single Variety’ mango jam in centre of each dish and surround with chopped fresh mango.
2. Add crunchy biscuit of your choice such as Amaretti.