POONAM BURMAN
With over 14 years of experience in the footwear industry, Burman is known for successfully transforming and creating footwear brands.
Burman's footwear journey began in Shanghai, China, where she spent 8 years working for a renowned footwear consultation group known for the design and creation of footwear. During this time, she had the privilege of learning from esteemed technicians from Spain and Italy, honing her craft and acquiring a deep understanding of the artistry of footwear making and the meticulous selection of components and materials.
Throughout her career, Burman has had the honour of working on collaborations with prestigious brands such as Lanvin, Missoni, and Anna Sui, among others. As the design director of Fitflop, she spearheaded a transformative journey, elevating the brand from a niche sandal manufacturer to a comprehensive footwear powerhouse, catering to both men and women with a diverse range of products. Since the release of her first collection, Fitflop saw double-digit growth year on year.
As an architect of footwear, Burman approaches each project with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of the product is carefully considered. Her relentless pursuit of excellence has led her to collaborate closely with biomechanics engineers, pioneering new midsole innovations that revolutionise comfort and performance in footwear. Her expertise has been sought after by the likes of Sophia Webster, consulting on the creation and development of their sneaker footwear category.
Currently, as the Footwear Design Director at Cole Buxton, Burman has single-handedly established their footwear department from the ground up. Leveraging her extensive connections and expertise in the entire supply chain, she has successfully spearheaded the launch of the brand's highly coveted 'Wilson sneaker,' selling out within a mere 10 minutes of its online release. The Wilson sneaker, designed by Burman, is a testament to the founder's personal style. With utmost conviction, it is predicted to become an iconic and highly sought-after footwear silhouette within the industry.
Burman's passion for footwear design, coupled with her comprehensive understanding of the industry, positions her as a trailblazer in the field. Continually pushing boundaries and shaping the future of footwear, she is dedicated to delivering innovative designs that captivate audiences and redefine the industry's landscape.