Kathryn Wilson shoe designer’s love affair with Volvo
Kathryn Wilson has been a Volvo brand ambassador for four years. Photo: Supplied
Kathryn Wilson’s love of Volvo started due to the style of the Swedish cars, then she fell for the storage as her business grew, now, as a mum-of-two she loves the safety features of the vehicles.
Kathryn is New Zealand's leading shoe designer with her self-named brand, Kathryn Wilson footwear that was launched in 2003.
Since then, she’s expanded with her stores and her ranges of shoes; from Kathryn Wilson, Miss Wilson, Little Wilson, Baby Wilson, a men’s line plus accessories such as handbags, luggage, pet collars and belts. Her products are stocked in more than 100 local boutiques, her own stores plus an ever-growing online market.
For the past four years, Kathryn has been an ambassador for Volvo NZ, and for the brand’s general manager, Coby Duggan, she’s just right.
“Kathryn’s a perfect fit for Volvo, both personally and professionally, and her affinity for the brand began long before the partnership kicked off,” he said.
“In a personal sense, we’re delighted to be able to ensure that Kathryn and her precious cargo (daughters, puppy, cat and typically lots of shoes!) can travel in style in one of the safest cars on the road.
“In a commercial sense, both businesses are focussed on design that’s beautiful without sacrificing functionality, and supply chains that are ethical and environmentally conscious from start to finish.”
Her passion for Volvos began long before her ambassadorial role.
“I dated a Danish guy and I went to visit his family in Copenhagen, I saw lots of Volvos in front of the quaint houses, and I thought it was a timeless understated, stylish car,” said Kathryn.
But her first car was a restored red 1967 California VW Beetle.
“I grew up in Papakura and worked at the local supermarket to pay for half of the car. My mum paid the rest," she said.
"I'd drive it to Mum's bach but she was so worried about it that she'd drive behind me to make sure I made it."
Kathryn straps baby Stella into her Volvo car seat in the XC60. Photo: Supplied
After two years her mum made her sell it and, while studying for a bachelor of design at Wellington, she owned two VW Golfs before buying a Volvo to use for transporting her shoes after launching her range. The first company car was a Volvo XC70, followed by the V70 wagon that could fit 220 shoe boxes in it.
“It was my company car by choice as I liked the fit for us as a brand, it’s a luxury product that doesn’t scream money,” she said.
And that’s the feeling she has for the whole Volvo brand.
“I fell in love with the design side, the cars are so gracious … and I love the touch points that are very Volvo. I like the little details inside it, such as the Swedish flag on the seats.””
The car also fits into her stage of life now. When I first met Kathryn in July 2012, she was brand ambassador for BMW and was driving a 1 Series as it was to fit with her “single, girl about town” image. She was living in a stunning French-style townhouse in Auckland, and had just opened her first “store” - a pop up shop the shape of a huge shoe box.
Eight years later, Kathryn and husband Liam Taylor recently moved into a villa with their two daughters, Lola (5½) and 15-month-old Stella, along with new addition Toby the French spaniel dog, and her cat Sergeant Pepper.
The Volvo is now the XC60 and it perfectly fits her lifestyle on many levels. She had a XC60 T5 Momentum and is now in an XC60 T6 R-Design, with a 2-litre petrol engine, eight-speed transmission and all-wheel-drive as standard.
The couple has a holiday home in the Coromandel and spend many weekends there; with Sergeant and Toby in pet carriers in the boot, Stella in her capsule and Lola in one of Kathryn’s favourite design features of the Volvo XC60 – two built-in booster seats.
Lola demonstrates the built in booster seat.
Photo: Supplied
“When we go to the beach house, I know that we are safe in any worst case scenario, plus it's a beautiful drive in the Volvo, and it looks sexy in an understated way,” said Kathryn.
The 2-litre engine is also idea for the two-hour trip her the beach house that takes in some winding mountain roads.
Another feature she loves is the Apple CarPlay, especially during the drive to the Coromandel when the radio cuts out.
“I can put music on for the girls, so we’re either listening to Beyonce or the Wiggles.”
The Volvo XC60 has a Bowers and Wilkins surround sound stereo system that not only is great for family life but for work too.
Kathryn is famous for her amazing Kathryn Wilson shows, be it a NZ Fashion Week in Auckland, an event at the annual Veuve Clicquot in the Snow in Queenstown or for special show for her customers. The music and styling are always the stand out points; think models dressed like a sexy marching band.
“When I’m organising the show I get a playlist and I listen to the music in the car because of the surround sound – something I can’t get anywhere else.”
With a busy work and home life, driving by herself in her XC60 is important.
“When I’m in the office, everyone needs me, at home I’m taking care of the girls, cooking dinner. But when I’m in the car, it’s my sanctuary.”
Kathryn’s name is on the XC60 so it is important branding. Photo: Supplied
The XC60 also plays an important part when it comes to the business side, especially with Kathryn Wilson branding on the side of it.
“When I pull up for a meeting the Volvo says something about style.”
The size of the XC60 is also crucial for her, especially as she lives and works in central Auckland.
“I sit high enough up but it is not a tank, it’s not too big. It’s the perfect city car I feel cool in it … plus it has the self parallel park feature that helps with crowded streets.”
But don’t worry, the Kathryn Wilson brand still has a V70 for staff – and its 220 shoe box capacity.
Kathryn Wilson Footwear and Volvo Cars NZ have partnered for a luxury prize of a Volvo XC40 for a weekend, two night’s accommodation at Craggy Range Winery, Hawke’s Bay and a Kathryn Wilson leather weekender bag, plus a Dermalogica skin care package. All purchases instore or online in August go in to the draw.
