MANILA, Philippines - In an interview with the UK’s Independent, one of the beauty industry’s heaviest hitters once said, “Low energy levels, an aching back ... what’s beautiful about that? I love men, but I won’t be uncomfortable for them.”
This lady of immense creativity and influence is Marcia Kilgore, founder and creative director of FitFlop, the flip-flop with a gym built in and breakthrough wonder that has saved countless soles and continues to keep them fabulously fit.
Kilgore has created successful businesses such as the Bliss Spa Group and Soap & Glory. Among industry insiders, she has been referred to as “the new Estee Lauder” and has been described as being as influential in the spa business as Elizabeth Arden was in early cosmetics trading.
A strong-willed individual who has been an icon of female empowerment, Marcia can be deemed someone who does not conform to the dictates of convention, a genius who dared to stylishly innovate and excel even more. Proof of this is her first foray out of the cosmetics arena, FitFlop, which was born out of her love of flip-flops and desire to squeeze a bit of exercise into her increasingly hectic schedule.
A product that has been taking the functional footwear industry by storm, the hip, thick-soled sandal, available in refreshing colors, has amazed many not just for its superb quality but also for having remarkable health benefits: “A shoe that gives your legs a workout while you walk,” as Marcia herself describes it.
The FitFlop, whose patented Microwobbleboard mid-sole acts like a shock absorber and whose curved sole gently “floats” the foot, has a multitude of avid followers who
Designed in conjunction with a London-based University’s biomechanics department and launched in the UK in May 2007 and in the US a month later, the FitFlop has now sold over four million pairs in 30 countries. This year, it even earned the “Innovation of the Year” award from Harper’s Bazaar magazine.
Ten days ago, on Oct. 14, the spa guru herself came over from the UK for a two-day visit to the country. During an intimate press conference-dinner held on her first night at Le Soufflé in The Fort, Marcia charmed the Filipino press, renowned personalities and celebrities, and other special guests as she recounted the many glorious years she has been advocating a fabulously fit lifestyle.
The next day, Marcia attended a special welcome and tour of Primer Star Center, the head office of the Primer Group of Companies, the group which made her visit possible. Established in 1985, the Primer Group of Companies is engaged in the distribution, retailing and licensing of consumer and industrial products in the Philippines, including FitFlop, through its affiliates. Aiming to become the leader in the global distribution and innovation of premium goods and services, its mission is to bring the world closer to its customers. The tour was followed by a luncheon with media partners and a visit to one of the Primer Group’s stores, ROX in Bonifacio High Street.
Marcia, who on behalf of FitFlop Ltd. donated P1 million for the victims of typhoon Ondoy, said during the press conference, “The Filipino people are just absolutely spectacular. I have never encountered a more caring, warm, helpful and hospitable nation. I am very proud to have the FitFlop brand promoted in the Philippines by the Primer Group of Companies, and hope that by helping provide great footwear, we can make an even happier Philipines.”
FitFlop is available at kiosks in the Rockwell Power Plant Mall Level R-2, Robinsons Ermita, Midtown wing and lifestyle stores including Res|Toe|Run, Shoe Salon, and Bratpack. Also available in Rustan’s Tower; Duty Free Philippines; ROX; The Travel Club (Rockwell, V-Mall, Greenbelt 3 and ATC); Sports Hub, Paseo de Sta Rosa; Lonely Planet, Boracay; Mian’s Closet, Iloilo; Bettina’s Boutique, Cagayan de Oro; and Felcris Chimes, Davao.