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The Victoria plimsoll made by Nuevo Milenio is back with a totally new look that is set to be a must in every wardrobe. With a canvas upper and rubber sole, these comfy, lightweight shoes are simple, versatile and ideal for any age.

The pumps we all know and love from childhood are now available in a customised version, scrawled with graffiti or in acid colours. They are priced so that anyone looking for something fun and trendy this summer needn't settle for only one pair. We spoke to Nuevo Milenio’s sales manager Claudio Ferreiro on the brand's timeless appeal.

When did Victoria plimsolls first start?
The Victoria was created in 1915 by a footwear manufacturer in La Rioja, and was named after the owner’s wife. At the time, the company specialised in jute-sole espadrilles, but went for vulcanised rubber in the 1960s and launched the popular Inglesa model, now known as Victoria. The brand now belongs to Nuevo Milenio, which employs 40 people and is still based in La Rioja region.

Describe the Inglesa. Has its changed much over the years?
It’s a very light canvas shoe with a rubber sole. We’ve made several attempts to alter the design, but our customers keep calling for the classic model that made such a comeback a few summers ago. So with only minor changes, our childhood plimsoll is in fashion again, though this time with graffiti prints and acidic colours. Now it’s all about imagination and a customised look. It’s colourful, cosmopolitan and has a complete new look. It's an up-to-the-minute classic. The logo has changed four times though. This version dates back to 1985.

Where is it made?
Seventy per cent of Victoria products are made in La Rioja, the rest in Alicante. The Inglesa model is all made in La Rioja, though the fantasy designs come from Alicante. With Victoria and our other brand Wamba, we’re currently launching 200 models per season. Wamba is aimed at an older target, but 70% of our shoes are Victoria.
“We’ve made as many shoes in five months as we did in the whole of 2007.”

How is the Victoria design team made up?
It’s a team of two who keep a close eye on trends. Fashion shoes make up 80% of our collection. A company can’t function properly with just one model. But you have to make the most of product revivals like this to get ahead and make a name for your brand. We’ve always wanted to expand and create a range of fashion articles for young people.

How has this Victoria “fever” affected production?
Last year we doubled sales of our regular products. This year we’ve already equalled our total output for 2007, even though we haven’t even felt the summer heat yet, which is when most Victorias sell.

Have their been other Inglesa booms?
It happened in the 1970s, and then again from 1985 to 1993. The current boom started last year, first in Britain and then in Barcelona and Valencia. So we’re already facing an overload before summer starts.