A passionate couple from Liverpool have launched an independent footwear brand with a difference.
Parents to four children, Paul Triggs and Olivia Taylor, created Through Different Eyes with their seven year old, nonverbal daughter Violet in mind.
Creating luxury style trainers at affordable prices, the couple were inspired to launch the business after Violet was diagnosed with autism. She is also nonverbal.
Paul, 41, explained: “Raising a child with additional needs has brought many challenges, but also a transformative perspective on life – not just for us as parents but for our entire family. Everything in our lives has to be carefully planned; we allow extra time for delays, manage meltdowns, and adapt to the unknowns. There’s a silent weight that often goes unseen by the outside world. But we’ve learned to see things through different eyes and see a different side to normality.”
Understanding the challenges that Violet may face in the world, particularly when she’s older in terms of career and employment, the couple had a passion to remove these barriers and create something that Violet could be part of as she grows, alongside her siblings Teddy, 9, Minnie, 6, and Bunny, 2.
With backgrounds in utilities, oil, gas and retail, entering the fashion industry hasn’t been easy. Choosing footwear came from a blend of practicality and passion with the couple both sharing a love for fashion and together, they have created the brand from scratch with a goal to build a future for themselves as a family.
Olivia, 34, added: “Statistically, the odds are stacked against Violet when it comes to employment, it is said that as low as 16% of autistic adults are in full-time, paid employment. We wanted to create something sustainable, something she could be part of. If we can’t find a future for her, we’ll build one.
“We felt the clothing market was saturated so we decided to focus on footwear, trainers specifically, which gave us a space to create high-quality, stylish designs that felt unique but affordable. I came up with the concept as a tribute to the way Violet views the world; with unique, often misunderstood clarity. The brand’s stylish “V” logo not only represents Violet’s name but also stands as a symbol of our family business.”
With a commitment to quality and sustainability, Through Different Eyes specialises in men’s footwear with customers able to purchase the collection online via the website, and its first range is also available in Transalpino on Great Homer Street.
Paul continued: “Our goal is to make Through Different Eyes a respected brand and a name people want to wear to complete their look. But beyond that, we want to give our children, and others like Violet, a future and we hope to create meaningful employment opportunities, particularly for young people who may face challenges entering the workforce. We want to give them a real chance at independence and inclusion.”
For families looking for support and inclusive spaces across the city, we’ve put together an Autism Friendly Things To Do In Liverpool guide highlighting venues, activities and resources designed with accessibility in mind.
