ROTATE just did the equivalent of a runway mic-drop: the Copenhagen cool-girl label has officially stepped out of party dresses and into sculptural, attitude-packed shoes, launching its debut footwear collection exclusively with Level Shoes. BURO sat down with the duo who started it all, Jeanette Madsen and Thora Valdimars, to talk 80s energy, Scandi-glam in heel form, and why the world deserves pumps that party as hard as their dresses.
FROM DRESSES TO HEELS: WHAT MADE YOU TAKE THE LEAP INTO FOOTWEAR, AND DID YOU EVER IMAGINE ROTATE SHOES WOULD WALK OUT OF COPENHAGEN INTO LEVEL SHOES?
Jeanette: Shoes have been on our horizon since the very beginning of ROTATE; they’re the perfect accessory to complement our dresses. We knew it was the missing piece, but we didn’t want to rush the process: it had to feel right.
Thora: Having the support of an expert in the category like Level Shoes gave us reassurance that we’ve done something right. Their involvement not only ensures a big debut but also strengthens our international presence, and we couldn’t be more honoured.
THE 1980S ARE BACK! HOW DID THE BOLD, PLAYFUL SPIRIT OF THAT DECADE INSPIRE THE SHAPES, COLORS, AND ATTITUDE OF THIS FIRST COLLECTION?
Thora: We reference the ’80s a lot in what we do. It was such a powerful decade for women; fearless, bold, and unafraid to stand out. That energy deeply resonates with what want ROTATE to be.
Jeanette: Women weren’t afraid to take up space or make an entrance, and you can see that in the sculptural curved heels, unexpected leather adornments, bold details and colors, sparkly finishes, lots of glamour, and that playful ROTATE confidence.
ROTATE IS KNOWN FOR SCANDI-GLAM. HOW DO YOU TRANSLATE THAT SIGNATURE PARTYWEAR AESTHETIC INTO SCULPTURAL, STATEMENT FOOTWEAR WITHOUT MISSING A BEAT?
Jeanette: It was surprisingly how natural ROTATE translated into footwear. From the beginning, we had a clear vision of how it should look and feel like.
Thora: When it comes to ready-to-wear, we’re very comfortable pushing the limits of what ROTATE can look like, and we were lucky enough to partner with incredible professionals who helped us realize our vision without compromising structure, support, or design.
IF YOU HAD TO DESCRIBE THIS FOOTWEAR COLLECTION USING ONLY A PARTY SONG OR ICONIC 80S FILM, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Jeanette: Something like Heart of Glass by Blondie. The collection has that chic tension: polished, sleek and glamorous.
Thora: I would say Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface embodies ROTATE like no one. Our shoes feel like her: bold, confident, and elegant.
SUSTAINABILITY IS PART OF ROTATE’S DNA. HOW DID YOU APPROACH MATERIALS AND CRAFT WHEN DESIGNING SHOES THAT ARE AS BOLD AS YOUR DRESSES?
Thora: Entering footwear doesn’t change that commitment. We never want to compromise on quality, and we’re extremely intentional about every step of the process; how we source, how we produce, and the impact each product has.
Jeanette: The leather we use is a by-product of the food industry, which makes it the most responsible option for high-quality leather. All our tanneries are certified and ROTATE is B-certified as well. It’s all the small decisions that add up, and we make sure to do our part at every level. Not just in design, but as an entire company.
FOR FASHION LOVERS WHO LIVE IN SNEAKERS MOST DAYS, WHAT’S THE PERFECT OCCASION TO STRUT IN ROTATE’S STATEMENT SHOES?
Jeanette: Our shoes are made for endless moments and occasions. Whether it’s a pump to dance all night or a flat ballerina for a day at the office, they’re about stepping into something extraordinary.
Thora: Exactly, it’s about self-expression. Every style is designed to be an extension of our collection. There’s a pair for every mood, every moment: a little boldness whenever you want it.
