[An edited version of this interview first appeared in Issue 15 of The Fluevog Post (Fall/Winter 2020)]
Unless you live under a rock, you know about the limited edition Dr. Henry Fluevogs that went on pre-sale in April 2020 and promptly crashed our website with overwhelming enthusiasm. Inspired by British Columbia’s chief provincial health officer (and avid Fluevoger) Dr. Bonnie Henry, the shoes helped raise funds for those in need during the covid-19 crisis. 100% of the profits from the pre-sale was donated to FoodBanks BC. Despite her plate being filled with many more pressing matters, Dr. Henry agreed to take some time to chat with us about her career and her connection to Fluevogs.
What’s your favourite think about what you do for a living?
I am incredibly grateful to be in medicine and to have taken the road of becoming a specialist in public health. I have worked around the world on fascinating and challenging outbreaks like Ebola and Polio and here at home, SARS and influenza and of course now COVID-19 as the Provincial Health Officer for BC. In all my work, it has been caring for individuals, families and communities through these crises that has been the biggest challenge and the biggest reward.
What can clothes do for a person?
Wearing the right thing is something that gives me confidence, especially when I am nervous!
How did you first discover Fluevogs?
I fell in love with Fluevogs after visiting the Gastown store in Vancouver many years ago. They were so different and colourful but surprisingly comfortable too. It took a while before I summoned enough courage to actually wear a pair, but after that first time I never looked back. I now have rather a lot of pairs; it does become a habit!
Do you remember your first pair?
My first pair were fairly tame flat patent pink ones, just to see if I could really pull off wearing Fluevogs. But after those I couldn’t stop.
Do you have a favourite pair?
Several, most recently my Bahianas but I am sure my Dr. Henry shoes will top them soon.
Any interesting adventures in Fluevogs ?
I have worn my Vogs all over the world (back when we used to travel) and they are always noticed, even in fashion meccas like Italy!
Anything else you’d like to say?
Be kind, be calm, be safe!
You may have noticed that John’s Fall/Winter 2020 collection includes two new colourways of the Dr. Henry shoe! With support from Dr. Henry, these shoes will also raise funds for coronavirus relief efforts with 15% of the profits being donated to the WHO’s COVID-19 Response Fund.
