GLOBAL FLAVOR; FROM FINLAND TO CUBA TO UZBEKISTAN (BY WAY OF BROOKLYN) - JUST ABOUT THE ONLY TERRITORY THESE THREE NEWCOMERS HAVE IN COMMON IS BEAUTIFUL, HIGH-END WOMEN'S SHOES.

Footwear News, July, 2006 by Baran, Michelle

Byline: Michelle Baran

Minna Parikka, 26

Line: Minna Parikka

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland

Launch: Fall '06

Background: "I decided to become a shoe designer when I was only 15 years old. I had an interest in fashion and product design, and shoes fall perfectly in between. As soon as I finished high school, I moved to England to study footwear design at De Montfort University. I have wanted this for such a long time."

Motivation: "I wanted to create my own vision, not work for somebody else's. The concept of my brand is not something I just made up - it is my lifestyle, my way of dressing, my home's interior. I love wearing vintage styles, but find the available shoes unimaginative."

Design...