Hey there!
I am Kristin. I am a mama of two, a designer and maker of bespoke Italian sandals at the Sunshine Coast in Australia.
I have a passion for sharing the Craft of Making Sandals the Italian Way, making it more accessible to women worldwide and in doing so, helping to preserve it for our future generations.
My Story
My sandal making journey began over 10 years ago, when my family and I moved from Germany to Australia's Sunshine Coast. My children were just 2 and 5 years old at that time. Naturally, I wanted to be there for them as we built a new life on the other side of the world. Going back to a corporate job wasn't an option. However, I yearned for a creative career that would allow me to structure my days around my family's needs and connect with new people.
And so, my journey led me to the a craft I had fallen in love with many years earlier during a holiday at Italy's breathtaking Amalfi Coast - The Craft of Making Sandals the Italian Way. I embarked on an incredible two-year adventure, where I immersed myself in age-old techniques of shoemaking, sought out teachers and trusted suppliers.
It took many months of research, two trips to Italy and the help of local friends to find what I was looking for. Eventually I had the privilege of learning from a talented father and son duo of artisans. Their generosity in sharing their skills and knowledge with me is something I will forever be grateful for.
For the past decade, I have been creating bespoke Italian sandals for my customers here on the Sunshine Coast. In addition, I share the craft through local Sandal Making Workshops, where women have the opportunity to experience the techniques firsthand.
Today, my work extends beyond the Sunshine Coast as I have the honour of mentoring women from different parts of the world who dream of launching their own sandal lines. It brings me so much joy to create a community of makers who value these ancient traditions and share this craft within their own local communities.
About the Craft
When it comes to fashion, certain pieces transcend time and geographical boundaries. Capri Sandals are one of those iconic creations. Born on the shores of the stunning Amalfi Coast in Italy, the unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and timeless elegance continue to capture the hearts of people around the world.
In the boutiques and cobble stone streets of the coastal towns and the Island of Capri skilled artisans, often referred to as "sandal makers," craft each pair of sandals using traditional techniques passed down through generations. The sandals are entirely handcrafted from Italian leathers & accessories. What makes these sandals extra special is the chance to customise them and have them fitted to your feet.
Despite the ever-changing fashion landscape, Capri Sandals have managed to withstand the test of time and are now a symbol of both historical legacy and artisanal craftsmanship.
My Why
Let me take you back to my childhood. I grew up in a small village in East Germany, where life was very simple and largely self-sufficient. Our village had people of all trades. Our neighbours were carpenters, builders and a seamstress. There were also a potter, a mason, a basket weaver, a cobbler and more. People worked together, sharing their abilities to make life easier for everyone. My grandfather was the village’s blacksmith. My grandmother took care of the animals, managed the household and garden, and preserved food for the winter months.
I'm sharing this because it's disheartening to see that many of these skills have not been passed down to the next generations. Some trades have completely disappeared while others struggle to survive today. That's one of the reasons I am so passionate about preserving the traditional skills I have been entrusted with and about making sure that our children will get to experience them as well.
Thanks for joining me on this journey!
I can’t wait to share more with you,
Kristin xo
Let's connect!
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