What inspired the design for this new style?
SP: I’ve always been inspired by the understated elegance of Europeans—the idea that style can be effortless, restrained, and quietly confident. I believe that less is often more, and that simple never has to mean boring. The goal was to create a sandal that wouldn’t compete with the rest of your look, but instead subtly elevate it—proof that restraint can be just as impactful as excess.
That’s exactly what Birgit and I set out to design: a sandal that feels minimalist and quiet, yet still makes a statement. Something refined and effortless that doesn’t overpower an outfit, but enhances it in an understated way. We wanted it to be genuinely versatile—easy enough for daytime wear, yet polished enough to transition seamlessly into the evening. After three design iterations, this final version feels like a true reflection of that vision.
What are you most excited about with this style?
SP: I’m most excited about how effortless and wearable it is. Through each iteration, we kept refining the details—what to add, what to take away—until it felt just right. The end result is a sandal you can reach for without overthinking, whether you’re running out during the day or getting dressed for a casual evening. It feels timeless, refined, and genuinely practical, which is always the goal for me when I’m getting ready.
Why did you choose to launch the tomato color?
SP: Initially, we planned to launch only in beach and black, but when I asked my community what colors they were loving, the response to tomato was overwhelming. There was such an immediate and enthusiastic reaction to it that it felt wrong not to include it. I love that it adds a pop of color while still feeling classic and wearable, and I’m so excited we were able to make it happen for this launch.
How does this design build on last year’s style with thinner straps and mini studs?
SP: This design feels like a natural evolution of my style. I’ve always loved a beautiful minimalist sandal, and this one leans even more into that idea—thinner straps, subtle mini studs, and a more refined, feminine, barely-there feel. It makes a quiet but beautiful statement and elevates even the simplest outfits, while still being incredibly practical and wearable.
Why was having a back strap important to you?
SP: I really wanted this to feel like a true sandal rather than a slide. The back strap adds a sense of polish and intention that makes it easier to transition from day to night. It feels a bit more elevated for evening wear, while still being comfortable and secure enough for all-day use.
Can you talk about comfort and the footbed choice?
SP: Comfort is non-negotiable for me. We used the same footbed as the itsybitsybird from last season, which was my go-to travel sandal last summer. I took that pair all over Europe and walked more than 16,000 steps in a single day—multiple times—with zero complaints from my feet. Knowing how well that footbed performed made it an easy decision to bring it into this design.
How do you plan to style and wear them this spring and summer?
SP: I’ve already been wearing them with my go-to jeans, which they pair with effortlessly. As the weather warms up, I can’t wait to style them with simple summer outfits—shorts, easy dresses, and skirts. They’re one of those sandals that just works with everything, which is exactly how I plan to wear them all season long.
