JOURNAL
Shoes – Handmade in Los Angeles
Our Shoes - Handmade in sunny Los Angeles + vibrant Lima
We are humbled and fulfilled every day by the opportunities we have at DÔEN to work alongside so many amazing craftspeople. From the start, we have strived to produce quality goods created in quality working environments. Our shoes are a perfect example of excellent craftsmanship without compromise. Our sandals and flats are handmade at two factories in Los Angeles (both specializing in different types of footwear) and our moccasins are laced by hand in Lima, Peru. We work with Sheri and Alex at the Lala Land Factory in downtown LA, where the polish and quality of their footwear and handbags rivals that of Italy. Lala Land combines European knowledge with American artisanal craftsmanship to make luxury shoes for American designers, bringing their ideas to life right here in sunny Los Angeles.
If you pop over to the Valley, you can find us working with Kevork in his workshop. Kevork is a true artisan, a genius of form and function who brings a lifetime of practice to his completely handmade sample lasts. Kevork understands the aesthetic behind the raw edged sandals and flat mules that we love, and is always quick to offer solutions or constructive criticism. Working with Kevork has felt almost like a familial relationship to me, he’s my shoe soul brother and reluctant but willing teacher. We are so honored to know and work with these people who have committed themselves to carrying on local and handmade footwear traditions.
– Margaret
Our Ballet Flats in the prettiest Champagne Velvet mid-process
Hand-done leather braiding on our summer sandal - coming soon!
We believe the best work is done by the hands of workers treated well
Our soles are of the highest quality leather to ensure lasting wear
Our first shoe we made and re-cut because we love her so much - the Gladiator Sandal. Handmade in Sun Valley by a true artisan
Our DÔEN last - how the shoe takes its shape
One of our favorites, Kevork, who owns and operates his shoe factory in Sun Valley with his wife and handmakes many of our shoes including the Gladiator Sandal and Slipper
KK and Wilder on a factory visit