From Peru with love

On a trip to NYC in 2021, Christie noticed someone on the street wearing a pair of especially stylish, timeless sandals, and stopped them to ask what they were – our first introduction to Marea.

The story of Marea’s beginnings is eerily similar: Owner Maria Gordillo stopped a fisherman wearing a pair of sandals she’d never seen before while on a trip to South America, tracked the shoes to their source in a small village and began wearing them herself, until enough people asked for a pair that she decided to launch her company. After spending several years determining the most authentic and ethical manufacturing sources, Gordillo now works with three small-scale factories in Peru: one creates the dyes for the fabric uppers, a collective of Peruvian women artisans braids each textile, and a family-run factory assembles the sandals by hand.

There’s a lot to love about Marea; in addition to being start-to-finish a women-run company, the sandals are sustainably and ethically made of natural fibers and dyes. The quality and thoughtful execution is evident from the moment you slip them on, and best of all, it means they’re both comfortable and stylish enough to take you anywhere you need to go this summer: the perfect complement to lounging poolside, exploring a new city, or adventuring anywhere in between.

The fact that our first experience with these handmade sandals mirrors Gordillo’s feels especially serendipitous. We’re thrilled to be carrying them in the shop and can’t wait for everyone to experience their magic!