Souliers Martinez
Souliers Martinez is a Paris-based footwear brand founded in 2017 by designer Julien Martinez-Calmettes. It is known for women's shoes in hand-woven leather, crafted in family-run workshops in Spain and Portugal.
| Founded | 2017 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Julien Martinez-Calmettes |
| Studio | Paris, France |
| Production | Spain and Portugal |
| Website | souliers-martinez.com |
What is Souliers Martinez?
Souliers Martinez is a French footwear brand founded in 2017 by Julien Martinez-Calmettes, who trained in industrial design and previously designed collections for French and Italian houses. Each collection is conceived in the brand's studio in Paris.
Products and positioning
The signature is hand-woven leather, using techniques such as fine caning, tubular leather, knots and interlaced straps. Lasts and heels are drawn in-house, and the brand uses constructions such as sacchetto and turned welts.
- Flats, pumps and sandals
- Boots, including over-the-knee styles
- Mesh and woven styles, plus socks
Woven leather is made by women artisans in southern Spain, and each pair is crafted in family-run workshops in Spain and Portugal. Leather comes mainly from tanneries rated Gold by the Leather Working Group, and collections are produced in limited quantities.
Distribution
The brand sells through its own online shop in euros, pounds and dollars, and through wholesale via a showroom. In 2018 it was selected for Net-a-Porter's Vanguard programme for emerging designers.
Why it matters
Souliers Martinez shows how a young designer label can build recognition through a distinctive craft technique and European artisanal production.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Souliers Martinez?
Souliers Martinez was founded in 2017 by designer Julien Martinez-Calmettes.
Where are Souliers Martinez shoes made?
The shoes are designed in Paris and crafted in family-run workshops in Spain and Portugal, with woven leather made by artisans in southern Spain.