EXCLUSIVE: Naghedi to Launch Shoes to Complement Popular Handwoven Neoprene Handbags
Stephen Garner
Senior Editor
Naghedi, the popular NYC-based brand known for its handwoven neoprene handbags, is launching footwear for the first time.
In an exclusive interview with FN, founder and chief executive officer Sara Naghedi gave a first look preview of her debut resort-ready shoe collection launching later this month.
“Our debut styles are the sandals I wanted but could never find,” Naghedi told FN. “I designed the original St. Barths Tote to move from beach to city with ease, and that’s what we have achieved with our sandals. It’s also exciting to showcase the elegance and versatility of our handwoven neoprene across a new product.”
The founder added that the category expansion is a “natural evolution” of her handbag collection. “Naghedi handbags make everyday dressing effortless and elegant, and our footwear line is a natural evolution of that idea,” she said. “We found that our signature handwoven neoprene lends itself to shoes just as well as it does bags.”
Watch on FN
For her first dip into shoes, Naghedi landed on three debut sandal styles for the resort 2024 season – the St. Barths slide, Laguna platform and Havana sandal in multiple colorways.
Looking closer at the new styles, the St. Barths slide features a single strap upper along with signature Naghedi handwoven neoprene backed with natural tanned leather, handwoven neoprene insole and a natural buffed leather sole.
The Laguna platform features crossover straps and the brand’s signature handwoven neoprene backed with natural tanned leather, a 35mm platform fully made from the same handwoven neoprene, a padded neoprene footbed and natural rubber sole.
And the Havana sandal was Inspired by the traditional style from Menorca, updated with the brand’s beloved Havana fringe. The single strap upper is crafted from its signature handwoven neoprene backed with natural tanned leather, a leather-lined neoprene slingback and a natural buffed leather sole.
“We put tremendous care into the design and production of our handbag collection, and the same holds true for our footwear,” Naghedi said. “Each neoprene component of our sandals–including insoles, straps, and uppers–are handwoven to order by our artisans.”
Naghedi added that the brand will maintain a core collection of classic colors and silhouettes, introducing new designs seasonally. “As we move into the new year, we will continue to stay true to our identity as a resort brand while introducing more surprising silhouettes down the line,” she noted.
The inaugural Naghedi footwear collection, which retails between $270 and $310, will be available at select retailers as well as on naghedinyc.com beginning Nov. 20.
