After a year of lockdown, it’s hard to ditch comfort for fashion. But what if you could have your cake and eat it too? Llani’s flat shoes and slides offer the best of both worlds. The brand’s best-selling babouche shoes are inspired by traditional Moroccan shoes, meant to be worn effortlessly while traveling, working, or relaxing at home.
The best part? By purchasing their shoes you’re not only supporting a small indie fashion brand – you’re also guaranteed your purchase is ethical. Run by brand owner Alana Oates (the name “Llani” is in fact her childhood nickname), the brand works with artisans and craftsmen from India. The chosen factories Llani work with are either female-founded or family-owned, where female workers have strong leadership roles at each factory.
“When I founded Llani I knew I wanted to be working in India,” explained Oates in an interview with The Particulars. “I had traveled there before and instantly felt connected to the country and its culture. It was thanks to some wonderful contacts that led me to launch.”
Oates explains she has a small team in Delhi that helps her find the right vendors for each individual item, and with which she develops her products together. “It’s amazingly helpful to have eyes and ears right there,” she notes. “When I’m able to travel, I spend days at a time working alongside the vendors to create unique designs tailored to each craftsman’s expertise.”
Indeed, the brand takes great care to work with only high-quality materials such as leather, suede, and genuine shearling. Thier embellishments—beading, trims, and motifs, are delicately created by hand by artisans and skilled workers. Each of them has creative input in the brand’s designs making it a collaborative effort.
“I wanted to create a brand for a fiercely independent woman, a bold-spirited creative like myself,” writes Oates on the brand’s website. “The women in my life inspire me with their ambition and taste for the elegant things in life. Although she may be always on the go—gracefully balancing family, friends, and career—a sense of feeling at home is important to her. Our slippers, flats, and slides give her that comfort of home, from anywhere—at her desk, on the plane, or running to the florist…”
Apart from their top-of-the-line slides, the brand also sells jackets, handbags, and other unique accessories. Head to their online shop and follow them on Instagram for more.
