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A.Emery's Kin Leather Sandal
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Designer. A.Emery
Anna McLaren
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Designer Anna McLaren’s minimalist vision to create the ultimate pared-back sandal came into fruition in 2017. The idea was to launch with a collection of all-black sandals in minimalist styles tailored to both the urban and holiday environment.
My Chameleon meets with Anna in her Melbourne office to discuss beginnings and current trajectory.
“The summer sandal is such an integral part of the Australia wardrobe. There is just something perfect about slipping on a flat leather sandal and heading out for the day.”
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The beginning of A.emery >
I started A.EMERY after years of continually searching high and low for minimally designed all-black sandals. Sandals that not only had a black upper but a black footbed as well. A pair of sandals that would complement any outfit they are worn with, whether on vacation or during summer in the city.
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A.Emery in three words >
Refined, minimal and seasonless.
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The focus on the Summer Sandal >
The summer sandal is such an integral part of the Australia wardrobe. There is just something perfect about slipping on a flat leather sandal and heading out for the day. Completely fuss-free. I am always itching to pull out my sandals around September/ October each year.
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Ethical and Sustainable practises in the production of A.Emery sandals >
Our sandals are ethically made in India. We work with fully audited factories that I visit 3-4 times a year. Each time we visit, we see the same beautiful faces working on our products which is always a joy. All of our sandals are hand-made so seeing the expertise that goes into creating a pair is a joy of the job. We are also just starting the process of working with the Leather Working Group, an international group that work towards full transparency in the leather sourcing chain to ensure the most sustainable and environmental practices are being used.
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Anna in her office wearing the Finnley Leather Sandal
In progress. Premium leather samples in embossed, suede, and glossy
A selection of A.Emery sandals. From front: Kin Leather Sandal, Benni Leather Thong, Beau Leather Sandal
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Source of Inspiration >
When working with leather I pull so much inspiration from the colours and textures alone. Before the development stage, I go in with an idea of a colour palette in mind, inspired by images found from all over the place, books, online, and images from travels. From here is it about pulling together a beautiful range of leathers that compliment our minimal aesthetic. I then play around with leather and sketch onto a last to decide what the design will be and where the straps will be placed on the foot.
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Current obsessions >
Interior landscapes and the people that inhabit them are always my favourite content to ingest, from vintage to contemporary references. Imagery of Cy Twombly’s studio and home are currently on my pinboard. With an impending house renovation on the cards, my head is well and truly in the interiors space. The book Architecture of Happiness by Alain de Botton is on my nightstand which I am looking forward to getting stuck into. There are also some incredible jewellery brands that I am currently following and lusting over, including Sophie Buhai, Ana Khouri and Spinelli Kilcollin.
Dream summer destination >
My dream would be to explore more of Italy and its coastlines. If we are talking dreams… then 2 months, a beautiful vintage car and zero plans would be idyllic. Taking every day as it comes and discovering new towns, beaches, restaurants, and villas.
Summer Packing List >
A very minimal selection of pieces that work together no matter the situation. Pieces that can be dressed up or down. A big navy cotton shirt to wear to the beach or dress up with gold hoops and a chunky gold bangle. A selection of black cotton dresses for the same situations. Then accessories, big sunglasses, gold jewellery and A.EMERY sandals that can be worn from the day into the night. Never heels on holidays – only flats.
SHOP ANNA'S SUMMER PACKING LIST
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