Biography

Nancy Dong, a veteran shoe designer and a strict vegan, has contributed her talents at illustrious labels such as  BCBG Max Azria, Ermenegildo Zegna, Charmoné Shoes and Levi Strauss & Co. Nancy studied footwear design the old fashion way at the Association Pour la Formation Professionelle aux Industries du Cuir (AFPIC) in Paris.  

 

Inspired by Katharine Hamnett, the mother of Eco-Fashion, Nancy realized that her only viable career path was to create eco-conscious fashion to help reduce the damaging footprint that much of current fashion leaves on Mother Earth today. When she moved to Italy, she took matters in her own hands and aimed to offer shoes that were stylish, sustainable and animal/cruelty- free.

 

Ms. Dong knows first hand the challenges of combining beauty with function and ecology. She possesses a refined aesthetic, sensibility with a keen awareness of the heavy impact of making “things”.  In the past, leather was THE material of choice when it came to fine footwear and unfortunately its tanning process is highly toxic.  Having always designed footwear made in Italy, there seemed to be no reasonable alternative back in 2000 when Nancy began her journey to design “compassion” fashion.  However, along her journey, Nancy became involved with Shoes With Souls, a vegan shoe company, which allowed her to channel her expertise in a niche market close to her heart.

 

A few years later, Nancy was instrumental in the launch of Charmone Shoes. With her eco-conscious and stylish designs, they garnered the attention of such celebrities as Natalie Portman, Zooey Deschanel, and many others.  With the validation that yes, there was a need and demand for luxurious eco-stylish shoes; in 2008 Nancy launched Kailia Footwear, intends to march with the Manolos and Pradas of the world, while treading a wee more gently of course.

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