vohky

t h e s t o r y

Like many women, it was challenging to find stylish shoes that fit me well - without

compromising on comfort. In 2013, I enrolled in an artisanal shoemaking

workshop in Barcelona, where I designed and handcrafted my first pair of leather

shoes. From idea to fruition, I felt blissfully alive throughout the entire process.

This ignited passion, coupled with my familial and cultural ties, lead to the vision of

creating my own footwear label.

tamar april arevian

designer and owner

The world's oldest leather shoe was recently discovered in Armenia's Areni-1 cave. They date back to the Copper Age, about 3500b.c., and were remarkably preserved for millennia. It is clear that craftsmanship was a priority to my ancestors, as it was made from a single piece of cowhide and laced together by a leather cord to fit the owner perfectly.

The concept originated in a dream I had of a sandal design that included multiple strap options for the single base. The very next morning I attempted to replicate that vision using materials and a pair of flip flops from my closet, then sketched the designs. During the next 9 months I personally sourced luxurious, quality materials and applied the artisanal shoemaking process to create the original prototypes.

Generations of my family have been immersed in the fashion industry. In the 20s and 30s, my maternal grandfather was a bespoke tailor in Beirut, Lebanon, while my paternal grandmother worked in DTLA's garment district as a sewing machine operator. Throughout the rest of the 20th century to the present day, their professions encompass buying and managing fine clothing stores, fashion modeling, and personal and wardrobe styling.

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leather footwear for women

handmade in spain

my culture

my method

my family