Arina Bootie Black Lux Nappa

I grew up in the retail shoe business. My grandfather opened my family's first shoe store in 1920, in Brooklyn.

My Dad literally grew up in the apartment above the family store. He and his 3 brothers all continued in the family shoe business as adults and I worked in my dad's shoe store as a child. I eventually became a podiatrist, spending many years treating women whose feet have become damaged by wearing high heel shoes.

For years, I've struggled with the arrogance of shoe designers who proclaim that women must suffer for fashion.
As a woman, I also understand that women will always choose fashion over "sensible" footwear. Because of this, I've challenged myself to create a high fashion luxury shoe that is constructed in such a way that it can accommodate the structure

I grew up in the retail shoe business. My grandfather opened my family's first