Heavy on fashion talks to founder of KinaMania Sandals, Kristina Zouein
Hello all my fashion divas and gurus! I am glad to bring you an exclusive interview with the founder of KinaMania Sandals - Kristina Zouein. Abarcas, a.k.a Avarcas or Menorquinas, are a type of leather sandal traditionally made in Menorca, Spain. KinaMania Sandals takes the traditional craftsmanship of Abarcas and usher them into the modern fashion world. There are very few sandals that are handmade and have a such a vast history like Abarcas. I am so happy to see that KinaMania Sandals is bringing a modern touch to a classic style.
Here is Heavy on fashion talks to Kristina Zouein, founder of KinaMania Sandals!
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What makes KinaMania sandals different from other sandals on the market?
Kristina Zouein: KinaMania sandals are storytelling.
All five KinaMania styles - Uno, Dos, Tres, Cuatro and Cinco - are designed based on a traditional Spanish peasant sandal, abarca, which is believed to have existed since the 12th century.
The Voyage collections are the heart of the brand. Those collections are collaborations with ateliers and master artisans throughout the world.
How long does it usually take you to construct a KinaMania Sandal?
Kristina Zouein: All KinaMania sandals are handmade in Spain in a factory that specializes in the making of the traditional abarca; and wherever the uppers of the Voyage lines are made, they are sent to Spain where the sandals are constructed.
Other than being made by hand, the collaboration between workshops stretches the production process. The production cycle could take up to two months.
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Where can readers buy your KinaMania sandals?
Kristina Zouein: On the KinaMania website: www.kinasandals.com starting the month of August. The sandals were sold on Indiegogo, and we need time to activate our e-commerce now that the campaign is over.
How would you define the style KinaMania exemplifies?
Kristina Zouein: KinaMania sandals are artisan-made footwear for urban adventurers that are looking for style and comfort at any time of the day.
The flats are comfortable and distinguished, and are ideal for any occasion: whether a day at work, an evening out, a weekend, and most of all will become your essentials in a suitcase when going on vacation.
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| Photos courtesy of KinaMania Sandals |
Describe the different styles of KinaMania?
Kristina Zouein: KinaMania are five styles [Uno, Dos, Tres, Cuatro and Cinco] and two main collections [The KinaMania Classics and The KinaMania Voyage].
The Classics are made with quality cowhide leather and lined with soft goatskin leather for extra comfort.
The Voyage are made with hand worked fabrics from different parts of the world, in collaboration with other artists and movements.
This season, we’ve introduced three Voyage lines: Voyage to Spain is a collaboration with renowned Spanish tailor of bullfighters, Daniel Roqueta. Voyage to the Orient/Embroidery is a collaboration with Inaash association for the preservation of the rich heritage of Palestinian embroidery. Voyage to the Orient/Crochet is a collaboration with L’Artisan Du Liban for the safeguard of Lebanon’s cultural heritage.
And many more Voyage to come in the coming seasons.
Where can readers find out more about you and your work?
Kristina Zouein: On our website www.kinasandals.com, and our different social media handles:
Facebook: kina sandals
Instagram: kinasandals
Youtube: kina sandals
What does fashion mean to you?
Kristina Zouein: Fashion is a broad term, and the field of accessories is the one that has always attracted me.
Whether a pair of shoes, a belt, a bag, or jewelry, I find these pieces to be essential to our sense of style. In that sense, I plead justice for fashion 'accessories', for it would only be fair to call them fundamentals.
I would like to thank Kristina Zouein for the interview.
Make sure you buy a pair of KinaMania Sandals at http://www.kinasandals.com/
Until Next Time
Live,Style, Write
Malanb
Wow! How cool! I will have to check these out. Adorable!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment!
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