Is your sandal game as strong as it should be? Non? Help is here, in the form of a pop-up shop in Soho. At the Cuyana boutique, located at 29 Prince Street, celebrity stylist and AMANU founder Anita Patrickson and her crew of artisan sandal makers are on hand to craft the perfect seasonal staples to your exacting specifications. Patrickson explains:
First, the 411 on AMANU — what’s the ethos of the brand?
I loved the idea of a more sustainable model. We have no finished inventory, so every piece is created only after it is ordered. Preserving an ancient craft and knowing our customers are consuming consciously brings me so much joy.
How did you team up with Cuyana?
I live between NYC and LA, and about six months ago, I was walking home to our apartment in Nolita after dinner and passed a gorgeous storefront. I read the tagline “fewer, better things” — exactly what AMANU was doing. Several weeks later, I was discussing potential partnerships with a friend. I brought up CUYANA, and he said he was a great friend of one of the founders, Shilpa Shah. By the next morning, Shilpa and I had made plans to meet.
How is the pop-up shop working? What kinds of customizations will be available?
Essentially, it’s a slightly edited version of what we do in our Los Angeles studio. You will be able to select one of 6 styles, choose your sole — nude or black — and then design your straps. The makers will then measure your feet according to your unique bone structure, so the straps will be most comfortable and flattering. Then, they will craft your sandals the old-fashioned way, which takes between 30 and 45 minutes.
You’re notoriously on the go — what’s your next destination?
I’m going back home to Africa. I will be up in the bush in South Africa and then near the Mozambiquan border for two weeks. I try to get back at least three times a year to reset and regroup. For the July 4th holiday, I’ll be with friends in Maine, and then we head to Sag Harbor for a pop-up with GOOP on July 5th. Then, I’m off to London to be a bridesmaid in a friend’s wedding. My AMANUs will be wandering on at least three continents this summer!
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