Mugler Launches Footwear

Welcome back to FN Daily, where we break down the biggest stories happening in footwear and retail.

Today, we have the scoop on Mugler’s first footwear offering and a new sustainable sandal brand. Plus, sources tell FN that Canadian waterproof sneaker brand Vessi might be looking for a new home.

Here's what you need to know.

Exclusive: Mugler Creative Director Casey Cadwallader on His Debut Shoe Collection

Mugler’s first footwear offering designed by creative director Casey Cadwallader is here.

For Cadwallader, launching Mugler footwear has been a long-time goal. “I’ve been wanting to launch footwear for six years now,” the designer, who joined the French luxury label in 2018, told FN in an exclusive interview ahead of the launch. “So today is a very exciting day for me because they are finally shipping to the stores.”

First teased on Instagram in March, the debut release sees the introduction of “The Fang” heel series. Crafted in Italy, the series features a sculptural chrome metal “Fang” heel characterized by a slightly flared, pointed and angular stiletto heel. It will be available in two heights – in 95mm (3.7 in) and 55mm (2.2 in) – and is finished with a pointed toe.

Looking ahead: Cadwallader said he will be adding more shoe silhouettes in future collections and expand into men’s footwear.

Exclusive: Canadian Shoe Brand Vessi Said To Be Talking to Potential Investors

Canadian waterproof sneaker brand Vessi might be looking for a new home.

Three sources familiar with the matter have told FN that the seven-year-old direct-to-consumer shoe brand has met with potential investors and is contemplating what to do next. The Vancouver-based brand launched on Kickstarter in 2017 with a line of waterproof sneakers and has since sold more than 1 million pairs of shoes.

Vessi did not return requests for comment.

Canadian entrepreneur trio Andy Wang, Tony Yu, and Mikaella Go launched Vessi after spending two years creating what they described as “the world’s first 100 percent waterproof knit shoes.” Vessi opened its first-ever permanent store in British Columbia in 2022 with an intention to penetrate the U.S. market more broadly. In 2023, the brand opened its second physical store at the Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. That same year, Vessi expanded its distribution into wholesale.

Zoom out: The news comes during an otherwise quiet period for brand deals this year. Thus far in 2024, the market has been complicated by higher interest rates, which makes it more expensive for would-be buyers to borrow money.

Why This Ugg and Nordstrom Veteran Decided to Start a New Sustainable Shoe Brand

After spending her career at some of the most storied shoe companies, Leah Larson is starting from scratch.

The industry veteran on March 22 launched Fleks, a new footwear brand founded in partnership with sustainable materials company Blumaka. Fleks debuted with its first product, the East Beach Slide, in six different colorways. The slides feature visible “flecks” of recycled material throughout its surface — which contributes to the brand’s name — and use 82 percent recycled high-performance shoe foam in each pair. The shoes retails for $65.

“Fleks is really a celebration of being different,” said Larson, who has spent her career in buying, merchandising and product creation at companies such as Nordstrom and Ugg. “We’re really celebrating all of those little nicks and differences in the materials. Our focus is just trying to keep things from going into the landfill, and showing that they’re beautiful.”

After the slide launch, Fleks will debut flip flops and some other products, but will keep the collection to curated “timeless silhouettes” that can be reinvented, Larson said. The brand is also working on a circularity program for people to send in their used Fleks to be recycled into new products.

Need more shoe news?

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• Ted Baker to Shut 15 Stores in U.K., Cut 245 Jobs
• Marsèll Opens Paris Pop-Up at Leclaireur

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