Want/Need: Zuzii Shoes
Written by Katie Hintz-Zambrano
Although we think we can let the adorable shoes pictured here speak for themselves, we’ll still tell you a little more about our latest obsession, the L.A.-based kiddie kicks label Zuzii.
Launched in 2009, the company is a collaboration between sisters Ryan and Alex Campbell, who have degrees in Industrial Design and Graphic Design, respectively, and their mother Nickie Campbell, inventor of the Ansa baby bottle, which is in the MoMa’s permanent collection. Naturally, design is key for this family trio who runs a tiny manufactory where each pair is hand made to order.
“Creatively what attracted me most to this industry is how uninhibited designing for children allows you to be,” explains Ryan. “It is a very positive industry. Like making donuts, there is truly nothing sweeter. Functionally what attracted me was the challenge of designing the most adaptable and most comfortable fit for children’s feet.”
With “simplicity and minimalism” guiding their aesthetic choices, Zuzii soles utilize traditional cobbling techniques, natural vegetable-tanned leather, and simple prints, like stripes and polka dots in vivid hues and neutrals.
As for the materials, “It was important to us to craft our footwear using high quality 100% leather,” says Ryan. “Raw materials will give and form to children’s feet and create a longer lasting fit. In addition, children’s feet sweat a lot, and real leather can be worn without socks and maintain a perfect temperature, since it breathes naturally.” (Hear that, mothers of mini Thom Brownes?!)
What’s up next for the team? Look forward to a larger array of sizes starting June 30th: We’re talking infant size 3 through adult size 9. Woot!
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