LE MONDE BÉRYL

Founded in 2016 by two friends in London, Lily Atherton Hanbury and Katya Shyfrin, Le Monde Béryl revisits the classic slippers of Venetian gondoliers. Also known as "furlanes", the slippers were born at the end of World War II in the Frioul region of north-eastern Italy. Slim and flat-soled, the shoes were quickly marketed in Venice where they were adopted by gondoliers who appreciate their comfort and resistance. The shoes were designed with soles made of recycled bicycle tyres, a material with grip that didn't ruin the boats' finish. Inspired by this history, the two designers dreamed up contemporary models, made by hand by Florentine artists using traditional techniques. In terms of material, the brand collaborates with Cloth Collectives, a British company specialising in the creation of sustainable fabric. Available in velour, satin or suede, the collection features colourful footwear with impeccable details. To add a touch of glamour to the look, some of the models have little jewels, like sparkling crystals. Le Monde Béryl: where elegance meets Italian craftsmanship.