This Philly Designer Makes Luxurious Slides You’ll Want to Wear Everywhere
Llani, a globally inspired footwear line, ships all over the world.
Alana Oates at her home Llani shoes studio in Haddon Heights. Photograph by Jauhien Sasnou.
Designer Alana Oates, 31, launched Llani, a globally inspired footwear line, in 2016. Now, her one-of-a-kind shoes ship all over the world.
What I Make: “Hand-embellished slippers, flats and slides in materials like leather, suede and genuine shearling.”
How It’s Done: “I work with female-founded factories in India. I shop the fabric markets, grab satins and velvets that I’m drawn to, then play around with embellishments and motifs. Either I’m designing on the spot or I’m sending sketches to my partners.”
How I Started: “I was a shoe designer for Anthropologie and Gap Inc. and was always on the go. I wanted flat, comfortable shoes that were also beautiful. My idea was to create luxurious house slippers that are still chic.”
Most Popular Item: “Our embellished slide always sells out. We’re launching a special edition this spring. It’s influenced by the pinks of Jaipur.”
The Latest: “We welcomed a daughter in September, so I wanted something mini. The Mini Moccasins are just like our adult version but shrunk down.”
What Inspires Me: “The women around me. I like to design shoes they want to live their lives in.”
Where to Buy: At Llanishoes.com and in select shop collaborations.
Published as “If the Shoe Fits” in the February 2019 issue of Philadelphia magazine.
