Jia De Lara is a sustainable design studio founded in 2021 by Larissa. Designed in London and completely crafted in Italy, Jia De Lara truly brings together incredibly beautiful and elegant design structures with sustainable and ethical practices. From conscious material-sourcing, to waste-elimination processes, to brand-wide initiatives to offset carbon emissions, Jia De Lara takes a wholly sustainable approach in a new wave of luxury design.

Could you tell us about your latest collection? What were some inspirations that set the foundation for this collection?
Designed between London and Paris and Handcrafted in Le Marche, Italy, the Oceanic Collection is Jia De Lara’s first line and celebration of the treasures of the natural world. The collection of seven styles comprises the studios’ take on classic stilettos, sandals, pumps and mules and is presented in nine playful colourways: a palette inspired by the flora, fauna and mineral treasures of the world underwater.

Created in metallic-flecked Fool’s Gold and vibrant Ocean Light, a duo of blues that represent the light-shifting qualities of the waters’ surface are brought to life in the Portia, Jia De Lara’s signature sky high pump. Elsewhere, shapes and silhouettes of coastlines and contrasting textures capture the wondrous beauty and opulence of the seas and oceans Jia De Lara is committed to protecting.

The collection of versatile footwear moves between every day to elevated glamour, often within the same shoe. The signature Nancy and Agnes styles are designed to transform, with detachable fastenings that can be worn in multiple ways, providing a variety of looks that allow the wearer to own less.

You have an Uncompromising philosophy. Could you tell us a little more on what that means to you and your design process?
“The word ‘Uncompromising’ defines our design philosophy as we believe that the future of luxury means promoting change in the way we consume and treat this beautiful plant and its inhabitants. We are Uncompromising on the beauty and quality of our designs, the sustainable standards, and the message we are putting out into the world”.

You work solely with sustainable and ethically verified materials, which is incredible! What are some materials that you find compelling in footwear design?
There are many great materials that are on our radar, some of which have not been finalised for commercial use yet and some that have been. Natural rubber, plant/fruit “leather” and certain types of recycled plastic are amongst these materials that can be incorporated in footwear design.

Are there any materials or practices that you would like to incorporate in the future?
There are so many opportunities within the realm of sustainability and fashion that are on our current and future agenda. To give some examples; we are looking into several new exciting materials, such as banana leaves. We are also aiming on being the first shoe brand that uses more than 95% recycled plastic as heel component.

You also support sustainable farming practices in Europe through the materials you use. How did that process begin and how would you expand it?
The process began when the idea of Jia De Lara was born. It was always part of the brand strategy to solely work with sustainable farmers. Jia De Lara places great focus on promoting a circular economy and supporting local, small-scale and environmentally and animal-welfare conscious farming practices. We believe that in order to resolve the climate and environmental crisis we are facing, we need to drastically cut down on (over)consumption. By supporting sustainable farmers, we are saying no to mass fishing, large scale farming and industrial production processes. We understand this may come with a higher price point; however, we also believe that less is more and investing in good quality can last a lifetime.

As a footwear designer, do you remember your first memories of love and excitement for footwear?
I love shoes! A good pair of shoes lasts forever and elevates every outfit. My love and excitement for shoes might has been influenced by my grandmother, who had this incredible walk-in shoe wardrobe – yes you read correctly – walk-in shoe wardrobe!! Every time I used to go to her house I would sneak into that closet and try on all her shoes. Thinking back to that time, I can even remember how that room smelled... Like aged leather and perfume. Sex and The City furthered my shoe obsession, cliché as it might be, I am a huge fan.

What are some brands that you admire in the industry?
Veja is an amazing sustainable footwear brand, and I am also a big Reformation fan – they do great work when it comes to sustainable fashion. Pangaia is another sustainable fashion brand I absolutely love.

If you could collaborate with anyone at all right now, who would that be and why?
This is a difficult question - there are so many incredible talents that are invested in both fashion and sustainability. To name a few; Emma Watson, Nina Dobrev, Toni Garrn. Each of them is working on making this planet a better one, with their humanitarian, environmental and conservation efforts. That said, we would also be honoured to work with Michelle Obama or Iris Apfel - their elegance and charisma is truly inspiring.

Where do you see Jia De Lara going next?
We aim to be fully carbon negative soon, as well as to develop a way to recycle shoes that have been outloved by customers in such an efficient way that we can reuse a good majority of the components. We are constantly on the lookout for new partnerships with

organisations that do their best to save our planet and we have some exciting collaborations coming up in the new year, as well as a new collection release!

Social Media?
Instagram | @jiadelara Facebook | Jia De Lara TikTok | @jiadelara

Article by Sienna Ropert, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Alexa Dyer, Graphic Design Coordinator, PhotoBook Magazine
*Images courtesy of Jia De Lara