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Kailia Footwear is the Journey of Nancy Dong, a Shoe Designer.
International shoe designer Nancy Dong experienced different cultures, trials and tribulations, realization and revelations that shaped and matured her as an artist, a business woman, and a citizen of the planet. Her journey led her to create her own shoe company based on her values and ethics, and a keen sense of style. Kailia Footwear, is a luxurious shoe brand for the modern conscientious woman. In her seasonal collections, Nancy bares her soul; from the intricate details, to the painstaking choices of ecological components, and the impeccable standard of quality, every aspect of the shoes is a manifestation of her physical and spiritual journey.
Born in Taiwan, she immigrated with her family to the US when she was 12, and settled in San Francisco Bay Area. She attended FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) of San Francisco to study fashion. Later on a chance visit to Paris, Nancy heard the siren calls that made her uproot from SF to move to Paris. As a hopeful newcomer in town, armed with sheer determination, she managed to convince the jury of the prestigious French shoe school, AFPIC ( (Association pour la Formation Professionelle aux Industries du Cuir) to select her as one of the only 12 students per year. Nancy was the only non-European.
After graduating she honed her craft at BCBG-Max Azria in LA., Ermenegildo Zegna in Northern Italy, and later back in the US, she was the lead designer of two start-up shoe companies that only produced vegan (non-leather) shoes.
Nancy later moved to Bologna Italy, where she founded Kailia Footwear in 2007. This time she's designing and producing shoes her way, with ethics, respect and compassion. This attitude is reflected in all aspects of her shoes. She designs for the intelligent, worldly women, with awareness of how each choice can make an impact on the environment. Conscious choice of using non-animal components (the major cause of global warming), even down to the water based glue! Natural fibers such as organic cotton, hemp jute and cork are often employed in the Kailia collection, reinterpreted with European style. All Kailia products are produced in Fair-Trade ateliers, by time honored artisans who make each pair by hand in Italy and Portugal.
Nancy has made sure the business has a built-in philanthropy side. Kailia has participated in charity events, most recently Nancy was the very first guest footwear designer in the popular Discarded to Divine Fashion Show fundraiser in San Francisco. Kailia has also a sister brand, Do-Ni Gift of Love, where retail proceeds from sales of vegan ballerinas are donated to participating non-profits.
"When a woman puts on a pair of Kailia shoes, she not only walks in glamour and style, but she also walks in the sisterhood of women who gain their grace, self-awareness and appreciation for beauty through their worldly journeys. I understand the importance of the passage each woman takes; Kailia's wants to be there when she's reaching new heights, or exploring new territories, or even taking a tumble, picking herself back up, and stepping into the spotlight...!"
For Nancy and Kailia, as with all women, continue their trek by moving forward. When they reach their destinations and look back, hopefully they would agree, that it's the journey that mattered.
About Kailia Footwear Collections:
From the elegant "feel like a princess" collection, which featured Swarvoski anklets, hand embroidery, and velvet ribbon on brocades, to the "flirty sexy" sari-tie flats and sandals with colorful floral prints. Inspired by the rich beautiful materials found on the market, a foil printed stretch velvet adds a touch of bling to modern classic. A grossgrain bow cleverly placed on the back of booties brings a whimsical surprise. Hidden plateaus on towering 4" heels make these Mary Janes trendy but comfortable. Sensible short stiletto heels combined with the supplest stretch faux-leather, the Chiara boot is a homage to the cat woman in all of us. Keeping Ecology in mind, biodegradable faux suede was used to keep materials out of landfills.
More about Nancy:
- Graduated from FIDM, San Francisco, Magna Cum Laude, 1988.
- Graduated from AFPIC, Pairs France 1997.
- Intern at Stephane Kelian - Paris.
- Designer for BCBG-Max Azria - Italy/Los Angeles
- Director of Accessories for Ermenegildo Zegna for Zegna Sport - Italy.
- Lead designer for Shoes with Souls - San Diego.
- Lead designer for Charmone - New York.
Nancy's designs were coveted by celebrities such as Natalie Portman, Kelly Rutherford, Anna Getty and famous Dutch songstress Pia Douwes. She was the first footwear guest designer for St. Vincent de Paul's Discarded to Divine fundraiser fashion show in San Francisco, also was a sponsor in the Chicago Fashion Week's Vert Couture show in 2009.
Nancy spends her time between San Francisco, California and Bologna, Italy.