Chapter one:

Some stories have endings, while others continue, chapter after chapter—and that’s exactly the never-ending story of women’s fashion. 

Fashion has constantly evolved to support the changing roles of women.

Today the fashion industry has made it more of a priority to design pieces that help women feel strong and comfortable which is exactly what Womads was built to do. 

Hi, I’m Lisa, the woman behind Womads, a company that specializes in high quality leather shoes and accessories.

Womads was a passion project that has now turned into my full time job. When I started Womads I believed that shoes should hold your feet well enough so you can move in any way you want—which brings in our slogan, My Life, My Adventures. 

Womads are flexible so your foot can arch and dance around as well as hold your heel so you don't risk losing your shoe at every turn. I made these shoes for women, and who better to design women’s shoes than another woman. 

For International Women’s Day, I wanted to share the history behind two of our shoe products and how they reflect women’s movements: the peep-toe shoes and the timeless Oxford Shoes.

Peep-Toes: How They Started and Where They Are Now

Peep-toe shoes are where Womads began, so I traced their origins first.  

“European women first dared to show their toes after the French Revolution (1789), when the neoclassic style influenced them to wear sandals to resemble Greek goddesses” according to Elizabeth Semmelhack, senior curator of the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto. 

The idea of “daring to show your toes” is so interesting to me. But it makes sense, when you think about it. Women in Victorian society weren't even allowed to show their ankles, so toes would have definitely caused a s(c)andal. 😂 

Like so many trends, peep-toes fell out of style but, like we all know, just because they are out of style doesn't mean they won't come back. I mean people are starting to wear skinny jeans again, not me but others.

After the Great Depression, open-toe shoes gained lots of popularity, which can be credited to the rise of beach culture. However, peep-toes were also seen as provocative— even linked to a phase of rebellion. Showing your toes was like showing off the girls in a scandalous top. 

So glad the narrative changed. 

During this time of the peep-toe sandal, women were breaking traditions and starting to express themselves and their individuality. 

They were more free so they let their toes be free. 

Now peep-toe shoes are a staple part of fashion shows and runways making them an integral part of the fashion industry. 

Womads peep toes sandals are designed to flatter the foot with a comfortable and lightweight silhouette. We want to show off and highlight the foot's natural shape while still allowing the foot to breathe. 

Oxfords: How They Started and Where They Are Now

I launched the Womads Oxfords late last year, and they’re a product I truly love. They’re perfect for my girls who need a professional, closed-toe shoe that’s both stylish and functional.

When I decided to dive into the history of the Oxford shoe, I found there are actually multiple stories to explain its start. But there’s one widely accepted theory that resonated with me. 

By the start of the 20th century, Women were becoming more active and their roles in society continued to evolve. With this change they needed a shoe that could keep up with their new more active and working lifestyles. The Oxford was perfect—it was formal enough for work settings but also comfortable enough for sports and outings. 

By the 1940s, the Oxford had become a classic. 

I also found a theory that gives the Oxford its name: 

It all begins with Oxford University (which, of course, makes sense!). Students there were looking for more comfortable footwear, so they modified the traditional Oxonian boot. They lowered the cut but kept the laces, and this new style eventually became what we now call the Oxford shoe.

How Womads Vows to Empower Women Through Shoes and Accessories.

Womads is a company built by a woman, for women. So I mean it must be a great product. Womads has and will always be about celebrating the lives and independence of women.

As a company designed to support women like you, I vow to always empower you through the accessories I create:

• Use high-quality leather materials for every leather accessory

• Incorporate sustainable products and processes, because we can empower women and the earth. 

• Be open and transparent with Womads customers, I'll always keep my lines of communication open—you can respond to me emails and I'll be on the other end. 

• Create accessories that support women’s lifestyles by being comfortable, breathable, and supportive

Who Runs the World? Girls With Happy Feet.

Fashion is constantly evolving, and as a fashion lover it's so important to continue to change and grow.

At Womads, we will keep adapting to what you need in your accessories, so that we’re always supporting your lifestyles and never holding you back. 

I have always used fashion as a tool of self expression. That is also why I create such vivid colors, I want every woman to find a piece that reflects them and how they want to show up in the world. 

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