Wrapton is a new eco-friendly leather shoe that is designed by Reine Krief. The shoe is as comfortable as a sneaker and your feet will feel like they are wrapped in love.

This Euro-fashion shoe looks beautiful and luxurious. The insoles are biodegradable and are removable, which provides two widths in one shoe. You can also remove and add your own insole to it. They come in full and half sizes. Currently, they are 75% carbon-neutral and the goal is to work toward 100%. Another benefit is that the packaging is at the European recycling level.

The conception of Wrapton began three years ago when Krief began working with small companies in Portugal. These family-owned factories produce artisan workmanship combined with technology. Each location is equipped with a different specialty. The target is to reduce waste and create a social impact.

The upper part of the shoe can last a lifetime, the insole can be refreshed, and the sole is repairable. They plan to set up a program so you can donate the shoes back, which will keep them from going to a landfill.

Krief comes from a fashion world and in 2016 started her jewelry business, BijouRocks. They are hand-made gold, or gold-filled, semi-precious jewels and hand-knotted. She also carries handbags made in Italy by artisans. She plans to have small batches of handbags made here in San Diego.

Her husband Michael Krief has a technical background in footwear having had a father that was in the shoe manufacturing business. He has worked in the corporate world for many businesses such as Wolverine, Halston in LA, and Aldo brings years of experience to the table.

Currently, Wrapton will be donating one dollar to the charity, One Tree Planted, for every pair of shoes that are sold. They focus on global reforestation by planting one tree with every dollar donated.

For a pre-launch campaign, the first delivery is scheduled for March-April. This micro-operation is beginning by producing two colors to start with. They are waiting for feedback and are taking orders. This allows the public to support small companies, be part of the tiny pilot production, help reduce waste, and at the same time receive a beautiful product. The shoe will be direct to the consumer going from the factory floor to the streets with no middle man.

Stop by their shop at 124 E. Cliff St. in Solana Beach, check out the samples, and give your feedback. In the store, they also carry sustainable bamboo clothing, jewelry, handbags, scarves, and art by fine artists. Instagram is @Wraptonreinekrief.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Through Feb 27 – “Language of Textiles” exhibit on Japanese textiles at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park. Open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. General admission is $12.

Saturday, March 12 – Gretchen Productions will produce a live virtual fashion show for Soroptimist International of San Diego at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. The afternoon also features the “Live Your Dream” awards. For info: 619-670-9880.

Saturday, April 23 – FWSD22 Spring Showcase at the Hotel Republic from 6-10 p.m. For more information, visit fashionweeksd.com/events/fwsd22-spring-showcase/.

Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the San Diego area. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher and blogger at DianaCavagnaro.com.