KaeCo Shoes are a uniquely South African collection of classic lace-up heels, flats and sandals. Carefully handcrafted by Kate Smith, each shoe is imbued with the touch of the personal and the memory of working hands. An up-and-coming talent, this young artist learnt her shoe-making skills under Glyn Giani at the Footwear Design & Technology School in Pretoria. She is committed to sustainable shoe-making, using eco-friendly leather and making a mark in the country’s emerging slow-fashion industry. This is supported by her company’s method of small batch production and minimum waste.
Growing up on a cattle farm in KZN, she draws inspiration from the farm landscape, combining hair-on-hide leather with natural tones.
KaeCo fills the niche role of providing clients with comfort in their curated wardrobes. Kate has always been interested in African and Western fashions: she has practised design and dress-making since a young age. When you wear a pair of Kaeco shoes, your step is light and suffused with an earthy sophistication.
Vendor Biography