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If the shoe fits, why stop at one pair? Alexia Ioannou certainly doesn’t.
The founder of nou built her fashion eye hunting down rare vintage treasures from labels like Valentino, Emilio Pucci, Fendi, Dolce&Gabbana, Dior, Manolo Blahnik, and Chanelbefore turning that passion into her own footwear line filled with playful prints, bold colors, and vintage-inspired silhouettes.
“Moving from curation to design was a natural evolution because I noticed a void in the modern market,” Ioannou tells ET.
“The industry had stopped taking risks with the bold colors and playful patterns that once defined great design. I wanted to create pieces that captured that vintage aesthetic but were built for modern living.”
From animal-print heels to bridal-ready mules, nou shoes are designed to feel special enough to spark conversation, while still being practical enough to wear on repeat.
“My design process is instinctive, but highly tactical,” she explains.
“I pull from every era, mixing a ’70s fit with ’90s hardware or an unexpected color reference until it feels completely nou.”
And according to Ioannou and celeb fans includingAddison Rae, a standout shoe can make even the most low-key outfit feel instantly cooler.
“Wear them with a great pair of vintage jeans, our signature white tank, or a $10 thrifted dress,” she shares.
“I love hearing from customers who get stopped in their tracks by strangers asking about their shoes.”
As for preserving vintage finds and new favorites alike, Ioannou wants shoes to be treated more like décor rather than something tucked away in storage.
“I don’t believe in hiding shoes in boxes,” she notes. “They should be displayed in your closet like art. Shoes are meant to be worn, seen, and lived in. A pair that’s a little rough around the edges is just a sign of a shoe well-loved.”
And when her collection needs a little TLC, she keeps it simple: “A quick trip to the cobbler for a resole is all it takes to keep them looking good for the long haul.”
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