Meet Le Monde Beryl: the brand that reimagined the traditional Venetian gondolier slipper to create an iconic everyday shoe.
Over the past 12 months, we’ve increasingly looked for chic style solutions that marry functionality with style to fit in with our new lifestyles, but this is something that Le Monde Beryl has championed ever since it began in 2016.
We caught up with Co-Founder, Lily Atherton Hanbury, to discuss wanderlust, Venice, and what’s next for the brand…
How did the brand come about, and what is your background?
Katya and I met while we were both working in the art world: we shared many interests, such as our passion for art and jewellery. I had just returned from the Venice Biennale and had an idea to reinvent a traditional Venetian slipper so that it was more suitable to wear in different climates and occasions, and from day to evening. We decided to embark on this together, and from then, everything fell into place.
Le Monde Beryl hails from Venice, how does the locale inspire you?
We draw a lot from the fact that Venice has always been a melting pot of cultures, style and opulence. It has a rich, layered history of craft and culture. It’s a place where styles and traditions were cross-pollinated and spread across the world.
How would you describe the brand aesthetic and what sets it apart?
Much like the original Venetian slipper, our brand and aesthetic is deeply rooted in functionality and reinvention, simplicity, honesty, and beauty.
What makes the perfect mule?
The shape and the materials, as well as the quality and the details.
What does it take to start your own brand?
Total belief and passion in your concept. You should be willing to try and fail a few times before it comes to fruition. You need a community that inspires and supports you, and a great partner.
Who is the Le Monde Beryl woman?
She is passionate and loves to make her life beautiful: at home and through travel, work, art, food, and music.
Which style icon would you love to see in your designs?
I would love to have seen Pina Bausch in them.
How do you get inspiration for your designs?
From our passions and lives. From travel, art, contemporary culture, and history.
Have your travels inspired your work too?
Always, and in many different ways, from the cultural and historical, to the experiential. Every place inspires questions and shows us something. Travel teaches us practical lessons and asks us what things would carry us through these different experiences: what shoes or bags do we need, what do we want, and what are the clever interpretations of these from around the world?
What is your favourite piece from the current collection and how would you style it?
I love the Mary Janes and I wear them with slightly cropped high-waisted vintage jeans, a thin cashmere roll neck jumper, and jewellery. I’ve also been wearing the Regency ballerina slippers with everything.
What’s next for the brand?
We have recently introduced new categories and projects to our design studio: like jewellery and furniture, which we will continue to grow and explore. We are developing our Womens and Mens core collections, and adding more seasonal and limited edition pieces. We are also working on a collection of bags and other accessories.
You’ve collaborated with lots of inspiring women, who would be a dream collaborator?
Amanda Gorman.
Any Questions or Tips to add?