Let me tell you about the bold, handmade shoes and bags by Sara Melissa Designs (SMD). Sara’s outstanding designs come with sass and lasting quality, made to make women feel classy and sassy at the same time. Wear them for going out, for weddings or just for a style boost of your daily looks.

The philosophy of Yin and Yang is an important inspiration for Sara’s work. The observation of how differences set us apart and bring us together in life and the celebration of diversity is closely connected to her designs. She plays visually with these concepts. Isn’t it exciting to have a pair of shoes which obviously belong together but each shoe is individual?

After studying at San Francisco Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and the University of Arts London, Sara released her first collection of shoes at the beginning of 2015. Originally from Nicaragua, the San Francisco-based designer wants her work to be more than fashion.

This is why 5% of each purchase are donated to the non-profit organisation of LA F.E.M, an organisation Sara is personally connected to. LA F.E.M. focuses on the education and individual empowerment of rural woman and those who have suffered abuse.

I met Sara last week in London and had the opportunity to see and try on the shoes in real. The attention to detail is amazing and if the designer hands over a pair of her creations, it’s obvious with how much love and passion she designs. Made with love is not just a pretty slogan for her label, but the soul of her brand.