The Sandal, Refined: A.EMERY’s Minimalist Footwear Mastery
Origins and Founding
A.EMERY was launched in 2017 by Anna McLaren, an Australian designer who sought to redefine the resort sandal through a lens of architectural minimalism and refined quality. Frustrated by the lack of sleek, elevated sandals suitable for both beachwear and urban life, McLaren created A.EMERY as a minimalist footwear label rooted in slow fashion and pared-back elegance.
Ownership and Leadership
A.EMERY remains independently owned and operated from Melbourne, with Anna McLaren overseeing all creative and product development. The sandals are handcrafted in India using premium leathers and a less-is-more design philosophy.
Aesthetic and Design Language
A.EMERY is minimal, sculptural, and modernist. The brand’s aesthetic favors clean lines, squared soles, asymmetrical straps, and flat silhouettes with subtle architectural nods. Offered primarily in black, brown, and ivory, A.EMERY sandals are seasonless wardrobe staples designed to blend seamlessly with tailored trousers, flowing dresses, or beach coverups. There’s a quiet luxury in their restraint—no embellishment, no logos, just form and function in perfect harmony.
Notable Pieces
- Jalen Sandal – A strappy, squared-toe flat with a gladiator-meets-modernist feel.
- Kinto Sandal – A minimal two-strap leather sandal with a molded footbed.
- Nodi Sandal – A slim toe-loop design with tonal leather straps and sleek lines.
- Tulli Slide – A single-strap slip-on with curved edges and barely-there sophistication.
- A.EMERY x Matteau Collaboration – A minimalist resortwear capsule with matching neutral-toned sandals.
Famous Fans
- Phoebe Tonkin
- Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
- Georgia Fowler
- Kendall Jenner
- Pernille Teisbaek
The Future
A.EMERY continues to explore new silhouettes and textural variations, slowly expanding into boots and structured accessories. With its focus on quality, sustainability, and timelessness, the brand stands as a leader in the luxury minimalist footwear space.