Nomasei: Sophisticated and Playful Shoes for the Modern Woman

Created by Paule Tenaillon and Marine Braquet, the Paris-based ethical and sustainable shoe brand is also a celeb favorite. It’s been seen on the streets, worn by Nicole Kidman, Blake Lively, Sandra Bullock, the Hadids, Kristen Stewart, and Katie Holmes. The brand’s designers spent over 20 years designing shoes for brands like Dior, Givenchy, Chanel and Chloé, but decided to branch out on their own for a direct-to-consumer shoe they could pour their whole selves into. All with a slower-fashion model.

And that’s how Nomasei was born!

Nomasei is their foray into sustainable luxury fashion, made with thoughtful and sustainable materials, and assembled in an eco-factory placed in Tuscany. Paule and Marine believe in creating better working conditions for factory workers, and emphasize a clean production line. Their factory even uses less electricity and energy, with solar electricity providing 40% of their own energy consumption.

They also believe that the shoes they’re creating have a social impact on the wearer. To hear Paule Tenaillon tell it:

Comfort for me is also freedom. If you are comfortable, you can do whatever you want, you are free to think of whatever you want because you don't have to think of how to wear what you’re wearing, how to sit, how to behave. It frees the brain and leaves space to think of important things.

How Nomasei Keeps their Shoes Ethical

Nomasei is a luxury footwear brand committed to ethical and sustainable practices in the fashion industry, operating under the guiding principle of responsibility. Their approach is founded on four key pillars:

Responsible Luxury Product: Nomasei prioritizes high-quality shoes produced sustainably, with a focus on fair pricing and minimal environmental impact. They work exclusively with a family-run factory in Montopoli, Tuscany, which employs around 40 skilled workers. This factory utilizes clean materials, including solvent-free glue, and upholds fair labor practices, building strong relationships with local family businesses to enhance sustainability.

Transparency: The brand is dedicated to transparency throughout its operations. They ensure all shoe production is local, with all components sourced within 55 km of the factory. About 90% of their raw materials come from Europe, reflecting a commitment to a closed-loop production process. Nomasei openly shares their carbon emissions data and continually questions their practices to improve sustainability efforts, emphasizing that they aim to offset their footprint responsibly rather than through mere marketing claims.

Reinventing the Company: Nomasei embraces a philosophy that balances profitability with ethical commitments. They focus on quality over quantity, aiming to grow sustainably while preserving traditional craftsmanship. Unlike many competitors who spend 80% of their budget on marketing, Nomasei allocates only 15%, allowing them to offer fair prices while maintaining a commitment to quality materials and craftsmanship.

Putting People First: The brand recognizes that true environmental sustainability is tied to human well-being. Nomasei aims to protect local communities and traditional craftsmanship in Tuscany, committing to keeping their production local to support regional economies. The name "Nomasei," meaning "Six Hands" in Italian verlan, represents the collective effort and skilled artisans involved in every shoe, showcasing their belief in collaboration and shared responsibility.

By marrying beautiful design with ethical practices, Nomasei is reshaping luxury footwear while ensuring that their production methods leave a positive impact on both people and the planet.

BU Style in Collaboration with BU Style

Here are some amazing photos of the BU Style x Nomasei pop-up on Elizabeth Street in New York City. It was a day of trying on beautiful shoes, collaborating with the creators of Nomasei, and helping people reach their style goals: