Wrapton is a new eco-leather shoe designed by Reine Krief. The shoe is as comfortable as a sneaker and your feet will feel like they are wrapped in love.

This European fashion shoe is beautiful and luxurious. The insoles are biodegradable and removable, allowing for two widths in one shoe. You can also remove and add your own insole. They are available in full sizes and half sizes. Currently they are 75% carbon neutral and the goal is to reach 100%. Another advantage is that the packaging is at European recycling level.

Wrapton’s design began three years ago when Krief started working with small businesses in Portugal. These family factories produce craftsmanship combined with technology. Each location is equipped with a different specialty. The goal is to reduce waste and create social impact.

The upper part of the shoe can last a lifetime, the insole can be renewed, and the sole is repairable. They plan to set up a program so you can return the shoes, which will keep them from going to the landfill.

Krief comes from the fashion world and in 2016 started her jewelry business, BijouRocks. These are gold, or gold filled, semi-precious and hand-knotted jewelry. It also offers handbags made in Italy by artisans. She plans to have small batches of handbags made here in San Diego.

Her husband, Michael Krief, has a technical background in footwear, having had a father who worked in the shoemaking industry. He has worked in the corporate world for many companies such as Wolverine, Halston in Los Angeles, and Aldo brings years of experience to the table.

Currently, Wrapton will donate one dollar to the One Tree Planted charity for every pair of shoes sold. They focus on global reforestation by planting a tree with every dollar donated.

For a pre-launch campaign, the first delivery is scheduled for March-April. This micro-operation begins by producing two colors to begin with. They wait for returns and take orders. This allows the public to support small businesses, be part of small pilot production, help reduce waste and at the same time receive a beautiful product. The shoe will be direct-to-consumer going from the factory to the street with no middleman.

Stop by their shop at 124 E. Cliff St. in Solana Beach, check out the samples and have your say. In the store, they also offer sustainable bamboo clothing, jewelry, handbags, scarves, and artwork by fine artists. Instagram is @Wraptonreinekrief.

EVENTS TO COME

Until February 27 – “Language of Textiles” exhibition on Japanese textiles at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. General admission is $12.

Saturday, March 12 – Gretchen Productions will produce a live virtual fashion show for Soroptimist International of San Diego at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. The afternoon also includes the “Live Your Dream” awards. For info: 619-670-9880.

Saturday, April 23 – FWSD22 Spring Showcase at Hotel Republic from 6-10 p.m. For more information, visit fashionweeksd.com/events/fwsd22-spring-showcase/.

Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally acclaimed couture milliner based in the San Diego area. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher and blogger at DianaCavagnaro.com.