Interview: Calleen Cordero

Meet the woman with heart and soul, who is crafting real American luxury soles using Old World techniques.

Nestled in the heart of North Hollywood, California, lies one of the few remaining shoe and accessory factories in America. As I arrive at the entrance, the owner and designer Calleen Cordero – a beautiful smiling woman greets me with warm enthusiasm. Cordero exudes an instant sense of ease as we start chatting like long-time girlfriends.

I first became aware of Cordero’s brand a few years ago while shopping at Barney’s. Her signature elaborate studded leather belts stood out from the rest. Little did I know at that time that the Calleen Cordero brand had in fact started out as a luxury shoe collection.

Like most women, Cordero has a passion for shoes. Fascinated by the details, balance and architecture of footwear. Acting on this passion, at an early age, she began sales at an upscale boutique. Soon finding herself elevated to the position of assistant buyer, traveling to Europe to view collections and meet with designers, all by the age of sixteen. Cordero went on to represent Doc Martin, Kenneth Cole and Steve Madden, learning about every aspect of the art and trade of footwear before stepping out on her own in 2001. Nurturing and growing the Calleen Cordero brand which is now not only a luxury footwear collection but also a full line of leather accessories.

The amount of pride and passion is evident as Cordero takes me through her busy factory. Employing more than 50 craftsman, producing approximately 1000 pairs of shoes a month with each component of the shoe made by hand.

“It takes thirty-six pairs of hands and 16 hours to create just one pair of shoes and 22 processes to make a handbag” Cordero explains. Attention to detail, high quality standards and timeless styling are what sets this brand apart.

We begin the tour at the cutting room where multi-colored rolls of leather are neatly stacked next to long tables. Samples and production are being cut into the next shoe, belt, bag or accessory Cordero has designed.

When I asked how many styles of shoes she designs a year, Cordero smiles and sighs at the same time “I design about 60 a year” she says. Noticing my surprise, she acknowledges it’s a vast amount. “However when you have the resources at your disposal it’s hard not to constantly be creating something new!” she says.

We make our way past another workshop where various shapes and sizes of brass studs are being applied, producing that intricate Calleen Cordero signature look. On the main factory floor skilled sewers and specialized craftsman are sewing, stretching, molding, gluing and working on components in various stages of production.

Cordero tells me “in the 1970′s North Hollywood was known for hand-sculpted wood heels” a tradition she continues – using locally sourced and sustainable Alder wood. Every shoe has a comfort factor while remaining beautiful. From the hollowed out wood heels to keep shoes lightweight, the hand-molded foot beds providing arch support, to the super-soft vegetable dyed leathers.

The Garcia boot pictured above retails for $825.

Price range start at $130 for leather cuff bracelets, belts from $220, flat sandals start at $390 and $270 for totes which can be purchased at 150 high-end specialty boutiques around the world or at her two retail locations:

Calleen Cordero Store 13019 Ventura Blvd. Studio City, CA 91604 Telephone (818) 285-8533

Calleen Cordero Store 8659 Sunset Blvd. W. Hollywood, CA 90069 Telephone (310) 360-0527

Cordero gives me a sneak peek of some new designs - marvelous beaded cuffs and shoes that she’s crafted with Mexico’s Huichol Indians. Along with her ongoing custom collaborations such as these, Cordero’s future plans include opening more of her own retail stores.

I leave feeling incredibly inspired.

This couture cobbler and designer is truly passionate about her work and her business is an authentic extension of her personal core values in every respect. Her dedication to preserving the local Old World art of handmade quality footwear and accessories is to be admired.

For more information on Calleen Cordero please click here: Calleen Cordero