Hi, We’re FRĒDA

We build community and inspire individual style from the ground up.

This Is What We’re All About

We could give you our conventional bio but there’s nothing conventional about us–so, here’s a short list of what you should know about us:

  • Founded by best friends Cristina Palomo Nelson and Megan Papay in 2012.
  • Cristina is third generation shoemaker and we make our ELBA Penny Loafers in her family factory in El Salvador.
  • Megan is former celebrity stylist at Calvin Klein. 
  • We are based in Sausalito, California.
  • We make elevated classics reimagined in the details.
  • We use highest quality materials from Spain and Italy to make our shoes, bags and belts.
  • Our products are handcrafted at heritage luxury factories in Spain, Italy and El Salvador.

IT STARTED WITH FRIENDSHIP

Our founders, Cristina and Megan, met at work and instantly clicked over a shared love of design and a vision for a brand that married Cris’ shoemaking heritage with Megan's styling background. 

Cris is a third-generation shoemaker, following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather. Their El Salvador's factory is where Cris grew up sketching designs, and where we still craft our loafers and moccasins today.

Megan cut her teeth at Calvin Klein in the '90s, dressing celebrities for red carpets and learning the power of style, design and storytelling—a sensibility she brings to every shoot. More than a decade later, they are still two best friends building a community from the ground up, inspired by design that makes you feel good.

We Design Classics Reimagined in the Details

Design is how we connect women everywhere and is truly what sets us apart. We’ve become synonymous with some of our signature details including our iconic studded and notched welt, cool cutout, woven leather, whipstitch and many more. While sometimes slightly unconventional, our designs are thoughtful, elevated and made to live in your closet forever. 

Meet our bestsellers.

Our Styles Are Handcrafted by Artisans

The quality and craftsmanship of our products are what bring every design to life. We work with small, family-run factories that employ artisans who make everything by hand using generations-old techniques. Responsibly sourced mostly from Italy and Spain, all of our materials of the highest possible quality. Our artisans and product team obsess over comfort, fit and function so that every style upholds our passion for craftsmanship.

Learn more about our production.

FREDA SALVADOR co-founders Megan Papay and Cristina Palomo Nelson pose together at the brand’s New York City grand opening party, smiling in front of shelves of shoes. Megan wears a black blazer with a white shirt and patent green pants, while Cris pairs a black top with a pink skirt and shimmering gold fringe detail.

Meet Our Founders

Cristina is a third-generation shoemaker, following her grandfather and father’s footsteps. Her grandfather set the ground for the footwear industry in El Salvador by opening a factory where Cristina grew up sketching designs and where we still produce our loafers and moccasins. Megan started her career helping dress celebrities for red carpets at Calvin Klein in the ‘90s. It was there she learned the power of style, design and storytelling, which she brings into her styling on every shoot.