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.
WE STARTED WITH FRIENDSHIP
Our founders, Cristina and Megan, met at work, instantly clicking over a shared love of design and a vision for a brand they wanted to build. One that married Cristina’s shoemaking heritage with Megan’s styling background to create modern pieces that women could connect over the same way they did. Fast forward over a decade later, we’re still two best friends inspired by style and design that makes you feel good while building community from the ground up.
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.
OUR STYLES ARE HANDCRAFTED BY ARTISANS
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 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.