Spotlight: Blu Kicks
Photo Courtesy of Blu Kicks
Photo Courtesy of Blu Kicks
Photo Courtesy of Blu Kicks
Photo Courtesy of Blu Kicks
Photo Courtesy of Blu Kicks
Photo Courtesy of Blu Kicks
Photo Courtesy of Blu Kicks
Photo Courtesy of Blu Kicks
Photo Courtesy of Blu Kicks
Photo Courtesy of Blu Kicks
Photo Courtesy of Blu Kicks
For San Francisco footwear and accessories company, Blu Kicks, founded by mother-and-son team Victoria Fay and Will Leonard, it all began with a sighting of an infamous fish in Hawaii. “We were literally on a boat when our friend spotted a Humuhumunukunukuapua’a fish, and said it looked like a sneaker weaving through the water,” says co-founder Leonard.
From that day, Fay, an interior designer and avid shoe enthusiast, enlisted the help of local artist Tom McKinley to create the pattern for the “Humu Yellow” shoe. “We’ve always wanted to make shoes that delight people and start conversations about the natural environment,” says Leonard, of the firm that has also debuted other wares including a canvas tote bag and a cotton crewneck. “Our designs have always been inspired by nature and every pair we sell helps protect it. From the beginning, we’ve donated one dollar per pair to organizations that are working to save threatened habitats around the world.”
But, for now, the company is just hitting its stride. They recently launched a line of cold weather items (inspired by their trips to Lake Tahoe) from moccasins to chukkas and loafers, with extra finishing touches such as hand-drawn images by Marya Lehman of eagles and pinecones on soles of select styles. The company is also working on a collaboration with McKinley for a limited-edition hand-painted shoe as part of an ongoing series with other California–based artists. This month, Blu Kicks is giving back for Valentine’s Day in support of the Go Red For Women campaign. For each sale of three “his and hers” styles, Fiji Red, Farallon Red, and Biloxi Red Stripe, one dollar will be donated to the organization throughout February. “We’re grateful that our company is catching on, and in 2015 we want to make an even greater impact with our philanthropic effort with the conservation of the environment,” adds Fay.
By Jennie Nunn
Pictured: Blu Kicks founders Victoria Fay and Will Leonard
Photo Courtesy of Blu Kicks
