Often times, the creator behind the brand remains behind the scenes… and in this case, behind luxury footwear for the daring woman. With Sahar Minkara, her personality and vibrancy are not meant to remain behind the scenes. She translates her flair for life, along with her love for design into every model.

Here is the reveal of the woman, behind the eponymous brand – Sahar Minkara.

So first things first, why footwear?

SM: Shoes for me, are how I define how I show up to work, social occasions, and in public. They are often disregarded, spending their time hidden under tables and getting lost from eye view on the streets. With this brand, I want each model to be the statement that everyone sees.

But… it actually runs in the family.

How so?
SM: My late grandfather was actually a shoemaker. He was born in 1908 and learnt the craft of shoe making, between Jaffa and Haifa in Palestine. After years of learning the trade, the stitching, selecting leather and paying attention to finishing, he opened his own atelier in 1930, in Souk Kendarjiyi (Shoemakers Market) in Tripoli, Lebanon. This was his pride and joy for 34 years, until 1964.

Upon hearing his tales, how he designed and sold bespoke pairs of shoes to mostly English and French Generals in the region, for 5.5 Ottoman gold Liras… that is perhaps a story that continues to inspire me and the collections.

 

Where you always in the creative field?
SM: I built a career in interior architecture. I was always fascinated with pairing elements to create harmony. I love shapes and angles – the process of creation. From a blank sheet to something that you interact with. A space that reflects its owner. In between projects and when I have time alone, I often sketch, paint and draw.

Is that how the first sketch of the shoe came about?
SM: Exactly. For me, the concept of creativity is unbounded. You never know where one word, sketch or drawing will lead you. So I found myself sketching pairs of shoes, high heels, which I personally would love to wear. And the idea started from there. I thought to make myself signature pairs, but I wanted to share this with other women. This feeling of daring to stand out and make a statement.

Can you tell us a bit more about what inspires you?
SM: Firstly, my grandfather and his love for the craft of shoemaking.
More recently, it is from observing people, how they interact and carry themselves. I, myself, am quite daring by nature. How I dress, interact with others, the way that I run my business, how I want to be seen. I believe the primary source of inspiration is how we feel good, and there are so many ways to achieve this. I also get inspired from trips abroad, exploring different cultures.
The tiny details that make a city what it is. And of course, art. As an artist by practice and as a collector of art, I place a lot of value on those that create. From painters, to sculptors, photographers and writers. For me, inspiration can be found anywhere.

What message do you want to send to the wearers of Sahar Minkara?
SM: A message of liberation and freedom. And this goes from how we present ourselves, to how we think and express ourselves. I believe the wearers of Sahar Minkara will share this notion. Each piece is a luxurious statement, made from the finest leathers, and crafted down to the last detail.

Here is my daring world and I want to share it with others.