Sea Star Beachwear was founded in the summer of 2015 with the goal of creating a specialized lifestyle brand that designs, manufactures and sells fashionable water shoes for men, women, and kids. Inspired by the effortless sophistication of the Riviera jet-set lifestyle and the pure Americana spirit, our espadrilles combine practicality and versatility with classic style in order to align with today’s more comfort yet style-conscious consumer.
As we near our 5 year anniversary, we cannot help but to cling to the wanderlista lifestyle that is the essence of our brand, especially given the uncertainty of today’s circumstances. We dream of better days filled with sunshine and sand beneath our espadrilles. After all, our travel is such an integral part of who we are.
As we settle into our new normal and as we forge our way into this new, unknown future, we as a women-lead business are encouraged more than ever to help lift up those around us, especially fellow women-led businesses as we weather this storm together. Tory Burch, a pioneer of women’s empowerment and advancement, was an inspiration to Libby Fitzgerald, our founder and CEO, as she turned the concept of a fashionable yet functional espadrille from a dream into reality. This month, in the spirit of embracing ambition, we are thrilled to announce our partnership with Tory Burch as she launches an exclusive collection of our water-friendly espadrilles in her Spring/Summer 2020 collection.
The Tory Water Espadrille brings together Tory Burch's signature aesthetic with our original and patented water-friendly features. More than a water shoe, our espadrille has a neoprene upper and protective non-slip, no-skid, rubber deck shoe sole that transitions easily from ocean swimming and water sports to rocky beaches or rainy city pavement.
The Tory Water Espadrille is branded with the classic Double -T logo and will be available in two colorways, Black/Ivory and Navy Stripe/Red (shown Below).
Tory Burch, Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of Tory Burch LLC said, "I am always happy to support the work of women entrepreneurs. Libby and I have been friends for over 20 years, she is incredibly talented and her determination and tenacity are extraordinary. We are thrilled to include her innovative espadrille in our footwear collection for Spring/Summer 2020."
Tory's lively American lifestyle brand inspires people and empowers women around the world to live in full color with character, beauty, and confidence. Launched in February 2004, the collection is classic in spirit with a modern sensibility, embodying the personal style of the company's Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, Tory Burch.
Fitzgerald said, "I met Tory when we were both young fashion executives in New York over 20 years ago, and we developed a long-standing personal friendship. When I was launching Sea Star Beachwear, I often sought out Tory for advice and guidance. Whether I had questions regarding trademarks/patenting, raising outside capital, or manufacturing and logistics, she was a generous source of sage insight and encouragement. Tory personally understands the obstacles that women in business face. She has always been extremely supportive and encouraging as I grow and scale Sea Star Beachwear, and I'm honored to partner with her incredible brand and create the Tory Water Espadrille."
Tory Burch is dedicated to advancing women's empowerment and entrepreneurship through the work of the Tory Burch Foundation. From the beginning, giving back was always a part of the plan. In 2009 she launched the Foundation, advancing women's empowerment and entrepreneurship by providing access to capital, education, and digital resources.
Tory's parents, Buddy and Reva, are her greatest inspiration. How they lived their life and the way they instilled in Tory a belief that she could do anything. Travel and discovery are also integral parts of the collection and brand. Buddy and Reva took trips every summer to Greece, Italy, Morocco, and India, sparking in Tory a lifelong curiosity for seeing the world. She believes travel is an adventure and privilege, a chance to learn and meet new people.
The collaboration reflects Tory Burch's dedication to helping women fearlessly follow their dreams. Like Tory herself, Sea Star Beachwear founder and CEO Libby Fitzgerald conceived the idea for her innovative product while balancing work and family.
The Tory Water Espadrille will be available in select Tory Burch boutiques and toryburch.com as well as select wholesale stores beginning April 2020.
