Founded in 1952 by the son of a shoemaker, Carel's history is one of embracing fashion, freedom, and rebelliousness, but somewhere between the '90s and the 2010s, Carel became relegated to the outdated section of department stores, from the 5th arrondissement to 5th Avenue. After all, it had been an iconic brand for women who were young in the '60s and '70s, and its image aged along with its clientele.
That was until Frédérique Picard took over in 2010, tasked with injecting new life into the label. That was also the year the Kina Mary Janes were minted, shoes that are as cool today as they were nearly two decades ago. For proof, Olivia Rodrigo was just spotted in a bright-red patent pair, which is a sure sign that Gen Z is embracing Carel's craftsmanship. She showed, once again, how fun the brand can be. The "Good 4 u" singer paired the shoes with a plain white tee, a vintage Coach bag in burgundy, and the best-selling bright-colored Miu Miu plaid skirt you've been seeing everywhere.
Meanwhile, other extra-cool fans of the Parisian shoemaker include Daisy Edgar-Jones, Alexa Chung, and Kelly Rutherford. As if on cue, new-season Carel Mary Janes and ballet flats come in colors and textures straight from the runway, such as mesh, calf hair, ballet-slipper pink.
On Olivia Rodrigo: Carel Kina Red Patent Mary Jane Pumps ($690); vintage Coach bag; Miu Miu skirt
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