As a fashion editor, nothing excites me more than discovering pieces that I know are going to be a big hit amongst the style set. And what makes the feeling just that little bit sweeter is spotting said treasures just before everyone else catches on. So when I started to notice A.Emery Jalen Leather Sandals (£180) on the feet of multiple trendsetters—which I had been wearing for a little while by this point—it just confirmed what I already knew: this is the summer shoe brand to invest in.
And the Jalen style isn't the only pair I noticed cropping up; be it the tie-up leather Shel style with a cute bow at the back or the brand's elevated take on the humble flip-flop with its Kinto thong sandal, one thing is for certain—A.Emery does chic, simple and summer-ready leather footwear like no other.
Junior branded content editor Humaa Hussain wearing A.Emery Jalen Leather Sandals.
As much as I love basically every pair on offer from this Australian brand, my heart belongs to Jalen. There's just something about the minimalist design that speaks to my pared-back personal style like no other. Crafted from supple leather and boasting a sleek shape with a square toe and thick straps, these sandals give off an effortlessly polished vibe that I love.
I wore them on repeat when I was living in L.A. last summer. Whether navigating the bustling streets of Melrose Avenue, enjoying a day at the beach or working at the Who What Wear L.A. office, I found myself reaching for them every morning during those warm months.
As the weather changes and we all begin to consider what pieces to add to our summer wardrobes, many of us may find ourselves scrolling our socials, keeping our eyes peeled for the next It shoe, most-wanted accessory or the perfect pair of go-with-everything sunglasses. Although we may all confess to being a little swayed by seasonal trends, rest assured that the sandals at the top of every editor's wish list will still be working hard for your wardrobe by September. Invest in them now and I promise you'll love them just as much next summer, and the summer after that.
Fashion influencers like Marianne Smyth and Lois Sterling (both pictured above) have been spotted showcasing their own take on styling the Jalen. Smyth adds laid-back cool to her ensemble, teaming the olive suede pair with mid-wash jeans and a sleeveless cardigan, whilst Sterling makes hers feel a little French by wearing them with a flowing, black maxi dress and oversized sunglasses. Needless to say, these sandals have garnered quite the fan club, and hopefully, you can now see why.
Though I would love to keep this brand close to my chest, I know I'd be doing a disservice to the Who What Wear UK community by gatekeeping it. In light of this, I've collated all my favourite pairs for you below. But when you start spotting them everywhere, just remember that you heard it here first!
Shop A.Emery Jalen Sandals:
The classic and original pair. You can't go wrong with smooth black leather.
Off-white is a cute, clean option.
The brown suede version is out of stock, but this lighter almond hue is just as good.
I feel like suede elevates the sandal that much more.
The very same sandal but with thinner straps. I love the contrast against the thicker footbed.
Nothing says summer like glistening white sandals.
I love the richness of this chocolate hue.
Shop More A.Emery Sandals:
Perfect for those who prefer a sleeker silhouette.
A buckled slip-on is ideal for beach days or picnics in the park.
A break from all the neutrals, this burgundy pair with a toe-post would look so cute under a white cotton midi dress.
Although very similar to the Jalen, these come with an extra-long tie strap that reminds me of gladiator sandals.
Understated and refined.
I imagine these to feel like you're not wearing anything at all on your feet.
A.Emery + fellow Aussie brand Matteau = a collab made in shoe heaven.
I think these may well be my next buy from the brand.
This simple thong design is so much more elevated than rubber flip-flops.
Wouldn't these look so good with white linen trousers?
