A note from our founder  

Some of my earliest memories are of summers on the Mediterranean coast of Spain.

Days that stretched endlessly between the sea and long family lunches. Salt on sun-kissed skin. Worn leather sandals left by the door. The simple rhythm of living outdoors, where time seemed to slow down and the smallest moments became the ones you remembered forever.

In my twenties, I moved to New York City, where I built my career in advertising and fashion. New York became home in a different way. I fell in love with its energy, creativity, and the incredible mix of people and cultures that make it unlike anywhere else in the world.

Yet no matter where I lived, I was always drawn to places where craftsmanship was still part of everyday life.

My travels through South America introduced me to artisans whose work immediately captivated me. I discovered beautifully handwoven sandals, crafted patiently by skilled hands using techniques passed down through generations. They weren't perfect—and that was exactly what made them so beautiful. Every pair carried the subtle marks of the people who made them.

Those sandals didn't look like the ones I grew up wearing in Spain. But they gave me the same feeling: freedom, simplicity, and a deep connection to place.

That idea stayed with me.

Marea New York was born from the meeting of these worlds—the timeless ease of the Mediterranean, the craftsmanship of South America, and the modern spirit of New York.

Every collection is designed to feel effortless and enduring. Shoes that move naturally from beach to city, from morning to evening, from one journey to the next. Pieces that are handmade with intention, meant to become part of your memories rather than simply your wardrobe.

For me, luxury has never been about excess. It is about authenticity, beautiful materials, exceptional craftsmanship, and objects that only become more meaningful with time.

I hope that every pair of Marea shoes carries a little of that feeling with you—wherever your journey begins.

 Maria Gordillo López
Founder, Marea New York