Stunning luxury, limited edition, sandals handcrafted in Australia with Swarovski crystals - Heel choice of 2cm or flat · Italian sizing 35-43 - Worldwide shipping

Our Story

CREATIVE DIRECTOR – Cheryl Botha

 

Hi, I'm Cheryl Botha and I'm the Founder and Creative Director at Ankalia.

I founded Ankalia in 2014 with the desire to create limited edition Sandals with a sense of simple luxury and effortless style. My Sandals are meticulously handcrafted by me with Swarovski crystals and Italian leather in consciously limited numbers.

After 7 years as an international ski instructor followed by more than 10 years in the corporate arena, working globally for a top 500 ASX listed company, I took a sabbatical in 2012.

During this time I made a few ticks on my bucket list with some adventure travel and I also studied Fashion & Luxury Goods Management in Milan, Italy.

After completing my studies in Milan, I was the first person to ever be selected for an Internship, working under the watchful eye of a renowned  "Papa" Sandal Artisan.

"Papa" used traditional hand methods and made luxury, limited edition Sandals. He is famous for handcrafting leather Sandals for Jackie Kennedy in the 60’s and Julia Roberts more recently. 

I founded Ankalia as an online business in 2014 and I use the same traditional methods taught to me by "Papa."

I am forever grateful for the once in a lifetime opportunity given to me by my "Italian Sandal Papa" and his sons.

Values

The best things in life are made by hand with love. For me, this means handcrafting an exclusive collection of the highest quality leather Sandals, embellished with Swarovski crystals right here in my Australian studio.

For you, it means wearing only the best, limited edition handcrafted Sandals.

Every pair of Sandals are lovingly handcrafted using the best quality Italian leather soles and tops, as well as the same meticulous attention to craftsmanship insisted upon by my "Italian Sandal Papa" in his small workshop in Italy.

Craftsmanship is not only a tradition from the past; it is also a living reality today and every day in my small studio in Perth, Western Australia.

 

     Cheryl   xx