Augusta The Brand: Sisters Redefine Quiet Luxury Shoes
In a fashion landscape saturated with noise, Augusta The Brand speaks in a softer tone, one of intuition, memory, and elegance that doesn’t need to shout. Founded by sisters Paloma and Cristina Rato, whose roots span from Casablanca to Singapore, the label has quickly emerged as a quiet force in the world of quiet luxury shoes. Blending heritage, global influences, and the artisanal precision of Spanish shoemaking, Augusta celebrates a kind of femininity that’s deeply felt but never overstated. IRK sat down with the duo to talk sisterhood, craft, and the timeless allure of subtle design.
Heritage & Identity
1. What inspired you to launch Augusta The Brand together as sisters?
“Augusta was born from a shared intuition, something quiet, almost instinctive,” say the founders. With Paloma’s background as a fashion buyer, and a family rooted in creativity and entrepreneurship, it was only natural that creating a brand of their own would follow. In fact, Paloma recalls a turning point: “At some point, I knew I had to build something personal.” Ultimately, the sisters shaped Augusta as an extension of their own story, one built on instinct, connection, and a deep sense of purpose.
2. How have your international experiences, from Singapore to Casablanca, influenced the spirit of Augusta The Brand ?
Having lived between continents, their design language is undeniably global. As they put it, “We’ve always straddled cultures and aesthetics.” Indeed, this nomadic energy defines Augusta’s DNA and helps explain why the brand resonates with women across the world. Rather than designing for a single archetype, they add, “We’re not just designing for our own circle, we design for diverse lifestyles, always keeping a global perspective.”
3. Your shoes have a timeless, feminine feel. How would you describe the Augusta woman?
“She’s curious, and completely her own,” the sisters say with conviction. Instead of chasing trends, “she curates her life.” In essence, the Augusta woman values understated elegance and authentic femininity. Her style may be quiet, but it remains unmistakable.
Design & Craftsmanship
4. Why is artisanal Spanish production so important to you?
“Because it’s about dignity,” they state. Indeed, “Spanish factories respect the product, the process, and the people.” Furthermore, working with family-owned workshops allows Augusta to preserve fading techniques and ensure each pair is made with care, precision, and human connection. Ultimately, “It’s not just about how the shoes look, it’s about how they’re made.”
5. How do you select the materials and textures that define each collection?
The answer is simple: intuition. To start, “we begin with moodboards, scents, childhood memories, film stills, light at a certain hour.” Next comes the sense of touch. From leather that patinas beautifully to colors that evoke emotion, every material is carefully chosen to tell a story. In fact, “texture speaks before silhouette even begins.”
6. What role does nostalgia play in your design process?
“A quiet but constant one,” they say. Indeed, for Augusta, nostalgia isn’t about imitation; rather, it’s reinterpretation. For example, a vintage button, a faded photo, or a film scene can spark a new idea. Ultimately, “timelessness doesn’t mean static. It means capturing something that never needed to scream.”
Innovation & Influence
7. Augusta shoes are both classic and bold. How do you keep evolving without losing your identity?
“We refine. We don’t reinvent.” In fact, each new collection is a gentle evolution of the last. Over time, proportions shift, contrasts emerge, and colors surprise, however, the core remains unchanged: feminine energy, clean lines, and emotional precision. Ultimately, this approach allows the brand to innovate while staying true to its identity.
8. How do you stay creative while producing durable, wearable shoes?
“For us, a shoe must walk beautifully, both literally and emotionally.” To achieve this, Augusta innovates within the limits of real-life comfort. For instance, a balanced heel, a sculpted strap, and a soft insole, all these carefully considered details are where elegance truly lives. Moreover, “it’s the smallest decisions that matter most.” In other words, beauty is found in subtlety and thoughtful design.
9. What does ‘quiet luxury’ mean to you, and how does Augusta reflect that?
“Quiet luxury is the shoe you reach for again and again,” they say. Indeed, it’s not about logos or hype, rather, it’s about feel, fit, and longevity. For example, Augusta designs are as suited to a linen dress as they are to a sharp suit. In fact, “it’s subtle, sensual, and lasting. Ultimately, that’s our definition of luxury.”
Future & Accessibility
10. What are your aspirations for Augusta in the coming years?
“To grow slowly, with intention,” they answer. Augusta isn’t chasing scale, it’s cultivating depth. “We want to expand our product lines, refine our experience, and stay close to the women who wear our shoes.”
11. Are there new styles, collaborations, or categories on the horizon?
“Yes, definitely,” they tease. Capsule collaborations are in development, along with a new product category that promises to be a “total success.” While they remain discreet, the excitement is palpable.
12. Where can customers discover and try on your shoes, any plans for pop-ups or retail spaces?
Augusta’s retail presence is expanding season by season. “We’re proud to be stocked by iconic retailers like Le Bon Marché and Galeries Lafayette in Paris, Rinascente in Italy, Illum in Copenhagen, and Aïshti in Beirut.” In May, Augusta launched its first pop-up in Madrid, and more are on the way. “We’re planning similar experiences in Barcelona and Paris very soon.”
A New Language of Quiet Luxury Shoes
Augusta The Brand is not just making shoes, it’s shaping a new language of femininity, heritage, and quiet power.With deep roots and a global soul, every pair invites you to step into something lasting. Indeed, the brand embodies values that are understated, elegant, and meaningful. More than that, Augusta creates a connection between tradition and modernity, offering women a chance to express themselves through subtle but powerful design. Ultimately, it’s about embracing timeless style with intention and grace.
Want some more ? Take a look at : Souleiado Heritage: A Timeless Dance Between Craft and Sunlight
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Amélie JOUISON is a fashion photographer and art director.
She likes to question the status of the image as a woman, incorporating a point of humour, burlesque and creating discomfort.
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