Well, my husband and I both lost our jobs during the pandemic. I saw a huge hole in the market for shoes that felt luxurious but were still affordable. Working in fashion for over 20 years really opens your eyes to what's missing, so I took the risk!
Your resume is so inspiring — Barneys, Teen Vogue, Condé Nast — and then you decided to start your own brand in the middle of a pandemic! What did that leap of faith feel like?
Scary, but so right! It honestly felt like both my only option and my best option. Taking this leap has been the most rewarding thing in my life, and the hardest. It takes guts to put everything on the line, financially, creatively, emotionally, but I believed in the opportunity to build something bigger than myself. Now, with over 500 employees, my heart is full every day because I took that giant risk.
Who are your style icons — past or present — who’ve shaped the Larroudé aesthetic?
One of my biggest style icons is Candy Pratts Price. Her taste level is unreal, and more importantly, she taught me — and so many others — so much throughout my career. She knows the ins and outs of the industry and has the best eye of anyone I know.

What’s always in your bag — besides your phone and keys?
Embarrassingly... a green juice! Also a cute scrunchie, healthy snacks, these amazing Brazilian mints called Valda, and headphones, I always have a podcast going.
One word your best friend would use to describe you?
Driven. My two best friends are my biggest supporters, even when we don’t see each other as often because of work. They’ve always believed in me and understood the hustle. I’m so grateful for them.
Tokyo! The vibe there is completely different from anywhere else. I love the art, the small fashion brands, the obscure little shops, the food — everything! Tokyo inspires me in a way no other place does.