A Glimpse of Sarah Flint, Founder of Sarah Flint
This week we are thrilled to feature Sarah Flint who started her decadent shoe brand when she was just 25 years old. Growing up in Massachusetts helped cultivate an elegant, old school charm that we of course fell in love with. Sarah’s style was originally inspired by her grandmother who lived in the heart of Paris and was an artist, painter, and sculptor with incredible taste. Sarah always loved fashion but especially shoes, so she went straight from high school to FIT and soon after, moved to Italy to learn about manufacturing, shoe design, and shoe engineering. Sarah has always focused on the fit of the shoe and remembers saving up for that designer shoe that she could only wear for a few hours. With her brand, Sarah focuses on comfort and style, and works with 5 different artisan workshops and factories that specialize in what they do. From heels to flats to boots, the quality is unmatched and provides more sustainable pieces that may be passed down forever.
We love the recently launched collaboration with Gracie wallpapers and how she used their prints on scarves and shoes. It was a huge success and so we had to ask Sarah, what is next for her collaborations? She has launched creations with William Morris, Samuel and Sons, and Pierre Frey for patterns and prints, and for this fall we can look forward to a Samuel and Sons inspired bootie that is so gorgeous and includes tassels and cording . . . we can’t wait! We also can’t wait for her Yorkshire english wedding this summer where all of her guests will be staying on the property… we know that everything from the shoes to every detail will be perfection! We are excited to share all of Sarah’s favorite travels, things, where she loves to stay, and of course, what inspires her, below.
Your style is so tasteful, old school, and elegant. Where does this originate from?
It comes from a mix of my New England roots, and my grandmother who was an artist and loved all things vintage.
Your grandmother played a large role in your life… tell us more about her and the vintage world you learned from her?
She was a painter who lived on the Île Saint-Louis in Paris, and she just had this incredibly refined sense of style. Her fashion philosophy was to buy into what is timeless. She’d always say, “I do not have a lot of things, but the things I have are really good.”
Where did you start your career and what was the path that brought you to Sarah Flint Shoes?
I’ve always loved fashion (particularly shoes) so being a footwear designer was my lifelong dream. I studied at FIT, Parsons School of Design, and Arsutoria in Milan, where I studied patternmaking alongside artisans in the top factories. There, I began to notice that luxury shoes never focused on comfort. The styles were beautiful, but they weren’t made with a woman’s daily life and needs in mind. I then decided to design my own pairs that would be timeless, stylish, and incredibly comfortable.
Tell us about the Gracie collaboration and what we can expect for the future of Sarah Flint?
Working with Gracie has been an absolute dream. I love blending the worlds of fashion and interior design, so with this collaboration, we were able to make Gracie’s handpainted wallpapers into wearable works of art. It was tough to choose from all of their beautiful patterns, but we chose a blue peacock jacquard and a gold floral jacquard for the shoes, and two scenic prints for the silk scarves.
As for what’s next, we have some really exciting styles coming in fall, inspired by the architecture and artwork in Vienna!
What are some of your biggest accomplishments through your career with Sarah Flint shoes?
Getting my shoes into Barney’s in 2015 was an unforgettable moment, as was opening our first pop-up store in New York in 2019. Really, though, my biggest accomplishment has been creating products women love and come back to buy again and again.
Your shoes are absolutely stunning! What makes them different and special?
Our quality really sets our shoes apart. Each pair is handmade by artisans in Italy, using exceptional materials that we take great care to source. We work closely with family-owned factories, where they use techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.
There are also the comfort features—arch support, extra padding, wider toe boxes—that reshape how people think stilettos or pointed-toe styles can feel.
Lastly, we incorporate vintage details and inspiration in a modern way. My aim is to create original designs that also feel timeless.
FAVORITE PLACES
City? New York–it’s my home.
Country? It’s a tough tie between Italy and England. Italy also feels like home, because it’s where our production and part of our team is based. England has a special place in my heart too, as the ultimate Jane Austen and chintz interiors fan that I am.
Hotel? La Mirande in Avignon, France, which was the inspiration for my Fall/Winter 2021 collection. It’s this gorgeous boutique hotel furnished with antiques and covered in Pierre Frey textiles.
Resort? Il Pellicano in Porto Ercole is always a treat.
Destination with significant other? Amalfi Coast, Italy. My favorite thing at the end of a work trip is for my husband to meet me there.
Destination with kids? Yorkshire, England. There are wonderful children's activities at every site you visit.
Solo destination? Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, where I spent my summers growing up.
Restaurant with significant other? Loring Place in Greenwich Village
Restaurant with kids? Alice’s Tea Cup
Restaurant with friends? Supper in the East Village
Do you prefer the city or country? I’m a country girl at heart. I have dreams of fixing up an old manor house and retiring in the English countryside.
The mountains or beach? Beach
Beach club? I am more of a deserted beach type of girl.
Bakery? Can I say my mother's kitchen?
Spa? Miraval in the Berkshires
Bar or nightlife spot? Bemelmans Bar
Boutique for yourself? Capitol Boutique
Boutique for kids? Pepa and Company
Home decor store? William Morris
Jewelry store? Jamie Wolf
Skincare store? Tatcha
TRAVEL STYLE
Sarah Flint x Stacie Flinner in Avignon
Uniform? Easy dresses and a silk scarf.
Accessories? Comfortable and chic walking shoes like the Natalie Sling or Perfect Stretch Boot.
Skincare on board? Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream
Travel carry-on? SteamLine carry-on roller and hat box
Luggage? SteamLine spinner
Handbag for sightseeing? Mark Cross crossbody bags are my favorite.
Packing tips? Put your socks in the toes of your shoes. It saves space and prevents the shoes from getting crushed.
EN ROUTE
Favorite airline? Delta
Must-haves for your carry-on? All the snacks!
Must-haves for your kids carry on? I don’t have kids, so can’t answer this one!
Favorite travel gadget? Wireless charger
Wellness tips? Hydrate and sanitize
On your playlist? Taylor Swift
Recommended reading? Pretty Good Advice by Leslie Blodgett
Tips for combating jet lag? Again, hydration!
LOOKING BACK AND AHEAD
Best travel memory? This feels nearly impossible to answer, but the first time that I hiked the Path of the Gods on the Amalfi Coast has to be up there as a top life experience.
Most memorable meal? The Craven Arms Pub in Yorkshire. This was the most unexpected, unpretentious, incredibly delicious meal. Everyone in the pub was local and so friendly. There were dogs, families, hikers, and everyone was singing. It was a night to remember.
On your bucket list? India
Travel mantra? I’ve adopted my aunt’s mantra which is “When you are on vacation, you are rich and thin.” I love the reminder that you shouldn’t worry about calories or money and instead indulge in every moment – and meal!
A few more of Sarah’s travels…
