The D&D Story

Dominic & Dempsey creates timeless and elegant footwear for the modern-day child. The brand was inspired by the designer and her son’s life in New York, and their love for both fashion and travel.

Dominic & Dempsey footwear is sustainable, utilizing both organic and recycled materials that are responsibly sourced, in order to reduce waste and create a cleaner planet. The collection is a curation of versatile footwear that can take your child from school to play and city to country, while complimenting their individuality. Dominic & Dempsey footwear is the essence of everyday living without compromising on style or comfort.

The entire collection incorporates biodegradable materials and is 100% cruelty-free. Designed in Austin, Texas, and handmade in Mexico under fair wage agreements, and ethical production practices, in a 1958 warehouse. The collection is handcrafted using antique machinery and the best skilled craftsmanship.

 

I designed the very first Dominic & Dempsey boot, the Petit Vagabond, for my love of styling my son, Dominic, as well as my increasing dedication to social responsibility. This dedication initially came from my dog Dempsey, and my strong belief that the love we have for our domestic pets should translate to a love for all animals.

Each collection has been inspired by our time in New York, London and Paris, but built for our current life in Austin, Texas. It is imperative that the pieces I design be aesthetically pleasing, unisex, and gentle on both my little one, and the environment. 

The elegant minimalism of a Dominic & Dempsey boot is unforgettable. Dominic & Dempsey offers the fashion-conscious an environmentally responsible, kind way to wander this world, one footstep at a time.

Most of the collections are created using the Goodyearwelt construction, which is a specific method of welting the upper to the shoe. This construction method allows the welt to be easily unstitched, which thus detaches the sole without damaging the rest of the shoe, meaning it can be replaced time and time again as it is worn down.

In our case, we use a strip of specialised rubber welt instead of the leather. This type of construction has many advantages: a Goodyear Welted shoe is flexible, comfortable, durable and often more breathable than the average shoe.

In addition, the welt enables shoes to be repaired over and over again, allowing each child they are passed down to to build up the highly desirable patina of a well-worn shoe over the years.