American heritage footwear brand known for its iconic, minimalist sandals and artisan, handcrafted-in-Brazil construction.
ORIGIN
USA
PRICE TIER
premium
Founded in 1946 by architect Bernard Rudofsky, Bernardo is credited with inventing the modern sandal. After debuting at the Ritz Carlton in Manhattan, the brand’s minimalist leather designs quickly became a staple for style icons like Jackie Kennedy, who famously wore the "Miami" thong sandal. The brand’s philosophy was to “free the foot,” moving away from the restrictive footwear of the era with elegant, comfortable, and timeless designs that garnered praise from Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.