Dear Frances

Dear Frances emphasizes creating pieces that endure physically and aesthetically, championing comfort and style for the long term. The brand’s philosophy centers on understated integrity, conscious production, and empowering the independent, confident woman who embraces growth and maturity. Inspired by fine art, human form, sculpture, architecture, and furniture design, Dear Frances crafts footwear with clean lines, sleek textures, and sculptural silhouettes that are both functional and boundary-pushing in shape and design. The brand is committed to sustainability, using long-lasting materials and partnering with charitable organizations like Soles4Souls to donate shoes to those in need, reflecting a social conscience alongside environmental responsibility. Dear Frances has garnered a strong celebrity following including Margot Robbie, Gigi and Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and Zoë Kravitz, establishing itself as a cult favorite beyond fleeting trends.

Philosophy

Dear Frances honors the delicate strength of women by creating footwear that embodies quiet but trailblazing confidence. The brand believes in producing timeless, versatile pieces that combine comfort and style, designed to last physically and aesthetically. It embraces minimalism that is refined and uncomplicated but full of life, inspired by art, architecture, and nature. The Dear Frances woman is independent, self-confident, and evolving, investing in quality classics that form the cornerstone of a considered wardrobe.

Sustainability

Dear Frances is committed to conscious production and sustainability by crafting shoes made to last, reducing waste through durability. The brand uses sustainable materials and processes to develop luxury footwear that supports sartorial integrity. Social responsibility is integral, partnering with organizations like Soles4Souls to donate a pair of shoes to someone in need for every pair purchased, addressing global footwear poverty.

Founders

Jane frances: Role: Creative Director and Co-founder. Background: Australian-born, studied shoe design in Milan, Italy; trained with Italian artisans; former branding professional; passionate about design, architecture, and craftsmanship.. Scott o’connor: Role: Co-founder and husband of Jane Frances. Background: Finance executive supporting the brand’s business growth and operations.

Dear Frances is a London-based luxury footwear label renowned for its modern minimalism, architectural silhouettes, and refined details. Founded by Jane Frances, the brand unites directional design with traditional Italian artisan techniques, creating shoes that are both timeless and functional. Each piece is handmade in Italy, emphasizing craftsmanship, comfort, and enduring style. The label’s aesthetic is rooted in clean lines, inviting textures, and a quiet confidence, appealing to women who value quality, longevity, and understated elegance. Dear Frances is more than a fashion brand—it’s a philosophy of conscious production, where every shoe is designed to last, both physically and aesthetically. The brand’s ethos is inspired by fine art, the human form, and sculpture, resulting in footwear that is both sculptural and wearable. With a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, Dear Frances has become a favorite among influencers, celebrities, and fashion editors worldwide.

Philosophy

Dear Frances is for distinct women who embrace growth and maturity. The brand believes in creating timeless, comfortable, and stylish footwear that endures both physically and aesthetically. It champions understated integrity, conscious production, and the idea that fashion is an expression of self. The label is inspired by fine art, the human form, and sculpture, aiming to imbue each design with quiet but trailblazing confidence.

Sustainability

Materials: Utilizes sustainable materials in production. Processes: Focuses on creating a new kind of luxury that slows the fashion cycle and emphasizes craftsmanship. Social impact: Partners with organizations like Soles4Souls, donating a pair of shoes to someone in need for every pair purchased. Longevity: Shoes are made to last, reducing overall waste and promoting sartorial integrity.

Founders

Jane Frances, Background: Australian-born creative director and founder of Dear Frances, Jane Frances began her career in brand marketing in Sydney before retraining in shoe design in Milan, Italy. She immersed herself in the world of Italian craftsmanship, learning from artisans and refining her minimalist, modern approach. Her background in branding and her passion for design led her to launch Dear Frances, a label that reflects her personal style and values.. Scott O'Connor, Background: Finance executive and co-founder of Dear Frances, Scott O'Connor brings business acumen and strategic growth expertise to the brand. Together with Jane, he has helped scale Dear Frances into a globally recognized label, leveraging a digitally native approach and a focus on sustainable, high-quality production.

Background

Dear Frances was launched in 2014 by Jane Frances, who moved to Italy to study shoe design and learn from artisan shoemakers. The brand was officially established in 2016 in London, with a focus on handmade Italian craftsmanship and minimalist design. Jane’s background in branding and her passion for design led her to create a label that combines modern minimalism with traditional techniques. The brand quickly gained recognition for its understated elegance and commitment to sustainability, becoming a favorite among celebrities and fashion editors.

History

Jane Frances began her career in brand marketing in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Italy to study shoe design. She learned from artisans in Milan and interned at a small factory, refining her minimalist style. While living in Paris, she launched Dear Frances, later moving the brand to London. The label grew rapidly, gaining a strong following among influencers and celebrities. In 2016, Jane and her husband Scott O'Connor officially established Dear Frances as a global brand, focusing on sustainable, high-quality footwear made in Italy.