As part of the Morning Lazziness series highlighting empowering women who are making a remarkable impact with their ideas, I had the pleasure of interviewing Chandra and Tabitha.
Founded by sisters Chandra and Tabitha, moon d’elle is where Italian heritage meets New York energy. Raised between Milan and New York, the duo bring a unique blend of culture, sophistication, and modern edge to every design.
Each pair of moon d’elle shoes is more than footwear — it’s a statement of authenticity, artistry, and timeless elegance. Designed entirely in Milan, every shoe is handcrafted in Italy by master artisans using locally sourced materials, ensuring uncompromising quality and luxury.
For Chandra and Tabitha, moon d’elle is more than a brand; it’s a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and the power of women who walk boldly in style.
In this candid conversation, Chandra and Tabitha share their journey, insights, and the strategies that have helped them build a results-driven business and empower other entrepreneurs to do the same.
What inspired the two of you to start moon d’elle, and how did your Italian heritage and backgrounds in fashion and ballroom dancing shape the brand?
moon d’elle was born out of our shared love for artistry, movement, and style. Growing up, we were surrounded by the elegance and tradition of our Italian heritage, which gave us a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. As two sisters coming from a ballroom dancing background, we combined our passion for fashion to create shoes that embody both beauty and performance—pieces that feel as though you could dance all night, while grounded in timeless Italian design.
What does the name “moon d’elle” represent, and how does it reflect your brand’s story and identity?
The name is a fusion of “moon” (a symbol of femininity, rhythm, and mystique) and “gazelle,” representing elegance, strength, and movement. Together, it captures the spirit of our brand—shoes that empower women to move confidently through every stage of life, with both grace and individuality.
Why was it important for you to produce your shoes in Italy, and what makes Italian craftsmanship so essential to your collection?
Italy is the heart of luxury footwear. Producing our shoes there wasn’t just a choice—it was a commitment to authenticity, quality, and artistry. Italian artisans bring generations of knowledge and meticulous handcraft to every stitch. That attention to detail ensures our shoes aren’t just stylish, but truly timeless.
Luxury and comfort rarely go hand in hand—how did you strike the balance between high-end design and wearability in your shoes?
We wanted our shoes to feel as good as they look, so you can actually wear them and walk around. To achieve comfort, we use memory foam insoles, lightweight construction, and carefully selected materials, without compromising on design. Every pair is engineered for movement—whether it’s a night out or an all-day wear—so women don’t have to choose between elegance and comfort.
Can you walk us through the design process—from idea to finished shoe—and what makes each pair unique?
It starts with inspiration—sometimes from architecture, our daily lives or our travels. We sketch, refine, and work closely with Italian artisans who prototype each design by hand. Materials are sourced locally, and every detail—from the curve of a heel to the placement of hardware—is considered with both beauty and function in mind. What makes each pair unique is that blend of artistry and intention: they’re designed not just as shoes, but as wearable works of art.
What challenges have you faced launching a luxury brand exclusively online, and how are you building trust with first-time buyers?
Luxury has traditionally been tied to in-person experiences—touching, trying on, and seeing pieces up close. Launching exclusively online meant we had to find new ways to build that same sense of trust. We’ve invested in transparent storytelling, detailed product photography, and direct engagement with our community. Customer feedback and word of mouth have also been key—we thrive on satisfying our customers and love to see the momentum and buzz that we are building through the brand.
How do you envision moon d’elle evolving over the next few years—are there plans to expand into retail or other product lines?
Our vision is to continue growing the brand thoughtfully. While we’re focused on building our online presence now, we see opportunities in selective retail partnerships starting with pop-ups and other in-person events and experiences. We also recently launched a new personalized accessory line and look forward to expanding on that and other creations.
As sisters and business partners, how do you divide roles and maintain harmony both creatively and professionally?
We lean into our strengths and always collaborate together as two minds are better than one. We are very good at bouncing ideas off each other, listening to each other and respecting each other’s perspectives. Our shared vision keeps us aligned, even when we approach things differently.
What advice would you give to other women looking to launch a luxury brand or enter the fashion space with no prior e-commerce background?
Start with your passion and vision, then be willing to learn every step of the way. Surround yourself with mentors, seek feedback, and don’t be afraid to pivot. The digital landscape can feel overwhelming, but it also offers incredible tools to connect directly with your audience. Most of all, stay authentic—your story and perspective are your greatest differentiators.
Where can our readers explore your collection and stay updated on the latest from moon d’elle?
You can explore the full collection at moondelle, and follow along on Instagram for the latest launches, behind-the-scenes moments, and styling inspiration.
