ARCHIVE 01 : The Story of Dusonn Dubaal
From Curiosity to Craft
Before Dusonn Dubaal became a brand, it started as a quiet curiosity in my late twenties. I did not have a background in shoemaking, but I found myself wanting to understand how shoes are made and why certain designs feel better than others. I wanted to know how leather behaves, how patterns are formed, and how small construction decisions affect the comfort and longevity of both men’s and women’s shoes.
Once that curiosity took hold, I did everything I could to learn. I took online and in-person courses and visited workshops in different countries. My learning path led me to a traditional shoemaking atelier in London, to the last handmade shoemaker in Singapore, and eventually to Korea, where the deepest part of my education began.
Learning the Art of Korean Shoemaking
Korean ateliers can feel intimidating at first. Many artisans there have been doing this work for decades, and the environment is fast, focused, and serious. They do not open up to newcomers right away. But over time, as I continued showing interest and asking questions, some of them began sharing their experiences and their skills. A few became mentors. Their guidance changed everything I understood about handcrafted leather shoes. They showed me practical knowledge that no course could offer and helped me see the craft from the perspective of people who have spent their lives perfecting it.
The Evolution of the HH Sandal: For Men and Women
During these years of learning, our signature HH Sandals took shape as a study in the premium daily leather sandal. The first pair was made in 2015 as a personal project for my husband—a design that has now become our HH Sandal for Men. I wanted something simple that he could wear every day, yet with enough intention to elevate even a basic outfit.
When he started wearing them often and I saw how they worked with almost everything in his wardrobe, I realized the potential for a feminine counterpart. I could see how I could make a women's version to wear myself with that same intention: a shoe that was simple and easy to wear but with a hint of elevated style. Soon after, I developed our Women’s HH Sandals in classic tan and black.
* The very first sample of our HH Sandal, made in 2014. Made with Grade A Niloticus Crocodile leather from the legendary Heng Long Leather ( a Singaporean tannery that supplies the world’s most iconic heritage houses like LVMH). These weren't perfect - the edges were raw and the construction was a learning curve - but it was start of a decade-long conversation with the artisans who would eventually help me build this brand.
* Refining the foundation. These are the early prototypes for our men’s HH sandal midsoles and bottom soles. Focusing on the structure, weight, and longevity of our soles. Every angle and material choice was tested to ensure our premium daily footwear balances traditional craftsmanship with lasting comfort.
Embracing Slow Fashion and Longevity
The more we wore the sandals, they proved their longevity. The midsoles softened and molded to our feet while the cushioning maintained its support and the leather soles developed character. Every summer, without planning to, we reached for them again. That consistency is what convinced me that this design carried something meaningful.
Looking back after more than a decade of learning, my views on design changed completely. I no longer wanted to create products for a moment, but for years of use. In a fast-moving world, starting a premium footwear brand at forty felt challenging, but it also felt right. The more I learned from the craftsmen around me, the more convinced I became that this craft is a heritage that deserves to continue.
The Future of Dusonn Dubaal
The artisans I met played a major role in giving me the confidence to turn this long learning process into a brand. Their insight and belief in the work helped shape both my understanding and the direction of Dusonn Dubaal. This is how the brand truly began: not from a business plan or a marketing idea, but from curiosity, steady learning, and the support of craftsmen who helped guide our vision.
As we continue building, my goal is to carry forward the same values of thoughtful design and honest materials. I hope you will follow along as we keep learning, refining, and creating handcrafted shoes for men and women that are meant to stay with you for years.