Handcrafted & Local, These Gorgeous Heels Will Make You Want to Say ‘I Do’

By Lara Kramer  •  14 Feb 2024 in JUICE Cuba

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Ever found yourself mesmerised by the ethereal beauty of lace fabrics embellishing wedding attire, pondering if such delicate elegance could be mirrored in footwear?

If so, you’re not alone. I’ve dreamt up the perfect pair of heels on countless occasions, each time wishing for that elusive blend of grace and sophistication… And that’s why discovering Jejak by Ell feels like stumbling upon a treasure trove for both my wardrobe and my unabashedly romantic soul.

You see, I’ve been sketching out my ‘fairytale wedding’ since childhood – and when I close my eyes and imagine it, these are the exact heels I imagine gracing my feet. Yes, it’s that serious.

Forget plain and simple – in 2024, we’re fully embracing the concept of quiet maximalism.

The brand itself is a dream realised – a local-owned gem that effortlessly blends sophistication with versatility.

What sets Jejak by Ell apart is its ability to marry (pun intended!) lace-inspired designs with contemporary flair, making each pair a statement piece that is timeless, but somehow not overbearing.

They are perfect for, but not limited to nuptial occasions.

This small but burgeoning business offers stunning handcrafted footwear that seamlessly transition from casual outings to formal affairs. I mean, just look at founder Ellina Chan rocking a pair with a silky cheongsam!

Simply put, having these heels at hand will make you feel like a princess, whether you’re walking down the aisle or just down the street.

I have to admit, I had some doubts about their durability. After all, lace has a reputation for being fragile.

I wish I could put these shoes in your hands right now for you to feel them! They’re like the clay statues of footwear – they look delicate but are the total opposite. The lace, despite its intricate design, is surprisingly resilient and so is the padding inside. They’re super comfy, and feel like they could last you a decade, if not more, with just a little care and attention.

As clarified by Ellina herself, “Our shoes are also water-resistant, just like our clothing, and easy to clean. For lace material, simply use wet tissues or a magic sponge to wipe off dirt, being careful not to touch the padding or glued areas. As for beaded heels, simply use wet tissues to clean the beads and a small brush, like an average makeup brush, to remove dirt around them.”

What more could a girl ask for?

In terms of styling, as someone who appreciates the beauty of ethnic wear, particularly Indian traditional outfits or the luxurious sheen of kain songket, I find that Jejak by Ell’s heels complement these ensembles.

I especially love that these heels come in such neutral tones. A common misconception is that they only pair well with white or earthy clothing, but a quick peek at their Instagram page will show you how their footwear somehow harmonises with the rich textures and vibrant hues of ethnic attire.

Traditional wedding? Cultural festivities? Lunch with the girlies? All you need is one pair of Jejak by Ell heels – or two, if you’re like me and just cannot decide between them.

Fun fact: This article was previously headlined as “The Heels That Will Make You Wish You Had More Pairs Of Feet”.

Jejak by Ell’s basic collection boasts two distinct variations – Seri and Mutiara. Let me walk you through the differences between them.

Seri

Looking to channel your inner Sophia Richie? These heels aren’t just a pretty face. Boasting a comfortable 7cm block heel and seamless ankle strap means you can strut your stuff all day (and night) without worrying about slipping out of them!

With delicate snow white embroidery lace, they’re feminine, sophisticated, classy, and appropriately priced at RM 169.

I’ve got a pair myself, and let me tell you, they’re as comfy as they are stylish! Unlike those fancy shoes you see online that look great but feel like torture devices, Seri is a breath of fresh air. No blisters, no redness, and definitely no toe compression – just pure comfort wrapped in elegance.

Mutiara

Looking for something a touch more fancy, but beyond the whole wedding vibe? Meet Mutiara, priced at RM 199.

With its luxe light gold colouring and 5cm transparent round heels, they go with almost everything, beyond shades of white and earthy tones. Oh, and let’s talk about those crystal-embellished straps… True to its name, if you’re looking to turn heads while keeping it classy, this is the way to go.

They go equally well with full wedding attire as well as a casual brunch fit – and in my personal opinion, they’re great for dates too! Hint hint, if you’re aiming for princess treatment, now’s your chance to look the part.

See, with Mutiara, you’re not just investing in wedding footwear, but in future occasions too. That’s why I’ll be gifting a pair to each of my bridesmaids. 😜

The Face Behind The Brand

Founded by Ellina Chan (pictured above), the idea behind the brand stemmed from her experience attending a traditional Indonesian wedding. Observing the intricate details of the attire, including the unique heels, sparked the realisation that Malaysia lacked a similar representation of its rich cultural heritage in footwear.

Determined to fill this gap, Ellina conceptualised Jejak, a brand that not only celebrates Malaysia’s diverse culture but also offers footwear perfect for traditional weddings. The journey began with extensive research and development, culminating in the launch of the basic collection in December 2023 – which sold out in one month!

 

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“Tailored to our cultural attire, lace-embellished heels complement white dresses and kurung, while beads pair perfectly with songket. Formal heels tend to miss the mark, and I believe that traditional handcrafted heels are more suitable for such occasions. Since the local market currently lacks that, we aim to fill the gap with Jejak.”

But Jejak by Ell doesn’t stop here – in fact, their new collection just made its debut a week ago. You can check it out on their Instagram page.

While I won’t spoil the surprises that await, rest assured that your Raya heels are already accounted for! Note that each pair is meticulously handcrafted and sold in limited quantities at a time, so you’ll want to keep an eye out for pre-orders and restocks to secure your pair.

Whether you’re embracing your inner princess or channeling timeless old-money elegance, trust us when we say Jejak by Ell offers footwear that speaks to the sole soul. ❤️

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