Effortlessly chic, Alterre is an incredible footwear brand that was designed for the busy, multitasking woman. Founded by Shilpa Iyengar, Alterre shoes are customizable and made with transformable straps so that you can take your look from day to night. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Iyengar to hear all about her background, her inspiration behind Alterre, best sellers, and more.
Let’s start from the beginning. Tell us about yourself.
I’m an Indian American who grew up in Florida with immigrant parents. They assumed I’d become a doctor or an engineer, and for a long time, I assumed the same. That changed in high school, when I started winning awards for my artwork. Those early successes gave me the confidence to pursue a career in fashion, a path I had to fight for. Eventually, I was accepted to the Parsons School of Design in New York City, where I studied womenswear, eveningwear, and footwear. I also spent a semester at Central Saint Martins in London studying print design. After graduating, I was fortunate to launch a business with my best friend from school.
What was your motivation to start Alterre?
Entrepreneurship was always part of my life. My parents are entrepreneurs, and growing up, they constantly encouraged me to start little businesses of my own. After graduating, launching a company felt like the natural next step. My first venture was called Young Designers Collective. We worked on a wide range of projects, from designing a collection for an alternative scouting organization to creating bridal hair accessories. Despite the variety, nothing really clicked. During that time, I stayed in touch with my Parsons footwear professor, the legendary Howard Davis. He shared an idea for interchangeable shoes that immediately captured my imagination.
We began developing the concept together, and that eventually became Alterre. At the time, I was incredibly naive. Fresh out of college, I assumed Alterre would take off in a year or two, and then I’d move back into eveningwear. Instead, it became the journey of my career. Thirteen years later, I’m still building Alterre. Howard used to tell me that building a successful brand would take at least ten years. He was absolutely right. Last year, we launched in Macy’s, and for the first time, it truly feels like the business is hitting its stride.
What sets Alterre apart from other shoe brands who is the target customer?
What sets Alterre apart is our patented modular technology. Every shoe is designed with interchangeable straps that snap securely onto a shared base, allowing you to completely transform the look of your shoe in seconds. Instead of buying multiple pairs, you can customize one foundation for different occasions. The benefits go beyond versatility. It means less clutter in your closet, fewer shoes to pack when you travel, and less waste created overall. It’s a smarter, more sustainable way to build a wardrobe without sacrificing personal style.
Our customer is the professional woman or the practical bride, someone who once gravitated toward designer heels but now wants that same elevated aesthetic with significantly more comfort. While modularity is our innovation, sustainability is at the core of what we do. We’re proud to be the only modular footwear brand to earn a Butterfly Mark certification, recognizing our commitment to excellence in sustainability.
Being involved in the fashion industry for so many years do you have any tips you could share with us?
My biggest style advice is to invest in quality. Trends always come back around, so if you buy well-made pieces that you truly love, you’ll be able to wear them for years, sometimes even decades. I still have pieces in my closet that are nearly 20 years old, and they’re just as relevant today as when I first bought them. More importantly, dress for yourself. The most stylish people aren’t the ones chasing every trend, they’re the ones who feel confident in what they’re wearing because it reflects who they are. Fashion is a form of self-expression, so don’t be afraid to be bold and wear what makes you feel like yourself.
You offer an incredible range of footwear to choose from. Do you have any favorites and what are your top selling shoes?
From our latest collection, my favorite design is the White Geo Sandal. I love its vintage-inspired feel and the sculptural curved heel. It has so much personality while still being incredibly wearable. The pair I’ve reached for the most this summer though is the Cognac Square Sandal. It takes a timeless brown sandal and gives it a fresh, modern update with a sleek square toe, making it easy to dress up or down. Our perennial bestseller is the White V Mule for brides. We sell them like hotcakes and regularly sell out. They’ve become a go-to for brides looking for something that’s both elegant and comfortable on their wedding day.
Anything else we should know?
We’re excited to launch our fall collection on September 7. Inspired by luxurious animal prints, the collection is designed to make a statement while remaining timeless and versatile. I can’t wait for everyone to see it. I hope these pieces become the kind of wardrobe staples that instantly elevate any outfit.
Peruse the entire collection and go to https://alterreny.com/
