MANILA, Philippines - The enterprising Gretchen Santos, only 25 then, held a pretty good corporate job until she decided to try her hand (or was it her foot?) at something else three years ago. In 2011, she brought in the J&M shoes to the Philippines. She met the owners of this LA-based fashion footwear company in Hong Kong and found them to be very nice and very casual. “They were just in their late 30s, carrying their iPads, and wearing shorts and their J&M shoes,” Gretchen recalls.
The initials J&M stand for Joy and Mario, the English translation of the Chinese names of the two brothers who own the company. The driven, creative Chen brothers have taken their shoes to North and South America, Europe, and Asia with 1,500 retail stores today (now, these guys sure do a lot of traveling or walking).
But as you yourself will discover when you step into a pair of J&Ms, everything just seems like a walk in the park.
“I really believe in the brand,” stresses Gretchen wearing a green top and jeans with matching J&M slip-ons. “It’s made of eco-friendly washable fabric with durable, lightweight, non-slip rubber sole that won’t easily wear out and garterized upper that adjusts to the size of feet as well as an insole that’s leather-lined and cushioned for the flat-footed, to absorb sweat and ensure comfort and breathability. Through its mid-foot arch, it’s designed to conform to the shape of the feet and promote the proper way of walking.”
Ever mindful of her clients’ foot safety, Gretchen adds, “It’s also not good to wear very flat shoes without any cushion as you can feel the rocks you’re walking on.”
Who says you have to sacrifice comfort for beauty? Not J&M, which puts a premium on comfort, combining function and style in an eye-catching range of colors, designs, and patterns. The brand boasts a mix of eye candy designs such as florals, dots, nautical stripes, iconic landmarks, and whimsical artworks that best complement women’s casual wear, adding dash to jeans and tees, denims or rompers.
“To date, we carry around 100 designs,” says Gretchen, looking shoe proud of her J&Ms at the shoe section of Landmark Department Store at Ayala Center, Makati.
Sifting through the shoe shelves, I’m amazed at the many trendy designs Joy and Mario have come up with, working with different fabrics — from canvas to linen, ethnic cloth, twill, mesh, burlap, jacquard, and denim.
There are the uber chic ballet flats with sparkly accents that will make you feel like a prima ballerina.
If you want to add some height, J&M’s edgy platforms in classic colors can make you stand tall with their canvas uppers and braided jute platforms.
If you want a really snug fit, but you don’t want to be tied down to those shoe laces, go for the coveted velcros that cradle the feet and are really good for long walks or travels.
Your eyes will roll with delight when you see J&M’s Rolly-Polly slip-ons that are so flexible you can take them anywhere — simply roll ’em up in a pouch and put it in your bag or luggage.
J&M’s extensive line of casual footwear (of course, you can also wear those gorgeous glittery ballet flats to not-so-casual events) also includes chic high-cuts, pretty peep toes, and amazing vintage lace shoes.
And shoe, now you know where to go if you’re looking for footwear that’s not only pretty but pretty comfy, too!
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J&M’s holiday collection is now available at its outlets at Robinsons Place Ermita, Landmark Makati, Wellworth Ayala Fairview Terraces, The SM Store in SM Pampanga, and Ayala Centrio, Cagayan de Oro. Visit www.joyandmarioph.com, jmphilippines on Facebook, and joyandmarioph on Twitter and Instagram. Email info@joyandmarioph.com.