About

Leila Tamar Kerze

I have been a footwear and accessories designer and developer for more than 10 years, working in the women’s and men’s footwear and retail industry. I have extensive experience and proven results in design, concept to production development, and delivering quality product and bestsellers across different collections and markets.

Within the footwear world, I work with design, branding, marketing strategy, trend, material and components research/development, manufacturer relationships, project management, and production QC.

I strive to maintain a holistic, ecological, and ethical approach at my core for all projects and relationships. Sustainability is a top priority and I am fortunate to have developed strong relationships with premium suppliers and manufacturers that follow the highest environmental regulations and fair treatment of all their employees. Experimentation and thinking outside the box to increase sustainability within design and manufacturing is key to continuing innovation.

I am a Los Angeles native and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Loyola Marymount University with a BA in English and Creative Writing before entering the fashion sector and enrolling at FIDM. I began designing with BCBG Max Azria across their large portfolio of brands, incl. Miley Cyrus for WalMart, TJ Maxx private label, Manuokian (France), BCBG Max Azria, and runway for Max Azria Collection and Herve Leger. I went on from there to work with Donald Pliner, and started working and living in Florence, Italy, while continuing to travel, design, and develop in Italy, Spain, LA, NYC, and Miami.

In 2012 I created Krze Studio Inc. to realize a solo vegan collection (Krže) and provide other companies with holistic luxury footwear development. I had solo exhibits in Paris, New York, and Las Vegas. I went on to move full-time to Italy in 2013 and further developed the consulting side of Krze there. I returned to make Los Angeles my home base once again in 2018 and am currently the design director for Sbicca.