“I’m striving to do for beauty what Goop does for wellness,” Dina Aljuhani Abdulaziz said in a recent phone call. Earlier this year, she launched Dinathe1st, an editorial platform consisting of a website and podcast series, through which she aims to express her unique perspective on elegance. For her first project, Abdulaziz launched a capsule collection of shoes with Larroude, a shoe brand founded by former fashion editor Marina Larroude.
Abdulaziz and Larroud’s relationship goes back a long way, both being friends and now brands. They first met as contributors to Style.com, and when the latter launched her eponymous brand in 2020, Abdulaziz fronted the first campaign. Speaking about their new collaboration, which launches today, Abdulaziz said: “It happened very naturally, we always talk about good shoes because we both love shoes and have always said we want to do it together. We want to make it work, so there are things that have to be done together.
Instead, it’s just happening and it’s a matter of fate and perfect timing. Abdulaziz launched her platform this summer and believes it will help her move forward. Dinathe1st is the result of Abdulaziz’s love and passion for fashion, which led her to officially return to the industry after some time away. “It’s been a long break and it’s been healthy, but now I’m an empty nester and all of my kids have graduated from college and started working,” she said. “I think maybe fashion is over, but I’m not over it yet. And fashion.
The capsule collection features two styles, a stylish heel with ankle strap and an open-toe wedge, both crafted in suede, metallic leather and textured leather, for a total of eight pairs. “It’s very simple,” said Abdelaziz, “They’re inspired by the clothes I like to wear.” The shoes have a ’90s feel, with a slightly rounded toe box and elevated heel. Wedges in particular symbolized the elegant and glamorous attitude of the time, though Abdelaziz admits wedges can be difficult to wear if worn the wrong way.
“These are beautiful wedges,” he said. “They are difficult, but I think they are very attractive, it all depends on the height and proportions, but also on the material.” The slingbacks are available in red, olive green, and black and white suede. “White leather is difficult, but white suede is very beautiful,” Abdulaziz said. “The material is bold yet sophisticated,” he added, “and the softness of the suede makes it even more beautiful. It’s a glamorous shoe.”
“We need to remind people of the beauty and the elegance of dressing, and that it has nothing to do with money,” said Abdelaziz. It’s also not about any one approach: “It can be my style or it can be anybody’s. There’s something beautiful about having style, but dressing well.” That’s the idea behind this capsule collection and Dinathe1st, Abdulaziz’s Goop apparel line.
