Heart Stopper (Caro Pardiaco): a sandal that makes time stand still

There’s a reason we called this slide Heart Stopper. The skull-and-heart emblem 
at the center is a tiny piece of visual poetry—life and mortality in one glance—
designed to make the room pause when you enter. Across cultures the motif 
repeats: from Mexican calaveras that celebrate life with flowers and grin, to tribal 
talismans carved in bone or metal as reminders to live boldly. Our take is modern 
and wearable: a smooth metal skull paired with a heart, finished with lapidary
inspired cabochon inserts that catch the light like hand-polished stones. It’s 
jewelry you wear on your feet.

Built like jewelry, made to be worn every day

Heart Stopper is handcrafted in small batches from ethically sourced leathers—
buttery to the touch, selected for consistency and longevity. The upper looks 
simple at first, then reveals its complexity: interlaced bands in two tones; a center 
T-strap that forms a strong, flattering line; edges skived and burnished so 
everything lies perfectly flat against the foot. The square toe gives modern 
structure and, more importantly, space for your forefoot to relax.
Underneath, a stacked leather heel adds just enough lift for posture and polish. 
We stack real leather layers (not painted plastic), finish them by hand, and cap 
with a quiet rubber top-lift. It wears in—not out—and can be refreshed by a 
cobbler after seasons of use.

Comfort you feel in the first minute—and the fifth hour

We design for women who move. Heart Stopper features a softly cushioned 
insole, lined straps that won’t rub, and a stable base that keeps your weight 
centered. The slide silhouette makes on/off effortless; the straps hold you 
comfortably without pinching. Customers who “don’t do sandals” try this on and 
smile—it feels secure, light, and ready for a full day.

The meaning of the motif

Skull + heart can read like a dare, but we read it as presence. It nods to memento 
mori traditions—a reminder that life is finite—while celebrating the pulse that’s still 
beating. In Mexico’s Día de los Muertos imagery, skulls are decorated, not hidden; 
they’re symbols of connection and memory. Heart Stopper channels that energy 
with a wink: it’s bold enough to be noticed, elegant enough to be invited 
everywhere.

Who wears Heart Stopper?

She’s purposeful and a little mischievous. She loves a clean line, but won’t say no 
to statement hardware. She values craft and comfort in equal measure, and 
wants pieces that age beautifully rather than chasing trends. She’ll pair these with 
a silk slip and a blazer one night, then with wide-leg trousers or denim the next.

Where it shines (use cases)

Gallery opening / dinner date: the embellishment reads like couture 
jewelry.
Work, creative field or hospitality: polished enough for clients, 
comfortable for long shifts.
Travel city days: easy on/off at security, supportive for miles of walking, 
instantly dress-up ready.
Summer events: linen suit, tailored shorts, or a column dress—Heart 
Stopper lifts simple outfits.

Patience in the making

Every pair is cut, stitched, and assembled by artisans who check the tension of 
each strap and the alignment of every component. The cabochons are set by 
hand; the heel is sanded and inked; edges are finished so they won’t fray. The 
result is a sandal that looks delicate but is genuinely durable and comfortable—
a piece you’ll wear hard and love more with time.
Heart Stopper (Caro Pardiaco): super-styled, soft on the foot, and powerful 
enough to make the world take notice