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KINAMANIA is a brand of storytelling shoes with a balanced mix of humility, sobriety and dare.

The brand was founded in 2015 by self taught designer Kristina Zouein following countless hours spent observing and assisting local artisans in her hometown, Beirut. The KINAMANIA design studio is based in Brussels, and the shoe lines are crafted between Portugal and Lebanon by soulfulartisans that combine traditional handmade craft methods with innovative shoemaking techniques. 

The Shoe Lines

The Atelier

The Atelier Line are elegant shoes with a twist of boldness. The Atelier shoes are crafted in Portugal.

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The Soft

The Soft Line are shoes that are made to fit like a second skin : shoes that are lightweight, flexible & colorful. The Soft shoes are crafted in Lebanon (this line was initially called The 961)

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The Collabs

The collaborations are limited-edition shoes that tell the story of contemporary artists & artisans.

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The Bag Lines

The Bags

Signature bag pieces where leather lacing techniques meet with modern technologies.

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The Workshops

The workshops are a moment of sharing in a cosy atmosphere where participants personalise their own bag and return home with a strong feeling of pride :) 

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The DIY kits

The DIY kits include everything you need to create a stunning bag from scratch with easy-to-follow instructions. COMING SOON!

The Kinamania flagship boutique

Exciting News : KINAMANIA's Next Chapter Unfolds ! The KINAMANIA boutique is relocating to a permanent location for the opening of its official flagship boutique! Precise location to be announced in a couple of months :)

In the meantime the KINAMANIA eshop is there and I will be partnering with a couple of multibrand #jachetebelge boutiques for the ones who'd rather shop in a physical space. All the info will be shared by mid September at the most! 

Don't hesitate to reach out by email kristina@kinamania.be or WhatsApp +32 471 96 16 89 if there's anything you need.

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ABOUT OUR FOUNDER // Former designer and production director to the Johnny FARAH House of leather accessories - between Beirut & NY - Kristina ZOUEIN, spent countless hours in artisans’ workshops. As a self-taught designer, this was a very formative experience. In 2015 and with more than 10 years experience, she creates KINAMANIA.

Of Canadian-Lebanese origins, Kristina lived most of her life in Beirut, until she met her partner and moved to Brussels in 2015. She designs the shoes and bags lines in her Brussels studio, and gives leather-craft workshops where she mixes her passion for leather and pattern making with modern technologies.

How can shoes be 'storytelling'?

Leather Stories

“ Textured or smooth, vibrant or serious, glossy or matt, with this unique smoky scent … this strong, flexible and durable material definitely bewitches me and I very much enjoy combining leather characters and colors to create unexpected yet elegant blends. ” Kristina

Kristina has made leather her material of choice and her vehicle of expression for almost 15 years. For her shoe lines, she works with farm animal leather hides treated in tanneries that are certified for their environmentally friendly working methods. 

Heritage Stories

"I find my inspiration in basic footwear styles that have stood the test of time to which I add fashion-forward details. This is my way of reinventing heritage, with a focus on quality, comfort and elegance.” Kristina

Kinamania turns timeless footwear into iconic pieces with a pure and contemporary feel. The brand name actually has its roots in menorquina, the alternative name for the abarca Spanish sandal which was originally handmade on the island of Menorca. The mania for Kinas is born from the menorquina mania !

Collaboration Stories

Driven by curiosity and a constant desire to discover new talents, Kristina is always out there looking for artists to express their creativity on her signature shoes.

“ I chose to tell the story of a contemporary artist once a year on a limited-edition Kinamania style.” Kristina

Proceeds of the sale of those exclusive collaborations go for cancer research.

In 2019, Kristina was diagnosed with breast cancer. " Cancer changes your perspective on what’s important in life ", she says. 

Crafts Stories

On August 4, 2020, one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history pulverized the port of Beirut and damaged over half the city. And ever since, the country faced a series of crises: a severe financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the aftermath of the blast. A 2021 UNICEF report found close to 75 per cent of Lebanon's population is living in poverty.  Those facts, coupled with Kristina's origins and her admiration for artisans and cultural heritage, pushed her to create a line of footwear handcrafted in the Land of the Cedars.

"I believe in people, and it is only when I met a talented and soulful artisan named Naji that I decided to launch the project. My aim, in my own modest way, is to give a financial stability to Lebanese artisans and their families while putting Naji and his team’s exceptional skills in the spotlight.” 

Your Stories

"Putting on your shoes is much more than just a daily routine for Kinamania. It is a powerful symbol of health (before anything!), and making a conscious choice to step forward with purpose and intention as you slip each foot into your shoe.

Whether you're heading to work, running errands, or taking a walk in nature, putting on your shoes is a reminder that you have the power to create the day you want, filled with joy, productivity, and meaningful connections.

So go ahead, put on your shoes, and take charge of yours! Craft Your Day beautiful people :) ", Kristina

Kinamania in the press

So Soir

Portrait by Sigrid Descamps

Marie Claire

La Gazette

des Galeries Royales Saint Hubert

GAEL Magazine

Wish List by Maria Honnay

So Soir

L'Air Du Temps

L'Orient Le Jour

Portrait by Fifi Abou Dib

L'Officiel

Portrait by M.H.

Elle Magazine

NOUN Magazine