The Art of the Coordinated Comeback: How Stessa by Sarah Is Redefining Modern Glamour
Two female founders chop it up over steak in Chelsea about power, Italian leather, and second acts.
The terrace at Bluebird Chelsea vibrates with London’s signature high-fashion energy. Sunshine cuts through the King’s Road air. I sit across from Sarah Marsden, founder of Stessa by Sarah. We share an instant, magnetic connection. We are two women building empires while navigating life’s unexpected plot twists.
Stessa by Sarah Matching Shoes and Handbags
I wear her signature heels. I have not taken them off since they arrived. After a near-death experience threw off my physical balance, Pilates helped me reclaim my movement. These shoes brought back my unapologetic, razor-sharp stride.
Stessa by Sarah launched just six months ago. Yet, it already moves with the confidence of an established Italian heritage house. Each piece unites shoes and handbags into one fluid statement.
The Power of the Perfect Pair: In Conversation with Sarah Marsden
1. On The Origin & Purpose
Style Cartel: Stessa by Sarah was born out of a very relatable dilemma—trying to match a handbag to your shoes for a wedding. But launching a luxury brand takes serious courage. What was the exact moment you decided to stop just dreaming about footwear design and actually take the leap to create statement shoe-and-bag sets?
And as a quick side note from one editor to another: why must society always attach a woman’s age to her success? Do men face that same timer?
Sarah Marsden: You are so right about the age double standard! Men get called “seasoned entrepreneurs.” Women get labeled as “late bloomers.” I reject that entirely.
The turning point came when I realized my vision would not leave me alone. I stood in my dressing room, frustrated by disconnected accessories. I knew I had to build the solution myself. Age is just experience in disguise. I took the leap because my desire to create outweighed my fear of starting.
2. On Comfort vs. High Glamour
Style Cartel: As someone living in your shoes while using Pilates to regain balance after an NDE, I can attest to their comfort. How do you strike that balance between bold glamour and true, wearable comfort?
Sarah Marsden: Glamour means nothing if it paralyzes you. We engineer our footwear in Italy using sculpted, supportive silhouettes and butter-soft kidskin linings. I want women to walk into any room feeling grounded, powerful, and utterly pain-free.
Go check out the full interview on Instagram or Tiktok.
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