Are Charles David shoes worth it?+
For polished, fashion-forward women's footwear at an accessible price, many shoppers find them worth it. Charles David has long been positioned as stylish, sophisticated shoes with a fashionable edge, and the brand even offers a higher-tier "Made in Italy" line of leather boots and booties for those who want a step up. As with most fashion footwear, experiences vary by style, so it helps to focus on the leather pieces and read into the specific shoe. For everyday dress shoes with a designer look, they tend to deliver.
What is the difference between Charles David and Charles by Charles David?+
Charles David is the main line of women's footwear and accessories, while Charles by Charles David is a lower-priced label the company launched in spring 2004 alongside another line called Exchange by Charles David. The brand also runs a separate "Made in Italy" line of leather boots and booties made exclusively in Italy. So if you want the most premium make, look to the Italian-made pieces; for the same styling at a friendlier price, the Charles by Charles David label is the one to know.
How does Charles David sizing run?+
Many wearers find the fit runs a little snug, so if you're between sizes it can be worth sizing up. Because the range spans heels, boots, booties and flats, the feel won't be identical across every style. Checking each shoe's own fit notes before buying is the safest approach, especially for closed styles like booties.
Where can I buy Charles David shoes?+
Beyond the brand's own retail stores, Charles David shoes are carried in department and specialty stores nationwide, including Nordstrom, Dillard's and Bloomingdale's. The company also sells handbags alongside its footwear. Buying from these established retailers is the simplest way to be sure you're getting the real thing.
Who founded Charles David and is it family-owned?+
Charles David is an American fashion company known for its shoe design, founded by David and Charles Malka. It is a family-owned business, and that family ownership shaped its early growth from distribution into its own retail. The brand carries the founders' first names rather than a single designer's surname.
When and where did Charles David start?+
The company began Canadian distribution of shoes in the 1970s and opened its first retail store at the Côte-des-Neiges Plaza in Montreal, Quebec, in the early 1970s. It moved into US distribution of European shoes in 1987, then relocated its operations to Los Angeles, California, in 1988. That Montreal-to-LA path is the backbone of the brand's history.
Does Charles David have a vegan shoe collection?+
Yes. Charles by Charles David launched a Vegan collection in 2011, offering animal-free styles within the line. The collection drew notable attention when actress Natalie Portman, a fan of it, wore many of the shoes to premieres and appearances around the release of Black Swan. For shoppers who want cruelty-free options, that collection is part of the brand's story.
Which celebrities have worn Charles David?+
Charles David shoes have been worn by a number of well-known figures, including Debra Messing, Eva Longoria, Jessica Simpson and Halle Berry. The brand also had a longtime fan in actress Emmanuelle Chriqui. That kind of red-carpet following is part of why the label reads as glamorous despite its accessible pricing.
Did Charles David ever collaborate with a celebrity designer?+
It did. In February 2013 the company launched its first campaign featuring a celebrity spokesmodel, actress Emmanuelle Chriqui, a longtime fan of the brand. That led to a capsule collection, Charles David by Emmanuelle Chriqui, released in fall 2013, featuring several styles she designed. It remains one of the brand's most notable creative tie-ins.
Is Charles David still owned by its founding family?+
Not anymore. In December 2013, according to the company's financial adviser, New York Transit, Inc. bought Charles David of California Inc. So while the brand was built as a family-owned business by the Malkas, ownership changed hands. The Charles David name and its lines have continued under that new ownership.
What does Charles David make besides shoes?+
While women's footwear is the heart of the brand, Charles David also sells handbags, and its main line covers women's footwear and accessories. The lineup spans everything from heels and flats to the Italian-made leather boots and booties of its premium line. That makes it easy to pair shoes and bags within a single label.
