Simple & Sassy: Martha Davis’ Spring Capsule Collection

It's always music to our ears when we find out local shoe maker Martha Davis has launched a new collection (the only thing that could be better: a Martha Davis sample sale!). And that's why we were particularly excited that S.F.'s new talent incubator project, The Workshop Residence, invited the designer to be one of its esteemed residents, in January of this year.

As a participant in the program, which allows local artisans to produce in TWR facilities, creating special collections "both within and outside the scope of their existing practices," Davis focused on simple and organic shapes that borrow straight from nature, thanks to heels sculpted from reclaimed Cypress and Redwood (sourced in Napa), vegetable-tanned uppers, and brass and steel hardware.

"Primarily, I was interested in exploring the possibilities of simple manufacturing here in the Bay Area," says Davis, who produces her main collection in Italy. "I wanted to do something simple in order [for it] to be feasible. At the same time, I am always interested in simple because it's the most honest and beautiful."

Overall, says Davis, "the experience was completely empowering and transformative. I was able to spend time experimenting — something that almost never happens — and demonstrate that we don't have to travel 6,000 miles to make shoes."

To check out the collection yourself and hear more about the line, peep our slideshow after the jump.