Tory Burch Details the Making of Her Iconic Miller Sandal
“When you think of Tory Burch, the Miller is the first shoe that comes to mind,” Tacey Powers, Nordstrom EVP and GMM for shoes, told FN. “Its timeless aesthetic and diverse range of colors and fabrics keep it feeling fresh, even after nearly 20 years.”
In 2008, Tory Burch first launched the Miller sandal, but she had no idea it would become such a success.
“We didn’t create any marketing around it, so the response was organic,” said Burch of the style, inspired by vintage sandals that her mother, Reva, had custom-made in Capri in the 1960s.
She said the design came to fruition after experimenting with paper double T cutouts in different sizes and placing them around the foot. “I was interested in using the double T as a design element, not just a logo, and integrating it into the silhouette,” Burch said.
Since then, the shoe has become one of the brand’s biggest hits. Celebrities, from Oprah to Sydney Sweeney, have been spotted in the sandals.
According to the company, posts on Tory Burch social platforms featuring the Miller have amassed nearly 100 million video views and 1.5 million engagements.
On making a hit shoe, Burch added: “We don’t have a formula; it’s about instinct, and I know it when I see it… It has to be singular and made to last, with incredible craftsmanship and quality. And it has to be a shoe people will really wear.”
The Miller has seen recent updates, too, including the Miller Pavé collection featuring sparkling crystals, as well as the limited-edition Miller Ice Cream sandals.