The buzzy brand, known for cultural storytelling, is launching its first footwear collection, drawing on Shanxi’s Wotou shoe.

LONDON — Songmont, the Chinese brand that has made global headlines for cultural storytelling that resonates with China‘s middle class, will launch its first footwear collection Wednesday.

Known for accessories that translate the landscapes, architecture and craft traditions of brand founder Fu Song’s hometown, Shanxi province, the brand is extending its offering beyond bags, ready-to-wear and fragrance with a footwear range inspired by the Wotou shoe.

Wotou is a traditional style named for its resemblance to a dome-shaped steamed corn bun popular in northern China. Traditionally handmade and padded with cotton, the model’s soft construction and distinctive raised seam informed Songmont’s contemporary interpretation for its debut footwear range.

The new silhouette launching this week, retailing for 2,680 renminbi, or $400, echoes the original, while piping joins two leather panels to recreate the ridge across the upper. Songmont’s tiger-tooth hardware adds a modern detail. The toe combines a square shape with softened edges, and layered leather forms a stepped heel inspired by Shanxi architecture. The style will come in 2.5cm and 6cm heel heights.

Songmont said it has spent more than a year developing the shoes, with 20-plus rounds of fittings and refinements. A custom last was designed to accommodate a range of foot shapes, and the use of full-grain cowhide uppers, a double-layer construction, sheepskin lining and high-resilience cotton insoles is meant to balance support, softness and breathability.

The brand added that the footwear launch builds on a design language it has developed across its collections.

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