Pretty Ballerinas is the creation of a long line of history and tradition. Still to this day, the footwear is ethically sourced and hand-made on the Island of Menorca, Spain.Pretty Ballerinas has been photographed on the most fashionable and influential celebrities, which include Kate Moss, Claudia Schiffer, Elle Macpherson, Kylie Minogue, and Katherine Heigl.more...See more text
As far as Willamina Martire, co-owner of Westmount’s Pretty Ballerinas boutique, is concerned, stilettos aren’t the only way for a woman to feel confidently beautiful and inspired. “Ballerina slippers are a must in every woman’s wardrobe; they are sophisticated, feminine, pretty, and comfortable. They’re a versatile shoe that can be worn in any setting,” says the entrepreneur, who runs the Victoria Avenue store with her partner in life and business, Nicholas Martire.
“We wanted to give Montreal women access to quality shoes, and an alternative to the other footwear boutiques in town. That’s what led us to open Pretty Ballerinas in 2009,” she adds.
The couple got their inspiration for their boutique while living in Europe. “We met here in Montreal while attending the same high school, but we lost touch," recalls Willamina. "We met up again in Paris, where Nicholas was working in the shoe business. After a while, we decided to move back to Montreal, and we had to think about our next plan; opening a boutique seemed like a natural progression.”
If you’re looking for a pair of cute ballerinas to complete your spring wardrobe, visit Pretty Ballerinas, where you’ll find a wide variety of styles and colours. Who knows, maybe you will leave with the same shoes as Kate Middleton, or a pair of Barbour rain boots for rainy days?