Do you have a fond memory of Bernardo? If so we would enjoy hearing from you.
E-mail us your story!
CustomerService@BernardoFootwear.com
From: Betsy
I am amazed that so many people feel as strongly as I do about Bernardos!! My mother died when I was seven years old, and one of my main memories is how she would always wear her white "Miami" thong sandals all summer long with her little Lilly shift dresses (back in the '60's). When I was in college I faithfully bought a pair each and every summer. I loved flapping along and hearing the sound they made. When I met my husband he teased me about how he could always hear me clattering along in my Bernardo thongs. Slowly, it was getting harder and harder to find them. I found a little shop in Sea Island, Georgia and bought two pairs of my regular white "Miami", and then... nothing. I would reminisce with other Bernardo fans, but I figured the company had gone out of business, and that was that. I had to find solace in other flip flops until I saw you were back!! I am so glad, and as I stated earlier, just find it so encouraging there are so many other fans out there who have such strong associations with them. What a unique and wonderful shoe you have. God bless you!!
From: Susan D.
Oh, the Miami, also called the Jackie O. To me this shoe epitomizes a timeless shoe style unlike any other. Especially since they bring back images of my Mother who also wore this shoe every summer. Who was also the epitome of style and grace and not to mention the fact she looked like Jackie Kennedy. Any way thank you for reviving this shoe. I bought 4 pair last summer in Santa Monica.
From: Carmel G.
I had been a manicurist in Seal Beach, California for several years, and I noticed early on that my most stylish ladies would always show up for pedicures wearing the Bernardo Miami. I was SO jealous of this gorgeous sandal, and went looking for it immediately without success. One day I got up the courage to ask one of my clients where she had bought this great sandal, and she said that she had had them since college, and had not been able to find any other pairs for several years. I was crushed, but not yet beaten! After searching the internet I found this site and purchased my first pair of Miami's. They were even better than I imagined! I am now a bona fide Bernardo addict with 10 pair (greedy, I know) But even better, when I retired to have a baby I bought my customers that wear Bernardo's each a new pair as a goodbye present. My client who first told me about her lack of success finding a new pair almost cried when she received them. Thanks for coming back and bringing happiness to a whole new generation of Bernardo lovers. I can't wait until my baby daughter is old enough for her first pair.
From: Kathy S.
At the age of 51 I am beginning a new career in real estate in Florida. As I tried to find my new, professional look, I thought-"what really says Florida--what is the truest essence of me?
I immediately thought of Bernardo sandals and on a whim, looked you up online. I am ECSTATIC to find that I can order my most precious shoe ever, the T-STRAP MILLY still comes in all the COLORS! My best friend Linda and I grew up in Naples ,Florida, and ALL we wore were our Bernardo's in at least 5 colors each. Only one store sold them, Rouses Shoes, and the more colors you had the cooler you were. These we wore with our straight leg corduroy Levis (size 29x34), and Ron Jon Surf Shop t-shirts. I can't wait to start again making this shoe my "trademark" look....I haven't been this excited about a shoe in 30 years! THANKS BERNARDO.
From Dana F.
Reading other people's memories
brought a smile to my face. I, like others, rejoiced when I saw Bernardos hit the
catalogues and stores again.
My Bernardos took me through many memories of my youth. I can remember buying my first pair...the only shoes that
I just had to have when I went to camp. When I look at my Memory book,
there they are in brown...a good old-fashioned Wisconsin summer camp color.
My Bernardos continued to escort me through my teen years and I graduated to
the more glamorous white color. I went away to college in California
in 1979 and leaving Chicago and the cold of the Midwest, of course, my
Bernardos came along as a treasured accessory.
I remember clearly the slide of those sandals as my first college boyfriend
lifted me into the air. They are in the photos of my semester abroad
studying archaeology throughout the Greek islands and in those of my
college graduation. Some time around then, I stopped shopping in the small
town of my childhood and simultaneously those shoes seemed to disappear.After college, I traveled often
and lived in Illinois, New York, Connecticut and finally made it back to LA
where I live today. I cleaned and purged my closet 100s of times along the
way. There is no shortage of shoe options here, but somehow I never had the
heart to give away those totally worn through and umpteen times repaired,
toe-indented sandals. I always had a reason to keep them. There was always
something for which they were the ONLY shoe!
Funny, when I bought that pair I was 17. I was a size 9 1/2 then. Luckily
for me they only came in whole sizes, so I had to buy the 10. I am 43
now. I have two kids, including an 11 year old daughter for whom I can't
wait to buy a pair. (We recently saw them at one of the hippest stores in
LA, but they were sold out in her size.) My feet grew a half size with
each child and not only was I overjoyed to find the shoes, but even more
elated to see that they now come in a size 11! Thanks for bringing back the
memories and allowing me to replace my old shoes!!
From: Jami J.
I love Bernardos!! I always have. Ever since I was in school I would admire the girls that wore the little skinny T-strap thongs, I though they were so sexy! I soon learned they were Bernardos. I couldn't wait to buy a pair for myself, but they were classy sandals so they weren’t sold in discount stores, but in the nicer shoe salons. I was always too nervous to go in and ask, because I didn't know if they would fit, unless I tried them on, and I didn't know if they would even let me. One day I couldn't stand it any longer, so I went in and asked, very timidly, if I could see a size 10 in the T-strap thong. The gentleman that waited on me was very nice and understanding and when he came back with the sandals, and asked if I would like to try them on, I nearly fainted! I blurted out a yes! and was soon wearing my first pair of Bernardos! I received a few long glances, but I didn't care, I was in heaven! I was so excited that evening I even wore them to bed, I simply didn't want to ever take them off!
That was the story of my first pair of Bernardos, and I never miss a chance to buy another pair. I am so pleased to see that Bernardo's are once again available and in a size 11, that I now wear, I plan to buy many pairs next summer, and of course in every color!!
From: Kay S.
After wearing my one pair
of beloved Bernardo sandals for almost 20 years
until the soles were paper-thin, I hit "Bernardo Gold" in a little town in
rural New Jersey. The proprietor of a small shoe store happened to mention
that, while cleaning out the musty attic storeroom of his store, he had
found some old Bernardo sandals, a collection of very small and very large
sizes. Because they were not "average," they had not sold back in the late
sixties or early seventies. Luckily, I fit into one of those size
categories, and bought all he had in my size. Why do I love my Bernardos so much?
If a shoe can express an emotion, or a philosophy of life, they do. To me, they say "freedom,
love of life, relaxation." And, my little toe doesn't hang off the side!
It was lovely to read
other's memories and realize they loved their Bernardos
as much as I. "Bernardo sandals", almost as good as "summer afternoons".
Here in Los Angeles where it is always sandal weather, I lived in them all
through the sixties and the seventies. When my favorite shoe store stopped
selling them, I stocked up and I have survived on my cache for ages. Even
now I pull a pair from the closet when I can't find quite the right shoe
from my other shelves. Bernardos are always perfect. They have walked the
trails of the San Diego Zoo, Bruin Walk, the hills of Sorrento and
wandered the paths of my local life. I've worn them with jeans, shorts,
voile skirts, Moroccan dresses. Whenever I want to feel young and happy and
foot loose, I still chose Bernardos. My standards were the black single
thongs with ankle strap and slide buckle. My favorite were twisted silken
cord and beige leather. I've worn them wedged and flat and still have a
pair or two that I ration myself wearing since they are so wonderful. They
always bring compliments. Bernardos finish every outfit happily. I'm more
than thrilled that I'll be able to buy new ones again.
I've looked for them for ages and was happy to be made aware of your site
when my daughter saw Bernardos in Self Magazine. She has my last black
pair.
Thanks for the musings and the sweet memories.
From: Leigh B.
When I got my Neiman's spring catalogue and saw your sandals back, I was thrilled!!!! I wore your sandals religiously through my early pre-teen years and beyond. Your Miami sandal was so popular in the early 80's at my middle school that we girls would get in trouble by the teachers for "clip-clopping" down the halls and across the gym floor in our sandals. There were so many "happy feet" at our middle school that we made lots and lots of happy feet noise! Yeah for Bernardo! I can't wait for my new shoes to arrive. Keep up the good work.
From: Laurie R.
Yippe you are back!
Growing up in Miami you had to have Bernardo's and the
real ones would only do!! No Butlers or Thom McCann knocks!! EVER!!
Everybody had them. Now I live in Atlanta, GA sooo where can a girl
get a
pair? I remember the different styles and all the colors, yes you even had
light pink....
Love your shoes
From: Barrett H.
This one might not be able to be published! It is however, quite hilarious! Only a true southern gal can possibly understand this story!
I attended the University of Mississippi many moons ago, and begged my mother to buy me a pair of Bernardo's-they were SO in style and all the "precious" girls had many pairs. Well, she did buy me a pair and that night we had a big ole party out in the cotton fields in Greenville, Mississippi-we had all the music playing and the drinks were flowing when all of a sudden the police came after all of us in the fields-spot lights all over. I never in my life ran so incredibly hard and fast! I LOST in the mud, of the fields, my Bernardo sandal. I would've rather been arrested than to have lost that dang sandal. It was hilarious.
Well, we all escaped prison time (HA), but you can better believe I went out to those fields the next morning, and I FOUND MY SANDAL! My friends could NOT believe I found it, but they couldn't believe I made them take me back! I still laugh myself to pieces over this story-I am quite certain you cannot publish this over the internet, but I figured ya'll could surely have a good hearty laugh!
Thank you! I might add that I just ordered several pairs from Neimans of the cute one with the flower on the top! Now I can at least afford them!!! And, I can have several pairs so if at 41 years of age, I get stuck in a cotton field I can have back-ups!
Sincerely,
From: Louise L.
Oh frabjus day -- the UPS man just delivered the white and the black sandals. The heavenly smell of leather when I opened the boxes, the just-right fit of the sandals -- I am a happy girl! And to think that there are still two more pairs to come!
Thank you! Thank you very much.
From: VICTORIA J.
I am from Miami and wore classic Bernardos everyday. In the late 60's, early 70's, I would go into Coral Gables shopping as a sixteen-year-old with my mother's credit card.
I loved Bernardos. They wore so well and lasted so long. I think I had them in every color back then. I am 50 years old now. I just came from Louisiana and saw Bernardos in a shop on Sunset BLVD. I'm excited to get some. These sandals bring back such great memories.
SINCERELY.
From: Phyllis H.
In the 70's I had a pair, my favorite, so comfortable. Broke up with a boyfriend & he had them in his car where I left them. Quite difficult to get them back, but I did get them back & wore them for another 4 years. Never worried about the boyfriend, just my Bernardos.
From:
I was born and raised in
I have just been to your web site and am looking forward to buying Bernardos again. My feet and I thank you!
From: Martha W.
Hi! After trying unsuccessfully to order your Mina sandal in fuchsia from
Neiman Marcus this morning (they were sold out), I decided to see if
you had a website - and I was thrilled to find it!
Bernardo sandals are the only ones I even remember wearing as a
teenager - a perennial white pair and assorted colors depending what I
was wearing that year. I just loved them and was saddened when I
couldn't find them anymore. Happily though, lately I've seen them in
magazines and catalogs but not in narrow widths. (I have a narrow foot
and they were always just right.)
From: Kate S.
I have been looking everywhere.....I searched the Internet for several years before I gave up.....And today after I bid $100.00 for a pair of USED Bernardo sandals, I thought....well I'll search one more time and there you were! PLEEZE tell me where I can buy more sandals!!!! I have even had some of my old Bernardo sandals RESOLED. My last pair are getting to that point too!!!
From: Tie H.
I am so excited!!!!!
I was born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, and when I was 16 years
old, my best friend got a pair of the Miami sandals. I had never
seen a pair and immediately fell in love with the sandals. According
to her, they were purchased on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, Florida.
Of course, I begged for a pair but since my birthday had already passed, I
was saddened when told "no, not now." Well, my high school
band took a trip to Disney World a couple of months later and my Mom
surprised me with my first pair of black Miami sandals. I felt like
the luckiest girl on the trip. Of course, every Christmas, birthday,
and graduation wish list from then on included a pair of "Bernardos."
I left the area to attend college in Georgia to never find the sandals
again.
Twenty years later, living in Texas, I saw a similar pair today at
Dillards. I told the shoe salesperson that I love those shoes but
since they were not Bernardos, I would not purchase them. After
getting settled for the evening, I decided to attempt to find a Bernardo
site and here I am. I feel like I have found an old friend.
From: Patsy B.
Thank You, thank you, thank you....they're back...where have you been??? My daughter informed me that Bernardo sandals were shown in the May 2003 issue of Lucky magazine. I didn't believe her until she brought it to me and showed me. So I immediately called the toll-free line and got your website address. I am soooo excited to see that they are still here. I purchased my first pair of Bernardo sandals in 1974...tan colored...I wore them summer, spring, winter and fall...in other words always...and I continued to wear them until I was told they were no longer for sell. I did however, inherit a portion of my mother-in-laws collection but saved them for special occasions...now that I know they are still in production I'm going to pull them out of the closet and wear them every day....I LOVE THEM!!!!
From: Jocelyn L.
My tale of my wonderful Bernardo sandals of the
'60s, my nostalgia for them, and my delight in learning that they are
back! My Bernardos . . .
When I was in my 20s, I discovered Bernardo thongs, as I called them
(long before "thongs" became "undergarments" and
similar footwear became "sandals"), and I thought they were
the most wonderful summer footwear one could have. They were my
one "luxury" in life at that age, and I treasured them.
I wore them and wore them and wore them -- and then I took them to the
shoemaker to have them repaired, have the soles redone, have the soles
re-stitched, have the straps re-stitched, all until they could no longer
be saved and had to be, oh, so reluctantly, thrown away.
They were wonderfully comfortable and could go anywhere. And unlike other sandals, with their too-narrow soles, Bernardos had appropriately wider soles and padded soles -- they were perfect. And then they disappeared! And I searched and searched, but could never find them -- and I could never understand why such a "perfect" sandal would disappear. To me, they were the ultimate in summer footwear, so how could they possibly no longer be available to me?
I discovered my first pair in Palo Alto, California. And my Bernardos moved with me to Carmel's beaches, and then to St. Louis, to Detroit, to Canada, to Miami, Florida -- and back to California again -- finally ending up in Washington, D.C. I am still in Washington, D.C., but my Bernardos have long since left this planet to reside wherever heavenly sandals reside.
But I now know that if one wishes long enough and hard enough -- and I always remembered and wished very hard for Bernardo to return every spring when I saw other new sandals on the market, but never as nice or as wonderful as my Bernardos were -- that one's wishes can come true! And this year was no exception, as I looked at the fashion magazines and discussed how much I used to love Bernardos with my female and male friends. And wishes do come true! You are again making my wonderful Bernardo thongs/sandals -- they're classics and should live forever. Wherever I might go, let it be in a pair of Bernardos!
From: Kathy D.
Hi, I have been wearing Bernardo thongs for over 20 yrs. I even walked the 1984 Worlds Fair in New Orleans for 5 days in a row, and I don't even know how many days since then. All I can say they are the best sandals I have ever had on my feet. I have been having a hard time finding them, so I hope by going to your web site I will be able to locate them once more.
From: Deborah L
Oh my God! You cannot imagine my excitement when I walked into the new Nordstrom's in Houston and saw Bernardo sandals on display! I am afraid I made a bit of a scene, but I can guarantee you that everyone who was near by now knows how I feel about these shoes.
I grew up on Bernardo's as a girl in South Florida. I wore them everywhere and with everything. I did not need or want any other shoes. They worked with shorts, swimwear and skirts. There was a style and color for everything. In the mid 70's I moved away from Florida and couldn't find them elsewhere but what I had carried me for many years. Then in 1990 I found a pair in a Pappagallo store in Houston and of course bought them immediately. I thought I had a new source but shortly after the store closed. I still have those pair and have still been wearing them occasionally, but they look a bit sad after a dozen years! I have searched in recent years, even online, but to no avail. I thought they were gone forever and then I see them out of the blue in Nordstrom. That made me look online again today and I found this site and just had to write.
I bought two pairs on Saturday and can't wait to go back for more. Not only do these sandals work with everything and last forever, they have no age boundaries. They look as good on me now as they did when I was 16. I've also decided they might even have a magical quality - they make me feel 30+ years younger. What a feeling!!!!!
Please let me know where else they are being sold. I want to be sure I don't ever miss them again!
From: J. De Line
When I was a child, one event, the same event each year, signified the beginning of summer: grandma Elsa would take me shopping for new Bernardo sandals. Each year we would marvel over the sandals, and over how much my feet had grown. Generally I chose the style "Mistral" in white to highlight my tan, but some summers I went for the "Miami". I see on your website you've introduced the style "Marsha", which I'm especially fond of. Now that I know you're around still I will resume my tradition, I will wear Bernardo sandals once again. Grandma would be delighted.
Best regards,
From: Terry M.
I was so excited to see an ad in our Austin, TX paper saying that Bernardo was back. I wanted to share my story of my Bernardo's.Back in 1975 when I was in 7th grade, I was 12. The doctor decided that I was going to have to undergo surgery for my bunions. I had gotten to the point I couldn't put shoes on my feet. He told me that I was going to have to wear sandals until my feet were full grown. My mother went out and bought me Bernardo Sandals. I had all colors. I had the Miami style and the Mistral style. I had black, red, white, blue, tan, and some other colors. I had about 10 pair of Bernardo's. I was totally addicted to them. I ended up having to wear them until I was in 8th grade, age 13. Then they did the surgery.After the surgery I was not willing to wear anything else. I bought Bernardo sandals every year from then on. I was heartbroken when I found out that you were not in business anymore. My last pair of sandals wore out a few years ago. I wore them until their were holes in the bottom of them. The straps on the Mistral started breaking and I tried to glue them. On my Miami style I even took them to the Shoe Repair place a couple of times to get them to resole them. It worked for a while, but then I had to give them up.I would like to know where all in Austin, TX I can buy them so I can run out and get some. I have a 10 year old and a 14 year old. Both girls. I would love to get them into your sandals too.
Thank you so much for bringing them back.
From: Bette L.
When my mother died two years ago, the only thing my sister and I fought over was her collection of Bernardo sandals (30-40 pair, some at least 30 years old.) Many of our most treasured childhood memories were of Mother's Bernardo's. You see, they were the only shoes Mother owned. Mother bought every pair she ever saw. She wore them year around. Rain, snow or sun. At times it was a major source of embarrassment to us. Other mother's wore real shoes. She began buying them in 1948 (the year I was born) at Neiman Marcus. One of her favorite pair had only three loops. You could add whatever scarf or material you wanted to them. They were great. My sister and I could not live until our feet were big enough for Mother's, and then our own Bernardo sandals.
Thank you so much for bringing Bernardo and many precious memories of our mother back. My white pair of Miami sandals were totally worn out. Now I won't have to steal my sister's.
From: Michelle J.
I've been looking for Bernardo sandals for many years, I received my first pair the summer I turned twelve. They were and still are one of my first true loves along with Jean Marc Verne. Unfortunately, I never knew what became of him but am glad to rediscover your sandals after seeing the Bernardo ad in the March issue of Elle magazine. I would like to know where can I purchase both the Miami and Marsha style. I am also interested in your handbags, particularly the Miami Pleated and the Earnest Calf Carrier.
From: Joan W.
I first fell in love with Bernardo sandals during my years at Michigan State. MSU is known for it's beautiful, sprawling campus and every Spring I bought a couple new pairs of the Bernardo Milly, because of their durability and comfort. I probably put a few miles a day on those sandals and they stood up to the challenge. Today, as a mother of three, I am looking for classic quality as well as value and I am so pleased to see that you have revived the line. Please let me know where I can find Bernardo!
From: Vickie S.
I can’t tell you how happy I
am to have found Bernardo after all these
years. They are the most
comfortable, good looking sandals. My next wish is that you will bring
back the Bernardo driving shoe. Bernardo reminds me of my senior year
in high school and my college years. I
was crushed when I heard the company had gone out of business, and now
elated to know that my favorite sandals, that look so good on my foot, are
back. Thank you so very
much!!!!!
Sincerely,
From: Sherry S.
I am 48 years old, and all through junior and senior high school 1965-1970, I had every color of Mistral and Milly you made. You were just not cool unless you had all the colors of Bernardo to match your dress when going to school. So every dime I made baby sitting and cutting grass for neighbors kept me well stocked in Bernardo sandals, and Letic'e purses. And now 25 years later I still only wear Bernardo's although they had become harder to find.
From: Anna M.
I've been looking for Bernardo sandals for many years. In the 60's and 70's maybe even 80's, I bought Bernardo's at Bullock's in Southern California. Every year, new colors same styles. Usually the style Milly in every color available. My daughter, now age 26, remembers wearing Bernardo as a young teen. My 19 year old daughter has been waiting for her turn. Several months ago after lamenting once again that there had never been another sandal like Bernardo, I went on line but didn't add footwear to my search. I could not find you. I've never ceased to ask or look wherever we are. After seeing the Bernardo ad in the new Elle magazine I had to get out of bed and email you immediately! It's shortly after midnight here. Tomorrow I'll be at Neiman Marcus, Fashion Island, in Newport Beach, California, to buy my Bernardo's. At least, black, white and tan to start. Are you doing the style Milly in gold?
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
From: Kathi M.
My best friend and I grew up in the hippie era of the 70's. We were not hippies, we wore Gant shirts, Villager skirts and BERNARDO sandals. We were cool. Barbara and I were just talking about Bernardo sandals last summer and how we didn't see them anymore. What a surprise when a patient mentioned to me that she saw them in a catalog the other day. How happy we were! I worked as a cashier when I was in high school and the sandals were an investment for me. They were absolutely my favorites. I had a pair of red (my favorite color) very skinny strap sandals and imagine my horror when I found them chewed up by my sisters dog. I had taken them off to ride her ATV around the yard and when I came back it was a sad sight. I must have cried for days.
Thank you so much for bringing them back. I cannot wait to wear my first pair the second time around.
From: Susan B.
I was reading a magazine yesterday and came across your ad. I think it was Elle Magazine. I felt as if I had rediscovered an old friend. I threw away my last battered pair of black "Miami' sandals just last summer and thought that I'd never be able to find them again. You see, my memories of your company date back to the early 1960's when I was a small child... Bernardo shoes and sandals remind me of Miami Beach. There was a store in the Eden Roc Hotel called Perry Chester Shoes. My mother, grandmother and I practically lived there during our twice yearly stays. I guess we must have been pretty good customers-we became friendly with the man who ran the shop. His name was Jack Siegal. It's funny-I can still see his face and hear his voice although it's probably been 30 years since I saw him last...I had a weight problem and could never find much to fit...However, your shoes ALWAYS fit !!! There was a shoe - sort of a precursor to today's "ballet slipper" - made of woven leather that was the coolest thing I had ever seen. They came in white and in black and looked so chic on my mother's feet. Imagine my delight when my mother bought me my very first pair !!! I ADORED those shoes and wore them in both colors for years as well as "Miamis." Sorry to drone on and on but I wanted to share my memory of a time in my life and in the world that was so easy and peaceful. Seeing your ad yesterday really put a smile on my face. I wish my mother was still alive so that I could tell her that you guys are still around. I am going to tell my Dad. After all, he is the one who paid the bills...I am sure that he will remember Perry Chester Shoes and the shoes his two girls wore with a big smile...Those were very happy times. Thank you, Bernardo, for making me smile in this frozen New York winter.
P. S. I live in New York City. Please let me know where I can find your shoes. I plan to buy "Miamis" in many colors...
From: Henry T.
Like most guys, I knew nothing about name brands of shoes when I was in high school. But I learned about Bernardo sandals when my girlfriend got a pair. This was back in the 1960s and she got the style that had a T-strap thong that was connected to the crossing strap by a large gold Roman coin. I couldn't believe how good looking they were and always complimented her when she wore them. Later I was watching a PBS television special featuring the folk singer Joan Baez. She usually wore blue jeans and was barefoot for concerts. But for this appearance, she wore a nice full length cotton dress. As the camera moved around I suddenly spotted what she had on her feet. They were the same Bernardo sandals with the gold Roman coin. Those sandals gave me some nice memories. Thanks for giving me an opportunity to share them with you.
From: Lisa H.
I came to your site specifically to find a style that I remember so well from the late-sixties-early-seventies... I was a young girl growing up in Florida then, but my best friend had two teenage sisters; both beautiful. They wore their favorite Bernardos with everything-to the beach with their bikinis, with their newly-fashionable blue jeans, and with their Homecoming dresses. There was not a sexier, more beautiful vision than Susie and Ellie A. coming home from the beach sun burnt and sandy, in nothing but bikinis and their Bernardos. I also remember Susie wearing them with a low-slung skirt, halter top, and belly chain to a dance; a style that is being worked today! On the rare occasion that the sisters weren't wearing them, my friend Nancy and I would sneak and try them on, and wish for the day that we were old enough to fit into so sophisticated a shoe. Fickle as teenage fashion is, by the time I was old enough to wear them, the styles had moved on, and it wasn't until I was in my twenties that I could once again appreciate and start looking for them. I did own several other pairs; stripy backless ones in navy and white with three straps crisscrossing between the toes, and another pair in white, again backless, but with a wedge heel and a gold stirrup attached to the heel. ( I would buy these again today) Both were beautiful, but never so classic as the style that my friend's sisters had. I have looked for these over the years, hoping that Bernardo would resurrect them, or someone would knock them off, but have never seen them. My sister, also a shoe-lover, looks for them too. The style was as simple as they come; a thong, but with instead of a "Y" that reaches back toward the arch of the foot, it was almost perpendicular to the piece that goes between the toes, and it ran almost parallel to the toes. It had an inch-and-a-half to two-inch heel, and was of course backless. The leather was only about one quarter inch wide. Every pair I ever saw were white. I'd be happy to draw a picture if you can't visualize them. If you have a wish-list of people waiting for old styles to come back, please add me! My sister and I will buy them in every color, and several pairs in black and white.
From: Viva
I bought my first pair of "Miami" Bernardo sandals 40 years ago when I was 12 years old. I believe I bought them at Lord and Taylor. I have worn Bernardos every spring and summer since. I thought they were extinct but in the mid nineties I found a pair in Islamorada, Florida. Today, looking through the March issue of Elle magazine I was delighted to find a page devoted to my favorite sandal. I am happy to see that they are considered stylish once again but of course I always knew they were.
From: Elizabeth B.
I live in Durango Colorado and know one here sells your shoes. Do you have a catalogue? For years I owed your "Miami" sandals and the last pair wore out about the same year my children were born. They'll be 10 next month. I have looked every time I leave town for your brand and now thanks to the internet I may be close to getting a new pair, or two or three.