although she began her career as an orthopaedic nurse, Sonja Dee Eckardt dreamed of turning her love for wearing beautiful shoes into a passion for making them and launched Sonja Dee in 2004.


with her mind made up and her sights set for Europe, she booked herself a flight to Italy. intimidated but undaunted, Sonja made her way throughout Italy - Milan, Bologna, Florence, Rome, Tuscany and beyond - learning and studying all aspects of shoe design and construction. she liaised with textile suppliers and renowned shoe manufacturers, and explored a seemingly limitless sea of fabrics and leathers. factory after factory, mill after mill, she continued to learn of the machinery and how it worked, and how to speak to craftspeople, trying to gain those little secrets that make all the difference in luxury shoe-making.


Sonja came into contact with the most experienced and gifted shoe-makers and the most beautiful materials imaginable, although she also ran into production hurdles. for the next several years, Sonja would venture, time and time again, back to Italy and travel the world hoping to finally find that perfect manufacturer who would make her designs come to life. after many years and countless trips, Sonja eventually found just that: a shoe manufacturer with all the passion and attention to detail she could possibly hope for.

although her mother was her inspiration for fashion, her father inspired her to follow her dreams while embedding a strong work ethic. her parents came from Slovenia and achieved their dreams here in the united states.


Sonja Dee's debut women's shoe line is her 2010 Spring/Summer collection. the designs are chiefly inspired by Hollywood chic of the 40s and 50s with shoe names honoring some of the greatest women on film. the collection embodies luxury, sensuality, comfort and creative passion - utilizing the finest workmanship and innovation. her designs are made using the finest fabrications, leathers, snake skins and European crystal. the Sonja Dee palate skims over beautiful shades of red, green, and blues set against sophisticated neutrals. all Sonja Dee shoes are made and finished by hand.