Focusing on the derby style of shoe, Marssi is a new local unisex label crafting small batches of the classic foot upholstery and the odd bag to match. Originally designed for sport and hunting purposes in the 1800s, the derby shoe is these days suited to both gentlemen and gentlewomen. The creation of local lasses Andrea Jankovic and Lisa Turnbull, Marssi pairs traditional shoe-making techniques with vintage, upcycled fabrics and high-quality leathers to form its classic designs. The pair behind the label has been friends for years, with Lisa leaving a career in urban development to design and make shoes, and photographer Andrea running the marketing and online store.

Materials for the shoes range from brown to metallic silver leathers sourced from both local leather houses and vintage fabric offcuts. Amongst the timeless designs, The Clarence style sports a navy and white fabric that originally formed a lonely coat that once hung at the Fortitude Valley Salvation Army store. Marssi also offers a design-your-own service, letting shoe fiends choose their own colours and fabrics to create a truly one-off shoe.