What started as an idea on Shannon Slack’s back porch has grown into a brand making waves in the fashion industry. Slack, a 2005 Mt. Lebanon High School graduate, launched her luxury women’s shoe brand, Luna Selene, in 2020 after an unexpected moment of inspiration during the pandemic lockdown.
Her brand quickly garnered a devoted following of shoe enthusiasts drawn to its commitment to quality, exclusivity and timeless sophistication. Each design is handcrafted in Italy by master artisans, using the finest Italian leather and non-toxic dyes. The brand’s philosophy stands in stark contrast to fast fashion, producing fewer than 100 pairs per style to maintain uniqueness and sustainability.
“Our designs resonate with the modern woman — bold, graceful, and beautifully authentic,” Slack said. “Classic fashion is the epitome of sophistication and sustainability. A well-crafted shoe should last through every season of a woman’s life.”
Slack said she created Luna Selene because she understands the need for professional women to look and feel their best. She also described how fashion, particularly footwear, helped her to craft her own identity early in her career.
“I know how I felt going into a professional setting, especially being 22 or 23, right out of grad school, and feeling socially anxious,” Slack recalled. “Crafting my identity through clothes, especially footwear, helps me feel so confident and like the woman I always wanted to be.”
Luna Selene specializes in block heels under three inches, a design choice Slack said makes them more practical without sacrificing style.
“The appeal to modern women is I can wear these and still look really put together, and a little sexy too,” she said. “I want to feel feminine but also powerful.”
Since its debut, Luna Selene has joined the Accessories Council, premiered at New York Fashion Week and shipped to customers across the United States and beyond. Each collection blends classic silhouettes with contemporary elements, ensuring every pair command attention while remaining effortlessly wearable.
Debuting at New York Fashion Week was a turning point for the brand. “It was such a pinch-me moment,” Slack said. “At that point, I was shipping all over the world, but I felt like having a presence in New York was really important.”
Slack decided early on she wanted to honor the art of the trade, so craftsmanship remains at the heart of Luna Selene.
“I work with a factory in Italy that has been around for five generations. There are about 40 steps in making a shoe, and all but two are done by hand,” Slack said. “I also have a quality control agent who has been in the business for 40 years.”
Prices range from around $285 for sandals to about $490 for tall boots, sold primarily online to keep prices more accessible.
“I want to give women the option to have a luxury shoe without the completely out-of-reach price tag,” Slack said.
As Slack continues to grow her company, she hopes her story will inspire others to pursue their creative passions, no matter how unexpected the journey may seem.
“Honestly, if I can do it, you can do it,” she said. “… You just have to be resourceful and comfortable with being uncomfortable. If you really want to do something, just start.”
For more information and to shop Luna Selene’s products, visit shoplunaselene.com [1].