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Tessa Ballerina - Black

Hand-knotted leather shaped into a modern slanted-toe silhouette.

  • Regular price £150.00
19 hours weaving time19 hours weaving time
Natural easeNatural ease
Light movementLight movement
Flexible feelFlexible feel

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Tessa Ballerina - Black

Tessa Ballerina - Black  · 3/36

£150.00

What makes Tessa Ballerina - Black different

  • Hand-knotted leather upper (approx. 19 hours weaving time).
  • Modern slanted-toe silhouette.
  • Cushioned insole.
  • Made in small numbers. The weave determines the pace.

Find Your Size

Measure your foot first, then match it to the chart below.

How to Measure

1

Place the Paper

Put a sheet of paper on a flat floor with one edge against a wall. Tape it down so it doesn't move.

2

Stand and Mark

Stand with your heel against the wall. Keep your pen straight and mark the tip of your longest toe.

How to measure your foot
3

Measure

Measure from the wall to the mark.

4

Check Both Feet

Repeat on the other foot. Use the longer measurement.

5

Choose Your Size

Match your measurement to the size chart above.

Helpful Tip

Measure in the evening, when your feet are slightly larger. If buying trainers or boots, measure while wearing socks.

Size Chart

UK EU US CM Inch
3.5 36 6 22.9 9
4 37 6.5 23.3 9.2
5 38 7-7.5 24.0 9.4
6 39 8-8.5 24.6 9.7
7-7.5 40 9 25.4 10
8 41 10 25.7 10.1

Need Help?

About the fit

Most Black Tulip styles run true to size. If you're between sizes, we recommend sizing up. Our shoes are designed to be worn all day.

Still unsure? customercare@blacktulipstudio.com

Tessa Ballerina features a hand-knotted leather upper, woven strand by strand over a structured base. The slanted toe introduces sharpness against the softness of the weave.
Heel height: 0.3cm.
Fit: True to size.
Each pair is completed by hand in limited quantities.

Upper: 100% Leather (LWG-certified)
Lining: 100% Leather
Insole: 100% Leather
Sole: Manmade
Heel height: 0.3cm

Shipping:
Free standard shipping (2–4 business days) over £125. Orders under £125: £5.95. Express Shipping (1-2 business days): £6.49. 30-day returns - keep store credit and we'll waive the return fee. Refunds incur a £7 per item return fee.

Returns:
We offer 30-day returns from the date your order ships. Refunds can be made to the original payment method with a £7.00 shipping fee per item. Opt for store credit, and we'll waive the return fee.

Care:
Wipe the leather with a soft, damp cloth after each wear and allow to air dry away from direct heat. For deeper marks, use a leather-specific cleaner - avoid household detergents. Apply a leather conditioner every four to six weeks to keep the surface supple. Store in the dust bag provided, stuffed lightly with tissue to hold their shape.

Warranty:
Every pair of Black Tulip shoes is backed by a six-month warranty from the date of purchase, covering manufacturing defects. Wear and tear, usage-related damage, and improper care are not covered. To make a claim, email customercare@blacktulipstudio.com with your order number and a photo of the defect. We'll respond within two working days.

Care FAQs:
Can I wear them in the rain?
Light rain is fine. Wipe them dry when you get indoors and let them air naturally. Avoid prolonged soaking or puddle-walking.

How do I remove scuff marks?
Removing scuff marks depends on your shoe's material. For smooth leather or rubber soles, gently scrub with a damp cloth. For suede, use a specialized suede eraser or a soft brush.

Will the leather stretch?
Slightly. The leather moulds to your foot shape over the first few wears - this is normal and improves the fit. The memory foam/ PU insole also settles to your footbed within the first week.

How should I store them between seasons?
Clean them first, apply conditioner, stuff lightly with acid-free tissue, and store in the provided dust bag in a cool, dry place. Avoid stacking shoes on top of each other.

Questions about Tessa Ballerina - Black

Same hand-knotted leather, two silhouettes. The Ballerina is a closed-toe everyday shoe with a 0.3cm heel - for the office, city walking, considered weekend wear. The Sandal is an open summer silhouette with a 4cm heel - for warmer days, dressier occasions, and showing more skin while keeping the woven detail front and centre.

Approximately 19 hours of weaving per pair. We work in small batches because the weave determines the pace - not the calendar.

Apply a neutral leather conditioner lightly to the woven sections every 4–6 weeks. Wipe clean with a soft dry cloth - never soak. Store in the dust bag away from direct sunlight. Avoid over-saturating; the weave shows wear differently from smooth leather and prefers a light touch.

Yes. Upper, lining and insole are 100% LWG-certified leather - from tanneries audited for environmental responsibility, water stewardship, and traceability. Unsold stock goes to Smart Works, a UK charity supporting women preparing for job interviews.

No - woven leather should not be exposed to prolonged moisture. Tessa is designed for dry days indoors, in the office, or on city streets in fair weather. Light exposure to a passing shower is fine; standing puddles, wet grass, or heavy rain will damage the weave.

True to size. The hand-knotted leather softens and gently moulds to the foot within the first few wears, so pick your usual UK size. If you're between sizes, size up. We do not currently offer half sizes.

Yes. The structured base supports the foot while the hand-knotted upper holds its shape without rigidity. A 0.3cm heel keeps the silhouette flat without losing definition. Most customers report a short break-in of 2-3 wears as the leather softens to the foot.

Hand-knotted leather is woven strand by strand over a structured base - not stitched, not glued, not machine-pressed. Each Tessa Ballerina takes approximately 19 hours to weave. The technique gives the shoe its texture, lightness, and a quiet kind of detail that machine production cannot replicate.

Designed in London and crafted by Indian artisans drawing on three generations of shoemaking heritage. Each pair is completed by hand in small batches that follow the pace of the weave.

Need fitting help? View our Size Guide

Size Guide
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