Mathilde Rottembourg exudes quiet confidence—the kind that comes from carving your own path with purpose and ease. Based in Dubai but Parisian at heart, she is the founder of With My Sands, a minimalist footwear brand that has grown organically from a personal need into a beloved label with a global following. Known for its elegant, wearable designs and small-batch ethos, With My Sands reflects Mathilde’s appreciation for comfort, craftsmanship, and timeless style. In this Lust Series feature, we enter into her world of sun-drenched inspiration, sustainable sensibilities, and sandals that tell a story.
Where are you based? Have you always lived there?
—I’m a Parisian woman based in Dubai since 2009, after spending a few years in London. I’ve always chosen to live in vibrant, dynamic cities that pulse with energy and opportunities.
After 16 years in Dubai, I’m still amazed by its diversity, cosmopolitan vibe, and how it keeps surprising me. It’s a city where entrepreneurs are empowered, and that’s been a huge part of my journey.
Describe With My Sands in 3 words.
—Elegant, timeless and comfortable
What inspired you to create With My Sands? Was there a pivotal moment that led you to launch the brand?
—Picture this: It’s 2013 in Dubai. I’m working a corporate job and desperately hunting for the perfect flat sandal—elegant, comfy, and not too flashy. But all the ones I found were either too boring, ridiculously expensive, or just painful to wear. So, I thought: Why not make my own? The catch? The factory had a minimum order of 100 pairs. No big deal, right? I’d keep a few for myself, give some to friends, and maybe sell the rest. Well… they sold out in two hours. That’s when I realized I might be onto something big.
Fast forward to today, and we’ve built a real community of women who style With My Sands in their unique ways. Some have been with us since day one, and I just love seeing where our sandals take them.
Your collections have a minimalist yet distinctive appeal. Could you share a bit about the design process and how you approach creating each piece?
—At With My Sands, design always starts with an obsession: creating the perfect sandal—one that is timeless, effortlessly elegant, and unbelievably comfortable. We’re not just creating shoes; we’re creating that feeling—the one where you slip them on and forget you’re even wearing them.
It’s all about the little things: a leather sole that molds to your foot like a second skin, a strap that hits just right, and a softness that makes you want to walk for miles. We test, tweak, and fine-tune until we get that perfect balance between chic and comfort.
This season, we’re excited to introduce Opera ballerina mule, an exclusive piece that’s perfect for transitioning between seasons. It’s our answer to the mid-season essentials every woman needs—stylish and easy, just like the women who wear them.
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Sustainability is becoming essential in today’s fashion world. How does With My Sands approach sustainable and ethical production?
—We focus on quality over quantity. Our sandals are made from premium leather, which ensures durability and long-lasting wear. We produce in small, responsible batches, which helps avoid overproduction. Plus, we package everything in cotton pouches, so no waste is added to the equation.
But sustainability is not just about how we make our products; it’s about creating pieces that are timeless, that women will love and wear season after season.
Who or what influences your creative vision the most?
—Women, hands down. I love observing how women dress—whether it’s in magazines, on social media, or simply on the streets. It’s like a daily fashion show! My business partner, Carinne, is in Barcelona, and she sends me snapshots of inspiring street styles from all over Spain.
The women who inspire me the most are active, stylish, and live life fully. They’re the ones who shape With My Sands every day.
What is your dream place to visit and why?
—Andalusia, Spain. While I know Madrid well from my student years and visit Barcelona often for work, I’ve never really explored the South of Spain. I picture it as a mix of sunny streets, flamenco beats, and dangerously good tapas! Seville, Granada—I can already feel the vibrant energy of the place. Any recommendations?
Where is the next destination on your travel list?
—Argentina is calling! The energy, the colors, and the style—it’s a place that speaks to me. I’m excited to dive into their culture, and maybe even find some fresh inspiration for upcoming collections….
