Billini
The shoes she could not buy
Susannah Khouzame started Billini partway through a double degree in law and accounting, working in fashion retail on the side. She loved building outfits around high-end designer shoes and could not afford a single pair of them.
So she made her own. She had no experience in footwear, no experience in business, and she taught herself the trade as she went. She has said since that the thing she wishes she had known at the start was how to read her own numbers.
The first label was called Billie, after her niece. Customers kept asking for more of it and the name grew into Billini.
Sydney, 2009, and still designed there. The shoes are cut for the end of the night as much as the start of it.
Explore the full Billini collection.
Billini, in short
Who is Billini?
Billini is an Australian footwear label founded in Sydney in 2009 by Susannah Khouzame, who started it as a university student studying law and accounting while working in fashion retail. She had no experience in footwear and taught herself shoe design.
Where does the name Billini come from?
From a niece. The first label was called Billie, after her, and as customers kept asking for more the name grew into Billini.
Why did Billini start?
Because the founder loved styling outfits around designer footwear she could not afford as a student, and there was nothing available at the time that looked the part at a price she could reach. So she made it herself.
Where can you buy Billini in Australia?
You can buy Billini at Amelie & Frank's, online with complimentary shipping Australia-wide and in person at our boutique in Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula.
Questions, answered
How does Billini fit?
True to size in most styles. If you are between sizes in a boot, take the larger. Write to us and we will measure the pair before it leaves.
Are they comfortable to wear all night?
That is the point of the label. Susannah Khouzame built it around designer shoes she could not afford but wanted to wear, so the heel heights are chosen to be stood in rather than admired. The block and mid heels are the ones our customers come back for.
What is Billini made from?
Mostly high-grade synthetic uppers and linings, which is part of why the price sits where it does. It is honest about that rather than pretending otherwise, and the construction is better than the category usually manages.
Who founded Billini?
Susannah Khouzame, in Sydney in 2009, partway through a law and accounting degree and with no experience in footwear or in business. The first label was called Billie, after her niece.
Do you ship Billini Australia-wide?
Yes, complimentary on orders over $100, and you are welcome to try them on at Red Hill.
