This Model-Turned-Designer Is Taking High Heels Down A Notch

Brazilian beauty Mari Giudicelli's sky-high career has included modeling gigs for international brands like Maryam Nassir Zadeh, Ulla Johnson and Eckhaus Latta, but the recent FIT graduate is now setting her sights on something a little closer to the ground -- shoes.

Earlier this year, the Ford model-turned-designer launched an eponymous collection of comfortable and reasonably heeled footwear that is expected to make its in-store debut this fall.

Featuring four classic styles, including the ankle boot, the loafer and the mule, Giudicelli's collection is a critique of the high-heeled fashion industry that prioritizes aesthetic over functionality, comfort and foot health.

"There's a lot of media and celebrities being thrown in your face. [The message is that] 'heels make you sexy, heels make you look good, and makes your legs look great' ... but there should also be that much information about how bad they are for you," she told HuffPost Rise.

Watch the video above to catch a sneak peek of her new collection which features "Brazilian-sourced wood, lizard skin and rabbit fur," and learn more about her vision.