Sandal Brand Inspired by Jacqueline Kennedy Files for Chapter 11

A sandal company that cites Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis as its muse has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the company confirmed in a brief statement to investors and partners. The filing signals a formal start to a court-supervised restructuring intended to address mounting financial pressures and preserve the brand’s retail and wholesale relationships.

Company leaders said operations will continue during the Chapter 11 process as they negotiate with lenders, landlords and vendors. The reorganization pathway typically allows companies to secure debtor-in-possession financing, renegotiate leases and contracts, and develop a plan to reduce liabilities while attempting to maintain core business functions.

For retailers and suppliers, the filing introduces uncertainty about future orders, payment schedules and inventory commitments. The company has indicated it will work with key partners to minimize disruption, though the pace and outcome of negotiations will shape whether store placements and supply agreements remain intact.

Analysts note that fashion and specialty footwear brands often face tight margins, seasonal demand swings and intense competition from larger apparel groups and direct-to-consumer entrants. Those pressures can heighten the risk of liquidity shortfalls, particularly for brands that rely on wholesale distribution and mall-based retail footprints. A Chapter 11 filing attempts to create breathing room to restructure those obligations without an immediate liquidation.

The brand’s association with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis has been central to its marketing and product identity, emphasizing classic styling and heritage. Preserving that legacy while implementing operational changes will be a key task for any potential plan of reorganization. Stakeholders — including employees, creditors and licensing partners — will closely watch court filings and the company’s proposed timeline.

Next steps in the process typically include the court’s approval of interim financing and a schedule for creditor meetings and plan submissions. Depending on negotiations, the company could emerge from Chapter 11 with a leaner balance sheet and revised contracts, or—if agreements cannot be reached—face a liquidation route under Chapter 7. The immediate focus, officials say, is stabilizing cash flow and maintaining relationships to support a potential turnaround.