Make way for Lilith NYC, a new entry into the sneaker space launched by Queens-born Sarah Sukumaran. Designed for women, the brand takes its name from a mythological character who has been described as the wife of Adam in early texts.
Lilith NYC’s debut silhouette is called Caudal Lure, a form of mimicry used by snakes to lure prey using their tails akin to how sneaker lovers flex their kicks. The name is referenced through the shoe’s super-sized Vibram outsole, designed to resembles a snake’s tail.
Expanding on the name selection, in an interview with Goodthin.gs Sukumaran explained, “Lilith was written out of history by male scholars because she chose not to be submissive to man. She was subsequently demonized as a baby snatcher, night monster; basically a night hag is what I think is what Lilith translates to. I thought it was a great name and reference, considering how women are treated in the footwear industry, both internally, as employees, and as consumers, women are often overlooked and always asked to compromise.”
The tonal jungle green upper is made with premium pebbled leather, suede and neoprene. Referencing Sukerman’s combined Queens and Tamil roots, the shoe includes a neoprene sock liner in a nod to her community’s love of a sock and sandal combination.
According to press on the brand launch, “Lilith is self-actualized, living her own truth and story versus ones forced upon her. We believe that there is a Lilith in each of us and we designed and developed our sneakers to help you embody this in every step. Shoes on. Eyes open.”
Prior to launching Lilith NYC, Sukumaran worked for Nike, where she was director of product, data science and models. Prior to working at Nike, she was head of product at Jirafe, an e-commerce analytics startup.
Priced at $225 and sized in women’s 5-14.5, Lilith’s debut Caudal Lure sneaker is now available for pre-order on lilith.nyc.
