MONTREAL, Feb. 20, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Exclusive Canadian distributor Estrada Footwear is excited to announce that Spring/Summer 2013 marks the first official Canadian launch of the Pikolinos Maasai Project, an exclusive footwear collection featuring distinctive beaded designs and motifs hand sewn by the women of the Maasai tribe in Kenya.

Pikolinos is a premium Spanish footwear brand that sets itself apart with its unique and authentic designs. They are a recognized leader in the industry, committed to important social programs like the Maasai Project,  the fair trade project aimed at the sustainable development of the Maasai community. "We are thrilled to introduce the Pikolinos Maasai Project to Canada. This exclusive collection embodies the craftsmanship of the Maasai women and beautifully captures the spirit of their identity and their culture", explained Barbara Epstein, Marketing Director at Estrada Footwear.

"We are thrilled to be working with Estrada Footwear to launch this collection in the Canadian marketplace. We are working hard to extend the reach of the messaging surrounding this project that benefits the whole Maasai community, furthering education and work for a better quality of life, which in turn, helps us to consolidate what our brand stands for - naturalness, creativity, humility, consistency and excellence. Our partnership with Estrada represents an incredible opportunity to expand our international market reach," stated Fernando Palazzo, country manager, North America.

The Spring/Summer campaign was captured on location in Kenya, with its Maasai Project brand ambassador, Olivia Palermo. The collection features unique styles of beaded footwear to accent the season. Colour is key for the Spring/Summer 2013 season, and the Pikolinos Maasai collection is full of vibrancy and intricate details. Retail price points range from $150-$220. Pikolinos' profits stemming from the sale of this footwear collection help fund development projects in the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The projects are carried out in collaboration with ADCAM and the Juan Peran Pikolinos Foundation.

This Spring, Canadian women will finally have the opportunity to shop the exclusive hand embroidered styles, available with limited distribution to footwear retailers Canada-wide.  

ABOUT PIKOLINOS & THE MAASAI PROJECT

Pikolinos was founded in 1984 by its current president Juan Peran Ramos. The main idea behind the company's creation was to create unique shoes by developing products with innovative designs and of an outstanding quality. Pikolinos is present in about 60 countries worldwide and has over 20 official stores and over 8000 points of sale around the world.

Pikolinos is currently considered an exemplary company in the footwear sector. In 2007 Grupo Pikolinos created the non-profit Juan Peran Foundation. Through this organization Grupo Pikolinos aims to provide more opportunities and to encourage help and cooperation through social, cultural and sport development projects.

Learn more about Pikolinos at www.pikolinos.com

ABOUT ESTRADA FOOTWEAR

Estrada Footwear has built an impressive portfolio of well-known and emerging footwear brands. With over 500 points of sale in Canada, the group continues to successfully launch, distribute, market, grow and nurture brands in the Canadian marketplace.

Estrada is fueled by an acute passion for footwear, innovativeness, and a strong service oriented mind-frame. Its brands are truly unique; each having design features and a high quality workmanship which reflects the country where the shoe is designed.

SOURCE Estrada Footwear

Image with caption: "The Spring/Summer 2013 campaign was captured on location in Kenya, with its Pikolinos Maasai Project brand ambassador, Olivia Palermo. (CNW Group/Estrada Footwear)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130220_C6847_PHOTO_EN_23890.jpg