Artemis Design Co.

Our Story

A love affair with textiles

Ours is a love story; a magical carpet ride started in 2007 when designer Milicent Armstrong first fell in love with shoes and bags made from vintage Kilim carpets on a trip to Istanbul.

After several years and lots of Kilim dreaming, Milicent found a small artisan workshop and launched the first Artemis collection out of her South End, Boston apartment in 2013.  The combination of beautiful, worldly textiles in classic shapes was an instant hit, and Artemis Design Co. was born.

Artemis founder Milicent Armstrong kneeling on a colorful kilim carpet, with a friend facing away from the camera.
Rows of kilim shoes lined up for sale on a table, with a Moroccan rug hanging in the background.

Over the years, our products have become staples in the closets of thoughtful, stylish men and women worldwide, who appreciate the delightful combination of outstanding quality, everyday comfort, and the use of beautiful textiles in charming, unconventional ways.

Handmade, timeless, and uncommonly beautiful

Always original, we believe that our beautiful vintage Kilim textiles, made largely by women artists, deserve to be repurposed and preserved for admiration and enjoyment. 

We make beautiful things in a slow and careful way, using a treasured team of artisan suppliers and cobblers to ensure that our chain of production is hands-on, handmade, and brings us as much pride as the products themselves.

Our creations are everyday heirlooms, designed to be worn daily and loved for a long time. Learn more about our craftsmanship here.

Press & Collaborations

Here at Artemis, we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have garnered the attention and admiration of major publications such as the WSJ, the Boston Globe, Town and Country, Garden and Gun, Esquire, GQ, Cosmopolitan, Afar, to name a few, and we have also gained a cult following among world-renowned interior designers and magazine editors for the unique, one-of-a-kind, but also classic feel of our products. 

Collaborations have been a cornerstone of our business and community building efforts with like minded companies and individuals. Notable collaborations include our (ongoing) collaboration with iconic designer Charlotte Moss, Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent, and exclusive collections for renowned retailers such as MATCHES fashion, Anthropologie, Madewell, and United Arrows of Japan, among others.

Our Mission at Artemis

We make charming shoes for curious people, delivered with uncommon care and delight. We strive to make everyone we touch dream, and make every customer we serve feel unique.

Our Team

Favorite Artemis product, and why?

Our Kilim Slides. They are so adorable and comfortable! I can’t walk one block without someone stopping to ask me where they are from. I also love all of our new Moss Mules. They are so comfortable and easy to wear for so many different occasions. Oh, and did I mention our Travel bags? The chicest way to travel!

What room in your home resonates most with you?

In our new house we have a teeny little library with a fireplace that we call the "snug". We always find ourselves in there reading, drinking coffee (or wine), and cozying up by the fire.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

So simple- my parents always told me to be kind to absolutely everyone you meet.

Most beautiful places you've ever traveled to?

The south western coast of Ireland. The Chamonix ski mountain in France. Muscongus and Penobscot Bay in Maine.

Dream trip?

Capri and the Italian coast in the summertime. Paris, anytime. I used to live there, and I'm always dreaming about my next trip.

What is your favorite book, and why?

“The Museum of Innocence" by Orhan Pamuk. It is the most incredible love story based in Istanbul. There is an actual museum in the city that is dedicated to this love story. It is incredibly moving, and I visit every time I travel to Istanbul.

Can't live without?

My family. Good books. Creative projects whether painting, home improvement, gardening, etc. Broken in Levi’s. Cashmere sweaters. Artemis Kilim shoes. Midcoast Maine.

Favorite Artemis product, and why?

Definitely the Velvet Slippers! So much style, and a great little heel, but the ease of a slip-on.

What room in your home resonates most with you?

My living room, where I can usually be found curled up with a book or a piece of needlepoint. Art on the walls, music playing in the background, my dog Tina slowly taking over the entire sofa...such a happy place!

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

Always celebrate the little victories!

Most beautiful places you've ever traveled to?

Nuwara Elia, Sri Lanka--gorgeous, lush tea country. Malapascua, Philippines, for crystal clear water.

Dream trip?

Too many to choose just one! I think my next trip will be to Europe, though--Italy and Portugal are calling my name.

What is your favorite book, and why?

"The Sparrow" by Mary Doria Russell. I first read it during a favorite college course, and revisit it almost every year.

Can't live without?

Quiet mornings, the people I love, green spaces.

Favorite Artemis product, and why?

I love the Kilim Slides! I’m a sucker for warmer weather and these beg to be worn on lush summer evenings. The classic look paired with lots of color goes with everything and imparts instant chicness.

What room in your home resonates most with you?

My kitchen! I absolutely love cooking. There’s nothing better than having guests hang out and chat in the kitchen while my boyfriend and I whip up a delicious meal.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

That most things are not worth stressing over.

Most beautiful places you've ever traveled to?

Anywhere along the Pacific Coast Highway always takes my breath away. Southern Spain with its orange trees is also magical.

Dream trip?

Island hopping in Greece is on the top of my list. Really anywhere with warm crystal clear water is where I want to be.

What is your favorite book, and why?

“The Untethered Soul”. It’s extremely thought-provoking and gives an amazing look at how to live with an open heart and from a place of inner peace, love and kindness - beyond limiting beliefs and seeing life for the beautiful and joyous journey that it is.

Can't live without?

Joyful relationships, perfect beach days, lazy Sundays, rainy mornings in bed, and dark chocolate