A.S.98 Merlin Studded Leather Mule

A.S.98 Merlin Studded Leather Mule – Pearl

Hardware as design language. The A.S.98 Merlin is a heeled leather mule defined by its oval beveled studs — a considered, architectural hardware detail that gives the Merlin a sophisticated edge without tipping into maximalism. The studs are beveled and oval rather than round or pyramid, which gives them a refined, jewellery-like quality that reads as elevated rather than edgy. The half-leather-covered heel with stitching detail is the second design moment: a heel that is as considered from behind as the upper is from the front. At 2.75” with a 0.5” platform, the Merlin sits at the sweet spot between a statement heel and an all-day heel — enough height to elongate and elevate, enough platform to take the pressure off the ball of the foot. Leather upper, leather lining, rubber sole — the A.S.98 construction standard that ensures the shoe moulds to the foot over time and provides the grip and durability that a leather sole cannot. Pearl — a luminous, soft off-white that is simultaneously neutral and distinctive. Made in Europe.

Details

• Upper: Leather — adorned with oval beveled studs
• Lining: Leather — breathes and softens with wear
• Sole: Rubber — grip and durability for all-day wear
• Heel height: 2.75” with 0.5” platform — elevated and wearable
• Half-leather-covered heel with stitching detail — considered finish from every angle
• Mule silhouette — open back, slip-on ease
• Oval beveled studs — refined, jewellery-like hardware detail
• Pearl colourway — luminous soft off-white
• European sizing: 35–42
• Made in Europe
• A.S.98 — Italian-heritage footwear since 1998

Care Instructions

• Wipe clean with a soft, damp cloth — avoid abrasive materials near the studs to preserve the beveled finish
• Condition the leather upper periodically to maintain suppleness
• Store with shoe trees or stuffed with tissue to maintain the mule’s shape
• Allow to dry naturally if wet — do not apply direct heat
• The Pearl colourway is light — protect from scuffs and dark surfaces that may transfer colour

Fit & Sizing

• European sizing: 35–42 — please refer to the A.S.98 size guide for your US size equivalent
• Mule silhouette — open back; the leather upper and lining will mould to the foot over time for a personalised fit
• 2.75” heel with 0.5” platform — the platform reduces the effective pitch to approximately 2.25”, making this more wearable than the heel height alone suggests

Style Notes

The Merlin’s oval beveled studs and Pearl colourway make it one of the most versatile statement shoes in the collection — the hardware adds visual interest without colour, which means the Merlin works with almost any palette. Wear with the Michelle Jonas Long Halter Keyhole Dress in Hazze for a warm, tonal, head-to-toe luxe look where the Pearl mule bridges the two neutrals. Pair with wide-leg black trousers and a fitted white top for a clean, high-contrast look where the studded Pearl mule is the focal point at the hem. Wear with a midi dress in any colour — the Pearl and the oval studs will complement rather than compete. The 2.75” heel and mule silhouette make the Merlin the ideal elevated shoe for occasions where you want the height without the commitment of a closed-back heel — easy on and off, with a presence that a flat cannot match. At $299, this is a shoe that justifies its price through the quality of the leather construction, the precision of the oval beveled studs, and A.S.98’s Italian-heritage craftsmanship.