Olivia von Halle Contessa Slippers: Silk or Velvet, and Which Motif
Olivia von Halle is a London silk nightwear label best known for its pyjamas, but its product listings also include a house slipper called the Contessa. It comes in several versions, and every one we found is heavily embellished and priced at a level most people would expect for a pair of designer shoes. This guide is based only on the brand's own homepage and product listings. Nobody at StylesReview has worn or handled these slippers, so treat this as a map of what the brand says, not a verdict on how they wear.
What the Contessa is, according to the brand
Across the listings, a few details repeat. The brand says the Contessa is handcrafted in a family-run factory in Tuscany, which one listing describes as second-generation. Several listings mention a gold embossed signature, and the ones that give construction details describe a leather sole and a recycled PU heel. The sequin and bead work is presented as the main event. The Toro listing says its sequins come from craftsmen in India, and the Capella listing credits embroiderer Jenny King.
Two of the six are described as numbered limited editions. The Damaris is listed as one of twenty-nine pairs, and each pair comes with its own number.
The six versions side by side
Prices below are the listed USD prices at the time of writing.
| Slipper | Upper (per listing) | Color / motif | Listed price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contessa Ophanim | Silk | Nutmeg beige, eye | $795 |
| Contessa Toro | Silk | Kiwi green, carousel horse | $830 |
| Contessa Zebedee | Cotton velvet | Jet black, zebra | $860 |
| Contessa Aquila | Velvet (see note below) | Jet black, floral | $895 |
| Contessa Capella | Velvet (see note below) | Thyme green, star with beading | $895 |
| Contessa Damaris | Bellini silk satin, grosgrain piping | Orange, mountainscape | $995 |
The gap from the cheapest to the most expensive is $200. The Damaris costs the most, and it's also the one the listing describes as a numbered limited edition.
Silk or velvet: reading the listings carefully
If you're choosing between a silk upper and a velvet one, read the fine print on each listing before you buy.
The Aquila and Capella marketing copy calls the fabric a silk-velvet, and the Aquila text calls it the brand's "go-to silk-velvet blend." Lower on the same pages, though, the Materials and Care section starts with "Cotton velvet slipper." The Zebedee listing also says cotton velvet. We can't tell from the pages alone which description is the complete one. If fiber content matters to you, because of how it feels or because you want all-silk, ask the brand's customer care before ordering.
The silk versions are more straightforward. The Ophanim says "Silk slipper with leather sole, recycled PU heel," and the Damaris lists Bellini silk satin with grosgrain piping. The Toro is named a silk slipper.
The listings also tie the fabrics to seasons. The velvet styles belong to the brand's showgirl-themed Costumier collection and Resort 2023. If you want a darker, heavier-looking slipper for winter, velvet fits that brief. If you want something that matches silk satin pyjamas, the silk pairs are the closer match.
Matching a slipper to a set
Several Contessa motifs also show up on the brand's clothing, which is useful if you're building a matched gift:
- Ophanim eye: also on the Bibi slip dress ($1,150) and the Queenie robe ($1,950), both in nutmeg beige.
- Aquila floral: also on the Coco Aquila silk velvet pyjama set ($1,250).
- Damaris orange mountain: also on the Wolfe silk twill pyjamas ($1,800).
- Carousel horse: the Toro shares the motif with the Queenie Equus robe ($3,495). The robe is saffron yellow and the slipper is kiwi green, so they match in theme, not in color.
Who should skip the Contessa
This slipper isn't for everyone, and the listings themselves give several reasons to pass:
- Anyone avoiding leather. The listings that give construction details describe a leather sole.
- Anyone who needs a size before committing. The listings we read don't give a size range or any fit notes. The site has a Size Guide in its customer care menu, so check it, and check the Returns page, before you order. That matters more for numbered limited editions, which you can't easily reorder.
- Anyone shopping for the newest pieces. Several of these slippers are tied to Resort 2023 and the Costumier collection, while the homepage is promoting newer collections. Some colors or sizes may no longer be available.
- Anyone wanting an everyday slipper. Sequins, beading and silk or velvet uppers point to something worn carefully, not shuffled in to the mailbox. The site has a Care Guide, so read it before you buy rather than assuming these can be cleaned like ordinary house shoes.
Ordering from the US
The homepage advertises free worldwide shipping and, for US shoppers, "faster domestic shipping & no duties." It also mentions extended festive returns and exchanges, but it doesn't spell out the terms. The site's default currency shows in GBP, so make sure you're viewing USD prices before checkout. The homepage also says every order arrives in the brand's signature boxes, which helps if the slippers are a gift. Confirm the current return terms for limited-edition items directly with the brand.
Bottom line: If you want the lowest price and a silk upper, the Ophanim at $795 is the entry point. If you want a numbered piece, the Damaris is the one the brand describes that way. If you're drawn to velvet, ask about the exact fiber content first, because the listing copy and the materials notes don't agree.
See the current range and pricing at Olivia Von Halle — we may earn a commission if you buy through this link, at no extra cost to you.