The Art of Luxury Repair: Why Newport Beach’s Best-Kept Secret Isn’t New, It’s Restored
by Jodi Salerno
Jodi Salerno with Gabe of Deluxe Shoe Repair
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
Over the course of his career, Gabe has repaired more than a million pairs of shoes.
Yes, a million.
On any given day, he helps between 50 to 75 customers, many of whom bring in multiple items at a time. It’s a steady flow built almost entirely on word of mouth—a true testament to the trust he’s earned.
His expertise goes far beyond traditional repair.
During his time in Virginia, doctors worked directly with him to create orthopedic modifications—custom lifts for individuals with leg length discrepancies. It’s highly specialized work that requires precision, technical skill and a deep understanding of both form and function.
He’s also known for working on the bottoms of Christian Louboutin shoes—an area where detail matters immensely and for redyeing handbags, giving them an entirely new life.
More Than Repair. It’s Restoration
What makes Deluxe Shoe Repair so special isn’t just what they do, but how they do it.
We’re talking about:
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Designer shoes restored beautifully
Handbags brought back to life
Heels, soles, straps—handled with incredible precision
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They work on luxury brands like Louboutin, Chanel and Prada, and are also trusted by many of the luxury boutiques at South Coast Plaza to care for and restore their pieces. What truly stands out, though, is that every item—no matter where it comes from—is treated with the same level of care and respect.
It’s not just repair, it’s restoration in the truest sense.
There’s a level of pride in the work that you can feel the moment you walk in.
Trusted by Locals to Celebrities
Over the years, Gabe has worked on shoes for a wide range of clients—including celebrities like Vanessa Bryant and Sabrina Carpenter.
But what’s so refreshing is that you’d never feel that difference walking into the shop. Because every customer is treated the same. Whether it’s a designer heel or an everyday favorite, the level of care never changes.
Where It Connects to Tudaloo
This is exactly why I connect so deeply to what they do.
At Tudaloo, my entire philosophy is built around repurposing and reimagining—taking something that already has a story and giving it a fresh, beautiful future.
I’ve always believed that the best pieces aren’t just bought… they’re built over time. Deluxe Shoe Repair shares that same mindset. They don’t just fix things—they preserve them, elevate them and allow them to continue being part of your life in a meaningful way. And to me, that is true luxury.
The Reviews Say It All
After 15 years, I already knew how special this place was, but it’s always nice to see that others feel the same.
Customers consistently highlight:
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High-quality craftsmanship
Skilled, detail-oriented work
Friendly, knowledgeable service
Beautiful, like-new results
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It’s the kind of reputation that’s earned and clearly well deserved.
In a place like Newport Beach, where beautiful things are part of everyday life, there’s something especially powerful about choosing to care for what you already own.
Restoration is thoughtful.
It’s sustainable.
And it’s incredibly stylish.
It allows you to hold onto the pieces you love while keeping them polished, relevant and ready for wherever you’re going next.
The Tudaloo Takeaway
If you have a favorite pair of shoes or a handbag that still has so much life left in it, this is where you take it. Because in Newport Beach, true luxury isn’t just about what you buy—it’s about how you care for what you love. And sometimes, the most beautiful things aren’t brand new…
They’re beautifully restored—reimagined, refined and ready for their next chapter.
Tudaloo… to what was, and hello to what it becomes.
Jodi Salerno
Tudaloo on the Town!
