THE SHOE DESIGNERS

MANOLO BLAHNIK

Manolo Blahnik is one of the most celebrated names in international footwear, with a heritage dating back to 1971, when the designer established his eponymous brand. Born in Spain and based in London, Blahnik developed a distinctive language of elegant silhouettes, sculptural heels and highly refined proportions.

The majority of Manolo Blahnik shoes are handcrafted in Italy, with selected styles, including certain espadrilles, produced in Spain. The brand has maintained close relationships with specialist manufacturers and traditional artisans, allowing each shoe to reflect an exceptional level of craftsmanship.

Manolo Blahnik represents artistry, individuality, timeless elegance and uncompromising craftsmanship. His shoes are not simply accessories, but highly recognisable objects of design with a strong connection to traditional shoemaking.


JIMMY CHOO

Jimmy Choo was established in London in 1996, growing from the designer's East London atelier into one of the world's most recognised luxury footwear houses. From its beginnings, the brand developed a strong reputation for sophisticated women's shoes with glamorous silhouettes and an unmistakable sense of femininity.

Today, Jimmy Choo footwear is predominantly produced in Italy, particularly within the renowned footwear manufacturing districts around Florence. Italian craftsmanship, carefully selected materials and attention to detail remain an important part of the brand's identity.

Jimmy Choo is synonymous with glamour, sophistication, femininity and modern luxury. Its designs are created to make an impression, combining elegant proportions with a confident and often highly glamorous attitude.


PRADA

Miuccia Prada & Fabio Zambernardi

The Prada story began in Milan in 1913, when Mario Prada opened his first luxury leather-goods store in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The company became known for premium materials and sophisticated craftsmanship from its earliest years. Prada introduced its first women's footwear collection in 1979.

Under Miuccia Prada, the house developed a radically modern approach to luxury, combining intellectual design, experimentation and a willingness to challenge conventional ideas of beauty. Her vision transformed Prada into one of the most influential fashion houses of the modern era.

Fabio Zambernardi collaborated with the Prada Group from 1981 and became Shoe Design Director in 1997, later serving as Design Director for both Prada and Miu Miu. His contribution was particularly important in developing the distinctive visual language of the brands' footwear and accessories.

Prada combines Italian craftsmanship, sophisticated materials, conceptual design, innovation and an intellectual approach to contemporary luxury. Production takes place through the Prada Group's own industrial platform and specialised manufacturing network, with Italy remaining a central part of its production heritage.


GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI

Giuseppe Zanotti comes from San Mauro Pascoli, one of Italy's historic centres of fine footwear production. He launched his own eponymous brand in 1994, bringing together traditional Italian shoemaking with a highly distinctive and glamorous design language.

The brand's footwear is closely connected to the craftsmanship of Made in Italy production. Elaborate heels, crystals, jewellery-inspired details, metallic finishes and sculptural forms have become characteristic elements of Zanotti's aesthetic.

Giuseppe Zanotti represents Italian craftsmanship, luxury, glamour, creativity and bold self-expression. His shoes are designed to be noticed, often transforming footwear into a statement piece of jewellery and fashion.


UAD MEDANI

UAD MEDANI is a Spanish footwear label with roots in Elda, Alicante, one of Spain's historic centres of shoemaking. The brand was associated with Creaciones D'Antonio, a family business founded in 1940 whose footwear tradition spans three generations.

The UAD MEDANI trademark was officially registered in Spain in the early 1990s for footwear and fashion. The brand was also represented internationally at MICAM Milano, one of the world's leading professional footwear fairs, demonstrating its presence within the international footwear industry.

UAD MEDANI is particularly interesting for its distinctive and expressive footwear designs. Surviving models showcase sophisticated materials such as leather, patent leather, velvet, silk and pony-style calfskin, combined with feminine silhouettes, statement heels and elaborate details.

With its connection to the long-established shoemaking tradition of Elda, Spain, UAD MEDANI represents a lesser-known but distinctive chapter of Spanish footwear history. Today, the brand is especially appreciated by vintage and fashion collectors for its individual design, craftsmanship, luxurious materials and strong character.


LELLA BALDI

Lella Baldi was established in 1976 in the Marche region of Italy, an area with a long and distinguished tradition of artisanal footwear production. From its beginnings, the company was built around the knowledge of experienced Italian shoemakers and a strong commitment to craftsmanship.

The brand continues to produce its footwear entirely in Italy, maintaining control over the various stages of production. Traditional techniques are combined with contemporary shapes, carefully selected materials and a refined approach to feminine design.

Lella Baldi represents the essence of Made in Italy craftsmanship – combining quality, comfort, attention to detail and understated elegance. Its shoes are characterised by a sophisticated balance between traditional shoemaking and modern femininity.


ALBERTA FERRETTI

Alberta Ferretti began producing collections under her own name in 1974 and went on to establish herself as one of Italy's most recognised fashion designers. Her work is deeply connected to the craftsmanship and creative culture of Emilia-Romagna, where the Aeffe Group was later established.

Her footwear reflects the same romantic and feminine aesthetic found throughout her fashion collections. Elegant proportions, delicate details, luxurious materials and sensual silhouettes are central to the brand's visual identity.

Produced within the Italian luxury-fashion manufacturing tradition, Alberta Ferretti represents femininity, elegance, craftsmanship and sophisticated Italian luxury. Her designs are characterised by a timeless sense of beauty rather than dependence on short-lived trends.


MIU MIU

Miu Miu was created by Miuccia Prada in 1993 as the more experimental and playful expression of the Prada universe. From the beginning, the label was conceived as a space for exploring different ideas of femininity, style and contemporary fashion. The Prada Group describes Miu Miu as Miuccia Prada's “other soul” and a laboratory for new expressions of style.

Miu Miu footwear often combines traditionally feminine elements with unexpected proportions, unusual materials and playful reinterpretations of classic styles. Sneakers, loafers, sandals, boots and heels can become part of a deliberately contrasting visual language.

The brand represents modern femininity, individuality, experimentation and playful luxury. Its appeal lies in the ability to combine sophistication with a youthful, rebellious and sometimes deliberately unconventional attitude.


CHARLES JOURDAN

Charles Jourdan was founded in 1921 in Romans-sur-Isère, France, a town with a long-standing tradition of footwear production. The company grew from a family shoemaking business into one of the most influential French footwear names of the 20th century.

The brand became particularly recognised for elegant women's footwear, refined silhouettes and sophisticated heels. Its French heritage is reflected in a design philosophy centred around femininity, elegance and understated sophistication.

Charles Jourdan represents French style, refined craftsmanship, femininity and timeless elegance. Today, its vintage designs are particularly interesting to collectors who appreciate the history and character of classic French footwear.


PAUL ANDREW

British-born designer Paul Andrew launched his eponymous luxury footwear label in 2012, presenting his first collection for Spring/Summer 2013. Before creating his own brand, Andrew gained extensive experience working with internationally renowned fashion houses, including Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Alexander McQueen and Narciso Rodriguez.

His footwear is produced in Italy, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary technology and a strong emphasis on precision, balance and fit. Rather than focusing solely on visual impact, Andrew places particular importance on how a shoe feels and performs when worn.

Paul Andrew represents contemporary luxury, innovation, comfort, precision and refined Italian craftsmanship. His designs bring together architectural elegance and modern femininity with a distinctly sophisticated approach to footwear.


BANANA REPUBLIC

Banana Republic was founded in 1978 in Mill Valley, California, originally developing its identity around travel-inspired clothing before evolving into an international lifestyle brand.

The brand's footwear follows the same philosophy of relaxed sophistication, combining classic silhouettes with contemporary details and versatile designs. Production takes place through an international manufacturing network, with the exact country of production varying according to the product and collection.

Banana Republic represents a more accessible interpretation of luxury, focusing on quality, versatility, modern classic style and effortless sophistication. Rather than highly extravagant statement pieces, the brand is associated with wearable elegance designed for a contemporary lifestyle.