CHECK THIS OUT

December 20, 2018 Stefano Casarola

Check, tartan and pied de poule fabrics are a must have for this winter season. The tradition of red, green and blue is always present, but there are also new combinations and innovative interpretations, capable of surprising with a rock touch like yellow together with black.

ANCARANI

December 12, 2018 Stefano Casarola

Daniele Ancarani is born in Bologna. After working as a designer for women's footwear companies like Buccheri, Bruno Magli and Di Sandro, in 2001 he launches his first collection. Daniele Ancarani uses his creativity to design elegant and comfortable shoes, a sophisticated product which is characterized by the simplicity of the shapes and carefully handcrafted details.

In 2014, thanks to the partnership with Fabio Alibrandi, Daniele’s life and work companion, the brand begins to grow: a new showroom is opened in Bologna and some new shops are opened around Italy: Catania, Rimini, Roma, Torino.

All photos taken from: damieleancarani.com

CHUNKY SNEAKERS

December 4, 2018 Stefano Casarola

This winter sneakers will look at the future. The so called Chunky Sneakers are king size shoes with big, exaggerated rubber soles, very different from retro trainers and more adequate for a moon landing. These shoes are far away from the world of sport, but despite their apparent lack of harmony, they have been quite appreciated by the fashion world. Probably created to astonish, chunky shoes together with socks shoes confirm a recent trend: the more a product is strange and unusual, the more it becomes interesting for consumers and social media and the more it becomes a trend.

By Balenciaga, Triple-s. From mytheresa.com

Adidas x Raf Simons. From modaoperandi.com

EPOCA FIORUCCI

November 30, 2018 Stefano Casarola

A year after the British Janie and Stephen Schaffer decided to give new life to the brand, the International Gallery of Modern Art of Ca 'Pesaro in Venice celebrates with an exhibition the designer Elio Fiorucci, defined by many as "the champion of democratic fashion”. The title of the retrospective, which illustrates the creative genius of the artist who died in Milan in 2015 at the age of 80, is "Epoca Fiorucci", and it will be held until 6 January 2019. Curated by Gabriella Belli and Aldo Colonetti with Elisabetta Barisoni and the collaboration of Floria Fiorucci, the exhibition focuses on his extraordinary biography together with his creations. Clothes and accessories, but also posters, documents and the most varied objects describe the "Fiorucci philosophy" for which a shop is not just a store, but is "a relationship between feelings, thoughts, languages and different souls".

Son of a shoes retailer, Fiorucci demonstrated a unique personality in the field of fashion. At the end of the sixties, with the opening of his shop in Galleria Passarella, designed by the sculptor Amalia Del Ponte, he brought to Milan the transgressive spirit of the Swinging London. What we could define as the first concept store, became a reference point for young people looking for inspiration and cultural contaminations. And the same happened in 1976 with the store in New York, where it was possible to meet different stars like Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Madonna. Fiorucci was probably the first to create a perfect mix of fashion, art, music and architecture, a today normal melting pot but so revolutionary at the time.

RED PASSION

November 22, 2018 Stefano Casarola

For day and night, red is a fundamental color for this winter 2018. An intense red not declined in other shades.

Interior from archdaily.com. Sneaker by Y-3, from farfetch.com

Interior from Pinterest. Boot by Dorateymur, from farfetch.com

Interior from homedesignlovers.com. Frediana Boot by Roberto Festa.

Interior from theglassfactory.wordpress.com. Clarissa Pump by Roberto Festa.

Edgardo Osorio - AQUAZZURA

November 14, 2018 Stefano Casarola

The Italian luxury footwear brand AQUAZZURA was founded by Edgardo Osorio in 2011. Colombian-born, and raised between Miami and London, Edgardo attended the London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martins. He made his first step into the footwear world working with some of the most prestigious luxury brands such as Salvatore Ferragamo, René Caovilla and Roberto Cavalli. At just 25 years old, he launched his luxury footwear brand, whose headquarters are situated at Palazzo Corsini, in the heart of Florence, keeping him in immediate proximity with his suppliers and manufacturers. He combines his passion for modern design with impeccable luxury craftsmanship to create timeless footwear with a twist, both sexy and incredibly comfortable. After just seven years, AQUAZZURA is available at over 300 top retailers of the world in over 58 countries, and Osorio gained global recognition as an innovator in the footwear industry.

All the photos taken from aquazzura.com

JUNGLE FEVER

November 6, 2018 Stefano Casarola

Animalier has always been on fashion but this winter we will be witness to his consecration. Town will transform in modern jungles and we will be walking along the streets among tigers, leopards, zebra and pythons. In fact it will be possible to give an animalier touch to one’s outfit choosing from coats to jacket, pants, skirts or shoes. For seductive women.

By Aquazzura. From modaoperandi.com. By Attico. From farfetch.com

By Alexandre Birman. From modaoperandi.com

"Tell me more, tell me more like does he have a car"

October 26, 2018 Stefano Casarola

Directly from the film “GREASE” - Prada Flaming Sandal

Capri VS Saint tropez

July 27, 2018 Stefano Casarola

Sandals were probably the first type of shoes worn by man. Sandals are made of layers of leather sewn together and straps in leather or other materials. They were worn by the Egyptians, the Persians, the Greek and by the Romans, and were initially used to protect people’s feet from the roughness of the ground. Sandals have evolved in shape and ornaments and have become an essential element of a woman wardrobe. This development in style was especially due to the creativity of Italian and French craftsman who created new designs over the years. I’m referring to the CAPRI and the TROPEZIENNES styles.

CAPRI SANDALS

When the Roman emperor Tiberius choose the island of Capri to spend the last days of his life, he arrived wearing a pair of sandals with laces of leather wrapped around his ankle. That style of sandals, originally worn by the emperor Tiberius, is essentially still worn today and continues to be produced in Capri, altough now as been embellished with stones and new materials, and it is a symbol of the italian craftsmanship. Many stars of the cinema and members of the jet set have chosen a pair of Capri sandals, from Sophia Loren to Jackie Kennedy.

The favourite sandals by Jackie Kennedy. From canfora.com

TROPEZIENNES SANDALS

The story of Tropeziennes sandals begins in 1927, in Saint Tropez, where Domenique Rondini opened his shop and created his first model of sandals. His idea for the sandals was probably inspired by a specific need of a client who wanted to wear a very resistant pair of shoes for walking on the sand, similar to those worn by romans gladiators. In 1933, always in Saint Tropez, also Jacques Keklikian opened a shoes shop specialized in handmade sandals. Trasformed in K. Jacques, this brand, become famous through testimonials like Brigitte Bardot and Pablo Picasso, is today distributed in the best shops of the world.

K-Jacques Buffon model. From www.kjacques.fr

Rondini sandals. From Pinterest. www.rondini.fr

In Italy or in France it’s the same way of buying your sandals: you enter in a shop, you meet the craftman who takes your footprint, you choose togheter with him the style, the materials and the colours for your sandals. The time of a dive in the blue mediterranea sea and your sandals are ready to be worn.

Somewhere over the rainbow

July 19, 2018 Stefano Casarola

Summer is a season strictly linked to colors. And rainbow is the symbol of colors. That’s why this magical phenomenon has inspired the designers for the ready to wear and accessories collections of this Summer 2018. Clothes, shoes and bags become a mix of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. It’s time to wear these colors all together.

By Salvatore Ferragamo. From farfetch.com

SOPHIA WEBSTER

July 11, 2018 Stefano Casarola

Sophia Webster was born in 1985 in South Africa, but now London is her new home. She graduated at Cordwainers College and The Royal College of Art. After working as Assistant Designer to Nicholas Kirkwood, she founded her eponymous label in 2012 and she debuted her first collection for Spring/Summer 2013. In 2016 she won the BFC Vogue Fashion Fund, becoming the first female shoe designer in history to receive this prestigious prize. Always in 2016, her first flagship retail store was opened in Mount Street, Mayfair, London. Her designs are all hand-drawn and conceptualised within the company headquarters in East London. She has become renowned for combining feminine design with a sophisticated approach. She doesn’t worry too much about what her competitors are doing, but she trusts her own vision trying to find a balance between creativity and commerce. She prefers high heel, colorful and decorative shoes but in her collections she also presents flats and sneakers for a more casual style.

All the photos taken from sophiawebster.com.

Flap Flap Fringe

July 3, 2018 Stefano Casarola

Native Americans were probably the first to wear garments with fringes, a border of hanging strips made from suede or leather which could have served as a dropping way for rain.

Only in the 1920s fringe became a decorative fashion embellishment thanks to the flapper girls look. These women listened to jazz, danced Charleston and smoked. They wore short dresses or skirts decorated with fringes which gave a bit of more length to that daring style, pearls necklaces, feathers accessories and mid heel ankle strap shoes useful for fast dances.

The use of fringe was then adopted by the hippies in the late 1960s. For this youth movement, which rejected the mainstream values and was interested in civil rights and oppressed minority groups, wearing fringe was a way to demonstrate solidarity to the Native American cause. But is the film Easy Rider which gives the fringe look a fashion statement more than a political one. Unforgettable is the scene where Dennis Hopper is wearing a fringed brown suede jacket while riding his motorcycle on the musical notes of the song Born to be wild.

Todays fringes are on fashion again. Both clothes and accessories are embellish with fringes. For this SS18 also raffia fringes have been used.

Lanapo: 5 Terre sandals

June 29, 2018 Stefano Casarola

The Cinque Terre is part of the Ligurian coast (Riviera spezzina) located in the province of La Spezia between Punta Mesco and Punta di Montenero, where there are five small villages here listed from north to south: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore. Since 1997 they are part of the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each of these fishing villages is characterized by colorful houses, nice shops, and restaurants where to taste seafood specialties and the famous Ligurian condiment: pesto. Vineyards built on terraces created up on the hill surrounding the villages, produce amazing and autocthonous wines. The best way to visit them is to use the hiking paths that stretch along the coast, connecting the Cinque Terre one another and offering splendid views of the sea.

Monterosso al Mare is the largest village of the Cinque Terre. Consisting of two districts, the old village and Fegina, the more touristy part.

Vernazza is considered by many to be the most charming of the Cinque Terre and was documented for the first time in 1080.

Corniglia is the only village of the Cinque Terre not in contact with the sea, rising on top of a rock promontory. Its low and wide houses are more similar to those of the hinterland than to the typical coastal houses.

Manarola was founded during the XII century and is rich in typical tower houses of Genovese style.

We have the first news of Riomaggiore only in 1251, when the inhabitants of the district of Carpena, spread coast, swore faith to the Republic of Genova. Between 1200 and 1300 the inhabitants of these settlements decided to go down towards the sea a… — We have the first news of Riomaggiore only in 1251, when the inhabitants of the district of Carpena, spread coast, swore faith to the Republic of Genova. Between 1200 and 1300 the inhabitants of these settlements decided to go down towards the sea and give llife to the village.which holds a Trittico XV century and a wooden statue of 1300 representing the Madonna (Maria). Also important is the Castello (castle) which dominates the historical centre.

I spent wonderful days during my holidays in Cinque Terre, amazing views, fantastic food and wines, good walks, deep blue sea and nice people. In Monterosso al Mare, there is a cozy shop selling artisanal shoes: LANAPO, the 5 Terre sandals. Creating according to the best tradition of craftmanship and focused on quality the 5 terre sandals are the result of inspiration coming from this enchanting corner of Italy.

Never missing blue

June 21, 2018 Stefano Casarola

Blue color, in all his nuances, is strictly linked to summer and it couldn't miss for this SS18 season. It reminds to clear sky and transparent sea, to holidays and good times. Ligth blue, electric blu, blu China, denim blue have been used for chanel, sandals and rope wedges.

My photo taken in 5 Terre, Liguria, Italy.

MANFREDI MANARA

June 13, 2018 Stefano Casarola

Manfredi Manara is born in Monaco. He grows between Milan and London. Here he graduates at London College of Fashion, and after some job experiences in New York and Paris, he decides to consacrate his skills to the most revered of accessories, the high heel shoes. He finds the perfect supplier able to produce the highest quality shoes in Parabiago, a location in Italy, where for decades some of the industry’s most skilled artisans have been making luxury footwear for the finest names in fashion. Manfredi Manara launches his eponymous women’s shoe line with the spring summer 2017 collection. His shoes feature classic shapes that focus on slenderness and femininity. Most of them are embellished with custom-made intricate fabric trims known as “passamanerie”, giving each shoe a patina of nostalgic romanticism. Today Manfredi lives and works in Milan and has began collaborating with other shoe brands as well as focusing on his own collection.

All the photos taken from manfredimanara.com

Transparent Mania

June 5, 2018 Stefano Casarola

Transparent material for accessories is one of the key trend for SS18. It has been used for shoes, from pumps to sandals to mules, but also for bags, earrings, gloves and hats. This theme has emerged during the S/S 18 catwalks, and it will probably feature also in the streetstyle trends through to SS 19. From the Balenciaga, Balmain and Yeezy catwalks through to Zara, the trend has infiltrated different markets, and has been picked up by key influencers such as Kim Kardashian-West and Aimee Song.

By Gianvito Rossi. From matchesfashion.com

YUJIA HU

May 25, 2018 Stefano Casarola

Yujia Hu is a 30 years old guy, born in China and Italian by adoption. He is the chef of his family's restaurant Sakana Sushi where every day he prepares the most famous Japanese dish. His interests come above all from the American culture, basket and rap music. He has become famous when he has started creating sneakers using rice and uncooked fish. He publishes photos of his little creations of onigiri, on is his Instagram profile @theonigiriart: from Airjordan 1 to Balenciaga Triple S, to faces of famous basket players. An amazing mix of food and street culture.

YELLOW MELLOW

May 17, 2018 Stefano Casarola

Yellow is one of the colour presented during the spring summer 2018 catwalks. It’s the symbol of light, it’s energetic and vitaminic. It can be matched with the intense shades of violet and blue, or it can be combined with a white or black look. A yellow sandal or a yellow décolleté can can also complete a floral outfit.

ANDREA MONDIN

May 9, 2018 Stefano Casarola

Andrea Mondin was born in Valdobbiadene (Treviso, Italy). He attended High Art School in Treviso. He completed an European Fashion Course in Pordenone, which granted him an internship in the style department of Roberto Cavalli in Florence. After this experience he moved to Milan where he attended the Istituto Europeo di Design. Once completed the courses, he gained experience in the shoes and accessories field, working as a designer for the D&G brand. After three years with them, he was contacted by Gianni Versace. He became the designer of the Versace women’s shoes collection and then of the Versus accessories. In 2016 he launches his first luxury shoes collection and creates his own brand: ANDREA MONDIN, and in 2017, he won the Accessories prize at Who’s on Next ? 2017: the contest devoted to emerging talents, conceived and realized by AltaRoma in collaboration with Vogue Italia. For Andrea Mondin the most important thing is to create his shoes following the Italian handmade tradition and the technical process including the cut and the drapery.

All the photos taken from andreamondin.com

Light as a feather

May 1, 2018 Stefano Casarola

The trend started with the winter season continues for this spring summer 2018. Feathers embellish both clothes and shoes. From flat sandals to high heels sandals and in different colors tones.

By Charlotte Olympia. From matchesfahion.com