SS 2023 footwear fashion trends by DOLITA
A fresh start. Like a rainbow after the rain, the spring-summer collections bring new colors, shapes, and trends into our wardrobes. It is a step towards a new beginning, shaping our wardrobe with exclusive footwear and the season's overall mood. A step towards spring-summer 2023, to be precise, which promises to rewrite the meaning of modern and finally bring back some long-awaited intrigue to the fashion industry.
Instead of minimalism, there will be glitter and exquisite details; instead of black, there will be a play of pastel colors; instead of flat shoes, there will be platforms and stunning heels. And instead of retro sneakers, there will be unique and slightly futuristic shapes. So how does DOLITA propose to welcome spring?
Forget everything you know, belief, and think you want. Fashion designers and brands – both debuting and established – started their collections with a white canvas, extraordinary silhouettes, and a vision of a girl who flirts with fashion rather than looking for a long-term relationship. But who knows – maybe this light spring flirtation could turn into an exciting beginning of something new.
FOOTWEAR fashion trends this season
The colors of the season:
- Viva Magenta;
- Orange and Peach;
- Sea Blue;
- Ice cream;
- Glowing Yellow;
- Tropical Green.
FOR WOMEN
- Highlights of the season: western, mesh textile and net, straps;
- The shape of the season: platform;
- Comfort is number one!;
- Barbie? Summer games!;
- Reflections – shiny shoes!;
- Kitten heel;
- Surreal moods.
FOR MEN
- Not a day goes by without sneakers;
- Soft as a sponge – slippers, and sandals;
- Slip-on shoes are the hit of the summer season;
- Lightness, comfort, and style – lace-up shoes.
THE SEASON’S NEWS FROM ITALY AT DOLITA
- ANTONIO BARBATO;
- DOVE NUOTANO GLI SQUALI;
- GHŌUD;
- MASCIA MANDOLESI;
- MIA JAHN;
- SERGIO LEVANTESI.
So without further ado and with great anticipation, we will look at the spring and summer trends, starting with an overview of the season’s top colors, how to match them, and how to choose your color.
Viva Magenta
Color full of positivity. The Pantone Colour Institute announced its Colour of the Year 2023: Viva Magenta, in December. VIVA! An ode to life and its celebration.
They describe the shade as “a red that balances warm and cool”. Each year Pantone selects a color that reflects the current culture. This color is 18-1750 Viva Magenta. At Art Basel in Miami, Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Colour Institute, said: “It’s a bold, fearless, vibrant color that encourages optimism and joy”.
We increasingly value the natural world as we balance our digital and physical lives. This color of the year recognizes our gravitational pull towards natural colors against the backdrop of the emerging movement for climate change, sustainability, and earth protection.
In this year’s Colour of the Year, Pantone noted a greater appreciation and understanding of nature, represented by many lifestyle trends. We are incorporating more living things into our homes, such as plants, flowers, and natural fabrics. We are more careful to protect our bodies in the face of public health crises – we try to use and consume reliable, life-giving ingredients. All these lifestyle trends are a testament to the sincerity of the forces of nature.
Organic Viva Magenta is derived from the cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus). This insect produces carmine dye, one of the most expensive, strongest, and brightest natural dyes. Viva Magenta’s red shade connects us to the original matter, giving us a primal signal of strength.
VIC MATIEColor of the Year 2023 combines the richness, warmth, and strength of natural things with the open and rich horizons of the digital world. The result is a shade of red that expands our horizons of authenticity.
Many have incorporated the color of the year, Very Peri, into their homes and wardrobes in 2022. You may be tempted to do the same with Viva Magenta this year, but there are a few essential things to know.
First, let this color be the main accent of your outfit. For example, if you’re wearing a little black dress, choose shoes in this color and put the same color on your lips. If you’re wearing a denim suit, go for a pair of sneakers or sandals in this color, and match the whole ensemble with nail polish in the same color. Then, of course, for a bold look, you can go for monochrome, bright combinations, which will surely attract compliments and attention.
Energy. Progress. Strength. Nature. Rebirth. These are the words used to describe the year's color, as announced by the Pantone Colour Institute.
HIDNANDER
A synthesis of systematic research and intuition influenced Pantone's color selection process. Laurie Pressman states, "We look for a color that highlights a change in our attitude, emphasizes our need to feel strong, and gives us the strength to confidently and positively trust in a new path".
MOMA
STRATEGIA
STRATEGIA
Orange and Peach
Like vitamins for the eyes, this color trend is a bright, optimistic shade that evokes joy and pleasant emotions and inspires hope. This color feels filled with vital solar energy, making you want to share it with others.
STRATEGIA
DEL CARLO
The stylish orange color dominates most Italian collections. Its distinctive color accent can be easily combined with browns, chocolates, and pastels.
Sea Blue
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of blue? Most would say the sea, the sky, and the holidays. Yes, this color trend is very summery, not only in your mind but also in your new shoes, taking you toward the holidays.
STRATEGIA
MOMA
The rarity of blue color in nature. Blue does not appear in 20,000-year-old cave paintings, and the ancient Greeks did not have a term for blue. However, the ancient Egyptians valued the blue semi-precious stone lapis lazuli, making blue common in their language and clothing.
DEL CARLO
Although blue was worn mainly by royalty for centuries, it became more common as the Catholic Church started depicting the Virgin Mary in a blue robe, giving the color a positive and symbolic meaning.
HALMANERA
Blue, like black, is one of the easiest colors to match. According to statistics, it is the third most popular color in footwear fashion, appearing every season, but it is particularly topical this year.
3JUINWhether you’re wearing jeans or a white dress, blue is always a good and right choice.
Ice cream
A fruity and pastel picture. Sweet, light, brief, melting, and romantic. Fashion is like ice cream!
MATTIA CAPEZZANI
3JUIN
PREMIATAMany of us have experienced and seen that a specific color can instantly change the mood, add weight to an object, or, conversely, reduce it. For example, white clothes look lighter than black. And a room painted in pastel colors looks cozier and warmer than one painted in blue or grey, for example. The same is true of fashion. It evokes emotions, thoughts, and memories. Colors even allow us to adjust our mood: when we want calm, we choose green or blue. When we wish for lightness, we choose pastels and whites. When we want romance, we choose red. When we want safety, we choose black or grey. Yellow symbolizes joy and happiness, while pastel pink represents play and new beginnings.
MARA BINI
ELENA IACHI
3JUIN
PREMIATA
Glowing Yellow
We must admit, when another warm season starts and a new collection hits the shelves, it is often not the themes or trends that come to mind but the designers' ingenuity, creativity, and imagination. From the most bizarre decorations, shapes, and colors to the smile-inducing solutions we once looked upon with slight irony.
VIC MATIEThe story of the color yellow. Yellow is one of the oldest colors in history, seen in cave paintings dating back more than 17,000 years. The yellow pigment from ochre was readily available in prehistoric times and was one of the first pigments used in cave art. Yellow is also common in ancient Roman and Egyptian paintings, where it was used to represent skin color.
Renaissance and medieval artists used Indian yellow, a pigment obtained from cows eating only mango leaves.
What is the meaning of yellow? In ancient religions, yellow was a sacred color. Yellow, like gold, was considered eternal, imperishable, and indestructible. Many religions worshipped the sun, and the sun gods were depicted wearing yellow. The ancient Egyptians believed that the gods had golden skin and bones and used yellow for their skin tone in art. Yellow is also an essential color in Buddhism, signifying humility.
Shoe models with yellow soles? Yellow boots? Yellowish leather resembling snake skin... Italian and Spanish designers are offering all this and more this season.
Tropical Green
Deep tropical green is another step in the search for the natural. Green is the color of life, reflected in nature as a sign of renewal. As a bright and positive color, green has many cultural meanings in religion and art. Read on for more history, meanings, and facts about this color.
MOMAGreen has been used in art since ancient Egyptian times. For example, they used green earth and malachite, and the ancient Greeks used verdigris (copper pigment). In ancient Egypt, green was a symbol of rebirth.
STRATEGIAAlthough green is associated with nature and renewal, its pigments have been among the most poisonous in history. In 1775, Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele invented the deadly shade Scheele’s Green, a bright green pigment containing toxic arsenic. Scheele’s Green was later replaced by Paris Green, which contained a mixture of copper and arsenic, allowing Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir to create vivid, emerald landscapes. But, not surprisingly, these paints were banned in the 1960s. They were also used to dye textiles used in the fashion industry.
VITTORIO VIRGILI
How to match green shoes? They go well with neutral, earthy tones. They also go well with denim or linen clothes in summer.
Highlights of the season: western, mesh textile and net, straps
Western-style shoes!
Today, fashion wants to shout that it is independent and no longer has to rely on anyone but itself to experiment and innovate. Combining the incompatible while finding new looks where this type of shoe becomes the main focus.
MATTIA CAPEZZANI
MATTIA CAPEZZANI
ELENA IACHIFashion is a form of pleasure that seduces its creator and followers. However, it is often forgotten that the specificity and passion of fashion lie in its color and form. A desire is so strong that it lies in the footwear's shapes, small details, or the unexpected colors of the heels.
What to wear now? Footwear inspired by the cowboy style of the Wild West is back on the catwalks and reigning supreme at this year’s fashion weeks. This a common question when building or updating your spring wardrobe. Go for light tones with jeans and dark, bright, earthy boots with classic trousers or skirts. You should add a pair of heels or long boots to your shopping list, as they can be worn in spring and early autumn. And it is no secret that they are also suitable for summer: with shorts, light skirts or dresses. They are lightweight, made of soft leather, and visually create a contrasting and distinctive look.
Mesh textile and net
TRANSPARENCY. This trend has fuelled public outrage and protests and provoked readers and fashion followers for centuries. A translucent blouse or dress? But isn’t that the purpose of fashion – to have everyone talk about, write about, and ultimately want the object of fashion? Exactly!
Transparency, like decoration, must be used sparingly, subtly, and without being too transparent. In ancient Egypt, the cult of nudity was enormous. The more translucent the garment, the more expensive it was. Most people knew how to spin camel’s wool, but creating a fragile and transparent fabric required craftsmanship.
VIC MATIE
VIC MATIEThousands of years later, transparency has taken on a different meaning in social life and fashion. During the Space Age, innovative ideas and technology brought PVC, mesh fabric, and perforated leather into fashion history.
HIDNANDER
VITTORIO VIRGILI
Braided textile and leather motifs are dominant in this trend. However, using a specific technique, leather braided by hand is an example of the highest craftsmanship.
PREMIATAThis type of shoe is a must-have this season. And this trend will continue to be relevant for seasons to come. It is not only fashion but also an example of exceptional footwear.
VIC MATIE
PREMIATA
STRAPS
VIC MATIE
MATTIA CAPEZZANI
The shape of the season: platform
Before we start looking at this season’s trends, we would like to give you an overview of the history of platform shoes.
Platform shoes in ancient Greece. In ancient Greece, actors wore black leather sandals called "cothurnus". These shoes were six inches high and emphasized the importance of the actor – the higher the shoe, the more important the actor. In the Middle Ages, platform shoes were known as "patterns". Both noblemen and peasants wore this type of shoe to stay above all the dirt in the streets.
MATTIA CAPEZZANI
PREMIATA
ELENA IACHIChopines. They originated in Venice in the 14th century, where they were called "chopines", and their height grew and grew. Some chopines had a wooden platform that reached as high as 70 cm. In the 16th century, most of the cork material produced in Spain was used to make platforms of chopines. A man wearing such shoes needed the help of two servants, so it was clear that only the rich could wear such shoes. After all, a poor man had no servants or helpers to help him through the mud and puddles. Very quickly, therefore, platforms became a symbol of luxury and wealth.
PREMIATA
Modern platform shoes. Salvatore Ferragamo introduced the first modern platform shoe in 1930. This first pair of shoes had a solid thick heel. In addition, he used cork and wood to create the first modern platform. In the 1970s, the platform revived and boomed, but then the designs were more eye-catching, colorful, and worn by both men and women.
3JUINToday, we cannot imagine a spring-summer season without this type of shoe. Platforms are found in almost all designer collections, from massive and rugged shapes to subtly wrapped in leather or made of ultra-light rubber foam for maximum comfort.
MOMA
How to wear platform shoes? A revolution of sorts has taken place in the world of footwear fashion. Whether borrowed from David Bowie’s look, the Spice Girls, or ABBA’s disco costumes, platforms are more popular than ever this season!
MOMA
PREMIATA
DEL CARLO
DEL CARLO
They are an absolute wardrobe highlight. It’s all about proportions. They go best with oversized clothes, silhouettes with minimalist shapes and cuts, and massive handbags or backpacks. Stiff fabrics also are a good match. Choose sandals with just a few leather strips around the feet for a lighter or more romantic look.
VIC MATIE
VIC MATIE
PREMIATA
Comfort is number one!
Comfortable, beautiful, and stylish. What? Can fashion be comfortable and go with everything? It sure can! And this is well known to the modern man, who at every moment tries to choose not only a stylish but also a comfortable alternative, and this question is first and foremost asked when choosing footwear. Why? Because it is our feet that carry us on a journey full of excitement and adventure. And no matter what the occasion, it is on our feet that we spend most of our time. That’s why a comfortable choice is essential for each of us.
LAURA BELLARIVA
LAURA BELLARIVA
LAURA BELLARIVAThere are hundreds of footwear models and style variations, and one of them is the laceless shoe, which includes very different footwear models for women and men. What makes them unique? They don’t oblige us, and the choice of textures, materials, and shapes is so wide that you will find a pair for every occasion.
LAURA BELLARIVA
LACELESS SHOES
During the French Revolution, high heels were associated with the aristocracy. They were considered pretentious and vulgar footwear, a situation reinforced by the historical event when Marie Antoinette walked towards the guillotine wearing chic high heels to demonstrate her belonging to a privileged social class. After this event, the popularity of high heels declined, and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen made flat and low-heeled shoes a practical choice for both sexes. The oxford and brogue shoes, which flourished in England in the 19th century and were worn by real gentlemen, still retain their formal style today while remaining a classic choice for business meetings or other formal occasions. So when and how did laceless shoes become popular?
Laceless shoes are a classic, stylish, and highly comfortable choice, known as one of the most versatile and adaptable types of footwear. For many years, its versatility has led to its widespread use among men and women, as it can be worn as a casual, every day, or work shoe.
Interestingly, in English, these shoes are called "loafers", a play on words, as the verb "loaf" means loiter and lounge around idly. Is this supposed to mean that loafers are for lazy people? We can come up with many theories, but unlike lace-up shoes, shoes without laces do not oblige us and are much more adaptable to modern man. Seven classic models of such footwear dating back to the 20th century exist, but there are many variations and styles for both men and women.
DEL CARLO
This type of footwear should be a must-have in your suitcase. Comfortable, lightweight, space-saving, and perfect for jeans, wide lightweight trousers, shorts, or even long dresses. Loafers are ideal for traveling, exploring the city, and stylishly dressing up for a dinner party by wearing them instead of high heels.
Flexible construction, ultra-soft leathers, lightweight soles, unique designs, and maximum comfort are the hallmarks of this type of shoe.
FRUIT
What is the most crucial thing about slip-on shoes? The answer is simple but essential: construction, leather, and sole!
ANTONIO BARBATO
The seamless and envelope-like Sacchetto construction that dominates most models reflects the uniqueness of our collection! In Italian, "sacchetto" means a "small bag". This sewing technique requires great care, knowledge, and precision. First, each piece of leather is cut entirely by hand. The leather is then used to make a leather pouch, turned inside out and hand-stitched with the sole. The almost seamless construction gives the shoe a soft, flexible, and lightweight feel with high comfort.
Barbie? Summer games!
When entrepreneur Ruth Handler came up with the idea of creating Barbie, her initial thought was to create a realistic doll, a housewife, an American idyll, her perfect life pulsating with a fascinating retro vibe. Instead, of course, Barbie has been and continues to be the subject of much criticism or the imposition of standards. Still, psychologists see her as one of the reflections of society. The doll has evolved, taking on many looks and styles, but the overall style, especially the shape of the shoes, has remained the same.
STRATEGIA
3JUIN
This way of thinking could also be seen as an allegory of the fashion industry, as people use Barbie and fashion to express their adherence to or deviation from social standards. A few seasons ago, designers developed massive shoes with low heels – not too different from the accessories favored by Barbie, Polly Pocket, or Minnie Mouse. Why is this trend emerging now, you ask? Why is pink back, and why have all the designers started to create these shoes? The answer is simple – times are tough, so returning to a childlike state gives you plenty of opportunities to play and feel happy.
VIC MATIE
STRATEGIA
In an interview, Abraham Ortunõ, Spanish designer, social media guru, and creator, said: “My mood board is always a combination of a family photo album, pictures of my friends, and some old Barbies I had as a child”. In the same way, children project their image onto Barbie (cutting their hair, changing from one model to another, seeing themselves in her or beyond her), adults also look at fashion.
The 90s-style platform Barbie shoe is back and, in our opinion, better than ever. They are a refreshingly fun choice for spring and summer, and their design makes them very comfortable. Plus, they go with everything from dresses and skirts to jeans and trousers, so you don’t have to worry about what to pair them with.
ELENA IACHI
PREMIATA
Reflections – shiny shoes!
In 2023, the party will continue – with lots of shiny, reflective leathers and details in different shades. It's the name of optimism and joy in everyday life. Polished shoes are undoubtedly a reflection of society’s mood. Tired of everyday problems and cloudy weather, we want to welcome spring and summer with a glow literally.
STRATEGIA
So, what is that glow, and what will we use to impress those around us this season? Glossy leathers dominate in sporty shoes, sandals, and, of course, high heels. Italian designers are adorning women’s feet in shades of gold, copper, black and green this season. Glossy sneakers are an alternative for those who want to swap high heels for other dressy footwear; for those who wish to or are looking for maximum shine, sandals, and shoes decorated with laminated leather or crystals are on offer. They are also perfect with denim, black wide-leg trousers, or a suit.
DEL CARLO
3JUIN
DEL CARLO
ANTONIO BARBATO
DEL CARLO
DOVE NUOTANO GLI SQUALI
Unforgettable and glamorous. Such shoes immediately catch the eye as soon as you enter the store, not to mention how perfect they are for tanned skin and summer looks.
HIDNANDER
VOILE BLANCHE
Kitten heel
Looking for a timeless trend? A flirty heel is just what you’re looking for. According to fashion experts, the playful kitten heel has not lost popularity.
What is it? A shoe with a slightly curved, short, and flimsy heel, usually less than five centimeters high. These heels, which became fashionable in the 1960s, were loved at first sight by young girls who were not yet ready to wear high heels. This heel is also popular in our times of constant rush. Comfortable, elegant, and flirtatious.
PREMIATA
VIC MATIEBy the way, they became massively popular half a century ago when they appeared on the feet of Audrey Hepburn, who is not a tall woman. It is true that, because of their low heel, they should be called flat shoes by all the fashion rules. Still, as a matter of convention, the public has attached the label of high heels to them, and, as all historical sources unanimously say, only because of the sexiness of the kitten heel!
VITTORIO VIRGILI
VIC MATIESurreal moods
A trend that emerged in 2019 continues to be one of the most popular and best-selling forms of footwear worldwide. Instagram stars flaunt them and combine them with the most varied and unexpected outfit combinations, and they quickly disappear from the shelves and find themselves a home.
M2M BY VIC MATIE
Fashion is going through an exciting period of change. Fashion has become more accessible and experimental, but some of today’s trends still do not have an exact name. This trend is prevalent among ugly sneakers, dad sneakers, futurism, and transformer shoes. They are the ones that take the top positions of the season.
There’s no need to talk or argue that this type of shoe is the season's favorite – try them on, and you will fall in love at first sight.
This season, look out for this type of sandal, whether the flat-soled sandal with a platform like a spaceship or the high-heeled sandal with a heel like an architectural object from a science fiction film.
VIC MATIEInnovative design and modern technology combined with old sewing traditions and craftsmanship bring unprecedented forms to the market.
M2M BY VIC MATIE
VIC MATIE
M2M BY VIC MATIEThe materials used for this type of shoe are leather, laminated leather, nubuck, nylon, TPU, phylon rubber, mesh fabric, plastic, technical nylon, etc. Phylon rubber provides maximum comfort and abrasion resistance, EVA rubber foam soles offer maximum lightness and comfort, and technical nylon and other materials provide more style and practicality.
RBRSL
VOILE BLANCHENot a day goes by without sneakers
A new pair of sneakers is a surefire way to easily revitalize even the most boring looks, add freshness to outfit combinations that are not brand new, and enjoy comfortable footwear. The spring-summer season is the best time to buy new shoes. We cannot help but enjoy this boom in sporty footwear, and we’re happy to look at the models that will become your style signature this spring and summer. Let’s go!
This season’s must-haves in sneakers:
- retro;
- white;
- bright accents;
- futuristic.
Retro
Retro sneakers have undoubtedly conquered the catwalks this year, looking like a throwback to the glorious past. The 1970s gave the world great music albums and spectacular films, and almost every self-respecting rock or movie star wore sneakers, even on the most solemn occasions. For example, in 1971, rock god Mick Jagger chose a three-piece suit for his wedding ceremony to Bianca Rosa Perez-Mora and matched it with nothing but sneakers.
ICEBERG
ICEBERG
PREMIATA
Bright accents
A contrast to white is a boom of color. What’s not to love? It is an excellent way to add a splash of color to an everyday monotone ensemble and welcome spring with a refreshed look. For an up-to-date outfit, pair these shoes with neutral or earthy trousers, a suit, a pair of wide-legged trousers, or a spring raincoat.
HIDNANDER
PREMIATA
Futuristic
Futuristic sneakers are surprising this season with unexpected shapes and colors, but their soles are much smaller than the ugly sneakers of a few years ago. In other words, even futuristic styles are sometimes inspired by the past. These sneakers will match casual clothes, slightly shorter ankle-length jeans, or an oversized jacket or T-shirt with a classic cut.
RBRSL
Soft as a sponge – slippers and sandals
Summer, summer, summer... The sea seems to be at your fingertips. So what do you associate with holidays? Of course, light clothes and flip-flops or sandals. Is there anything else to add? A smile and a good mood, of course.
THE ANTIPODE
VITTORIO VIRGILI
Sandals, which have not been seen on the men’s fashion horizon for some time, are a must-have in a stylish man’s wardrobe. We have the perfect duo for the summer outfit by combining sandals and shorts. Whether for a casual day out in the city or a party at the resort, you will feel comfortable and stylish everywhere. Just remember the basic rule for this combination: choose shorts according to your taste and body shape, and match your shoes to your shorts. This means Bermuda shorts will improve with leather sandals with a slightly chunkier sole, while lightweight fabric shorts should be paired with lightweight slip-on sandals. If the situation doesn’t allow you to wear shorts but still want a summer accent, pair leather sandals with faded jeans or cotton trousers and a plain t-shirt.
Which sandals are the most fashionable, and which are the best for men? For those looking for a classic style, look out for a variety of leathers: suede, textured, Saffiano, smooth... And for the sporty type could be neon accents, blue or multicolor.
ICEBERG
ICEBERG
Slip-on shoes are the hit of the summer season
Italian designers are primarily dedicated to comfort in footwear. Freedom of movement, the charm of simplicity, minimalist shapes, and top-quality leather are the hallmarks of these brands.
GIAMPIERONICOLA
Lightness, comfort, and style – lace-up shoes
Do fashion and office work seem like two incompatible things? Not – office style is not boring! You can look both elegant and very interesting. So don’t let boredom and rules get in the way of your true self. Or maybe you’re looking for shoes for a special summer celebration or occasion? Then this section is for you.
THE ANTIPODE
VITTORIO VIRGILI
MATTIA CAPEZZANI
MOMA
MATTIA CAPEZZANI
INTRODUCING OUR NEW BRANDS FROM ITALY!
ANTONIO BARBATO
DOLITA welcomes the spring with new brands in its roster of shoe manufacturers. One such brand – ANTONIO BARBATO – brings a far-reaching history and quality.
ANTONIO BARBATO
The company hails from the city of Stra in the Veneto region, just half an hour's drive from Venice, where it has been the pride of the Italian shoe-making tradition for seven decades. It began operating in 1949 when it was founded by Antonio Barbato, who studied shoe-making at the prestigious Scuola dei Calegheri, the Venetian guildhall of shoemakers. The work he began has now successfully been taken over by his three children – Andrea, Cristina, and Ugo.
ANTONIO BARBATO
Many decades of meticulous work, accumulated skills, and experience mean that ANTONIO BARBATO produces hand-made Italian shoes of the highest quality valued worldwide.
ANTONIO BARBATO
By purchasing footwear that is 100% Italian-made and marked with the 'Made in Italy' slogan, customers get a guarantee of quality not just because their purchase was made from concept to completion in Italy but principally because this means the use of raw materials of the highest quality. So when a customer buys a pair of ANTONIO BARBATO shoes, they get a product of exceptional design and some genuinely sustainable footwear, for no toxic raw materials are used in their making – just reliable and certified materials.
ANTONIO BARBATO
ANTONIO BARBATO's designs are inspired by the independent woman who values style that emphasizes her uniqueness and refined femininity. As a result, ANTONIO BARBATO's footwear is elegant, refined, and has an urban edge. It is the perfect fit for women who have a taste for luxurious, high-quality, and sophisticated products.
DOVE NUOTANO GLI SQUALI
To establish itself in the volatile and capricious world of fashion and earn the recognition of customers, the Italian brand with the surprising name of DOVE NUOTANO GLI SQUALI (eng. Where the Sharks Swim) decided to lean into making shoes of the highest Italian quality. But more on that later.
DOVE NUOTANO GLI SQUALI
At the wheel of the company, established in 2000, stands the determined and clever designer Sara Porro. Born and raised in Milan, Sara had a single passion ever since she was little – design. She accumulated experience working at prestigious fashion houses such as Fendi, Etro, and Tod’s. Sara jokes that DOVE NUOTANO GLI SQUALI is a small fish in the luxury product market.
DOVE NUOTANO GLI SQUALI
DOVE NUOTANO GLI SQUALI
The shoes made by this brand are stylish and exceptional. Sara Porro devotes much time to designing a single model, investing her heart and warmth into the process. DOVE NUOTANO GLI SQUALI footwear has been meticulously thought out to the tiniest details and offers a unique design, innovative technology, and material combinations of the highest quality. The entire manufacturing process occurs in Italy, while designs come in various colors that change with the seasons.
DOVE NUOTANO GLI SQUALI
DOVE NUOTANO GLI SQUALI
GHŌUD
GHŌUD is a fashionable Italian brand from Venice. Its founders were inspired by the idea of making quality footwear that would be both comfortable and functional. It’s no coincidence that GHŌUD was born in Venice from a desire to portray the essence of minimalist hedonism and the spirit of this iconic and mysterious city. GHŌUD’s unique approach entails leaving behind unnecessary details and focusing on making the quality of the product speak for itself and reflect its deep connection to the ancient culture of Venice.
The creators at GHŌUD say that their customers are members of the Z and millennial generations, whose aesthetic tastes have been shaped by fashion magazines and the digital space – generations with a great sense of the aesthetic. The customer that opts for GHŌUD is looking for authenticity and uniqueness in a world where almost everything can be accessed online with just a few clicks.
GHŌUD only uses materials of the highest quality in production, paying particular attention to design and precision handcraft, by which it fulfills its commitment to an aesthetic that is well thought out, meaningful, functional, and durable.
In creating their sneaker designs, the GHŌUD designers pay great attention to their base colors. Customers can choose from neutral, black, and white tones, and there’s no shortage of bold colors. GHŌUD also invests a lot of time into creating monochrome designs and designs showcasing contrasting hues. Faithful to their decision not to use surplus details, the designers avoid using decorative elements and concentrate on the shape of the sole (patented design), colorful inserts, and combinations of different materials.
GHŌUD is an excellent choice for men and women who enjoy style and comfort. The famous Italian brand is geared towards the principal properties of footwear, which is why the company pays the most attention to three essential elements: elegance, quality, and innovation. Materials such as suede and technical nylon come only in the highest-quality forms and ensure the durability of their products. The rubber sole, which provides robust support for the foot, is an ideal choice for those living active lives on the go.
MASCIA MANDOLESI
As spring approaches, so do the season of special occasions – many will want to stand out and make their mark. Naturally, special occasions demand special shoes, just like the ones offered by the Italian brand MASCIA MANDOLESI. This unique shoe manufacturer has been perfecting its art for as many as five decades in the women’s luxury shoe market.
The MASCIA MANDOLESI woman isn’t afraid of risks or standing out as a leader. Elegant and confident, feminine yet determined – she picks her outfits based solely on what she wants, fittingly emphasizing her individuality. This is why, in the volatile world of fashion and short-lived trends, only that which is unchanged by time and emphasizes a woman’s character survives. Among these thriving survivors are MASCIA MANDOLESI’s classic and luxurious shoes.
MASCIA MANDOLESIMASCIA MANDOLESI has collaborated with luxury brands such as Chanel and Prada for many years. As a result, the Italian footwear brand has been a staple in the wardrobes of fashion icons and influencers such as Chiara Biasi, Giorgia Cenni, and others.
We’d be hard-pressed to find more universal shoes than nude heels. They work equally well on red carpets and at private celebrations. Their incredible popularity boils down to their neutral color optically elongates the legs without emphasizing your feet. Nude heels are an excellent fit for skirts, shorts, dresses, and other short garments. Midi skirts that cut the legs off mid-calf look to shorten your figure, so a pair of nudes can counteract this effect while adding elegance and refinement to your outfit. These MASCIA MANDOLESI heels are made of extraordinary Saffiano leather, first discovered and developed by Mario Prada, the founder of the Prada fashion house. You can recognize Saffiano leather by its cross-hatch texture, produced by pressing the pattern into the leather. This treatment makes leather resistant to scratching and wear, while a further coat of wax makes it resistant to water.
MASCIA MANDOLESIMIA JAHN
Introduce yourself to another new DOLITA brand – MIA JAHN, which combines the different experiences of two European countries. Of German heritage, the stylist Mia Jahn found herself drawn to the world of footwear fashion in university when she was allowed to acquaint herself with it as a model for a well-known Italian footwear brand. It was not long before Mia Jahn’s passion for footwear took on a tangible form in the shape of her first footwear collection.
Mia’s designs are underpinned by her understanding of the first and foremost factor determining whether a woman purchases her shoes. Whether the shoes fit, feel comfortable, and are ready to wear all day. Therefore, MIA JAHN designs are feminine and refined, emphasizing clean lines. Besides, as she designs her footwear, Mia always remembers that making quality shoes requires no fewer than 150 steps. Therefore, Mia opted to work with Barbato, the pride of Italian footwear, known for its high quality and meticulous handcraft, to make her designs come to life. This collaboration gave birth to the MIA JAHN footwear line, designed with aesthetics and comfort in mind and the quality guaranteed by the ‘Made in Italy’ mark.
MIA JAHN
SERGIO LEVANTESI
The journey of the SERGIO LEVANTESI brand to the Mt. Olympus of shoemaking mastery began in 1988 in the Marche region of Italy, famed for its status as the most essential and celebrated shoemaking district. Gabriele Levantesi and his wife Anna had amassed quite some experience and decided to set up their own business. Their quest for perfection, an innate eye for detail, and a love of footwear encouraged them to establish their company.
SERGIO LEVANTESI
Today, Gabriele and Anna’s three children have come to help them develop their business, with Sergio in charge of design. The mission of SERGIO LEVANTESI is to create refined but comfortable footwear that allows women to spend hours on end in their favorite high heels.
SERGIO LEVANTESI is constantly searching for modern, feminine silhouettes and perfecting proportions; it also takes pride in its shoes being 100% made in Italy, using only the finest materials. A love of footwear, attention to detail, and comfort has made them a favorite with customers worldwide, including musicians such as Celine Dion, who is only too happy to wear a SERGIO LEVANTESI heel.
They say that every shoe made in Italy is hand-polished for around three hours before it goes to the stores! With years of experience, the artisans pay homage to the past and the future in each pair of shoes. And Italian designers do understand what comfortable, quality footwear is all about.
This is the shoe that every stylish woman and gentleman should own!
This season Dolita has more than 400 models for men and women.
40+ designers from Italy.
DOLITA since 1993