From the cobbled streets of Milan to the workshop floor in Le Marche, this year's annual pilgrimage to our creative home in Italy has been one to remember.
Every time I visit our makers in Italy, I’m reminded why we do what we do - and I fall in love with the process all over again. There’s nothing quite like seeing the craftsmanship first-hand, feeling the materials, and dreaming up new possibilities face-to-face with the artisans who bring our shoes to life.
This year's trip was a little different, as I set off on a winter adventure - the first in quite a few years. And let me tell you, Italian streets in the cooler months have a completely different rhythm. The light is softer, the colour palettes more muted, and the layers - both in what people wear and how the cities feel - are somehow even more considered.
While the weather may be more subdued, European fashion still turns heads and inspires at every corner. It was a refreshing reminder of how inspiration can strike in the most unexpected ways.
Milan was my first stop, and I spent a few days soaking it all in – the textures, sights, sounds, smells and flavours. So many tiny details, so many glorious pops of colour. It’s always a treat to slow down and see how style comes together so effortlessly there.
The Milanese have an intense love for a robust winter coat, particularly in beige. And with so many designs catching my eye, I had a lot of coat envy! I developed a theory that a neutral beige coat provides the perfect blank canvas to accessorise in a bright or colourful way. Beige coat + colourful shoes... it just works!
If only I’d had a spare pair of our colour-popping shoes to bestow upon the wearers of these beautiful coats - to lift them to the excitement levels reached by the wearer of the grey and purple ensemble in the last shot!
One of the highlights of my trip was attending the Lineapelle Trade Show, which never fails to ignite a million new ideas. For those unfamiliar, Lineapelle Trade Show is one of the world’s leading international leather fairs - where tanneries, manufacturers and design visionaries come together to showcase the best in leather, textiles, components and hardware. As a shoe designer and fashion entrepreneur I was in heaven.
There’s such a buzz to being surrounded by so much talent and possibility. I may or may not have stumbled across some fabulous new accessories too - so keep your eyes peeled in the coming months!
A big part of this year's Milan visit was all about capturing content to use across the next few seasons. I teamed up with our brilliant New Zealand-born, Italy-based videographer Nick, and together we explored corners of Milan I’d never seen before.
We were on the hunt for street art, hidden canals, eclectic little shops and other hidden gems. Along the way, I stumbled across some colourful tree fringes (yes, tree fringes!) and couldn’t resist stopping to take a photo. Just one of those unexpected delights that makes you look twice. How very habbot.
And speaking of hidden gems - this part of the trip opened my eyes to a whole new side of Milan. Tucked-away laneways, buildings adorned with bold bursts of colour, playful store windows that felt more like art installations... there was inspiration and joy at every turn. It was a reminder that beauty isn’t always loud - it’s often found in the in-between moments, if you’re willing to look for it.
From Milan, I made my way to Le Marche in Northern Italy, where our family-owned factory is based. It's always such a joy to see my friend Marco and his team in person and talk through upcoming designs - nothing beats all being in the same room together, surrounded by buckles, heels, leather swatches, and that unmistakable smell of the factory floor.
This time around we were reviewing the production of our current AW25 boots collection (which we can't wait to see on your feet as the weather cools down!), plus we got to work on some early prototypes for our upcoming Spring Summer Collection. I know - it sounds early, but that’s the nature of shoe-making. Always thinking a season ahead!
And of course, I couldn’t resist spending some time rummaging through their leather remnants room, which is my version of a treasure hunt! I cobbled together a stack of leftover leathers in an amazing array of colours and textures that I'll now use to pull together this year’s Warehouse Sale limited edition styles. You're in for a treat!
As always, this trip was very special, extremely productive and certainly one to remember.
Until next time, Italy!
Annie x
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