Milan Fashion Week is underway, with the city and the Italian fashion industry experiencing a huge resurgence after several years of intense challenges. Here are the main highlights from the Spring 2023 shoe presentations. Check back for more throughout the week.
Casadei
The brand has always looked to the future, from sustainability to digital innovation. And for Spring 23, Casadei takes it to the next level with an NFT to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its famous Blade heel. Call it Casadei 3.0. Every customer purchasing the NFT will be offered an avatar to play in the Decentraland metaverse platform. They can also redeem a physical shoe (only 1,000 pairs available) – a futuristic white pump that comes with an NFC tag embedded in the outsole. The Blade also continues to evolve IRL, with a bling-out version featuring a clear vinyl strap. An architectural heel of the collection is recalling the curves of the famous chair by Danish designer Verner Panton.
Rene Caovilla
Known for its glitzy and glamorous evening shoes, the brand is surfing on consumer demand for over-the-top looks. (Production is set to double to meet spring 2023 orders.) Its Studio 540-inspired collection includes a new hero style, the Diamond Sandal. Its artistic heel is inspired by the diamond-shaped crystals of the Venetian chandeliers that illuminate the Palazzo Ducale. The toe band and back straps are studded with the brand’s signature crystals. The brand also presents a trendy satin platform sandal with a square toe.
Rene Caovilla introduced his new “Diamond” heel for Spring ’23.
Stuart Weitzman
Hot on the heels of announcing Kim Kardashian as his new campaign star, Stuart Weitzman wants to make his fashion ambitions known. The brand has returned to Milan with a collection that revisits its best-selling boots, high-impact platforms and sculptural heels. At the same time, he continues to focus on versatile styles that can be worn all day.
Stuart Weitzman Platforms Spring ’23
CREDIT: Stepan Filenko
Santoni
The brand’s iconic double buckle is the star of the season, transforming into a gold or silver plate on the calfskin loafers and an ornamental pattern on the clog mule. The embellishment also shines on bright sandals in blue, green and yellow. The double buckle sneaker conveys a more contemporary feel.
The double buckle was the star of Santoni’s Spring-Summer 23 collection.
hogan
Long before the luxury sneaker craze took hold, Hogan was making high-end sneakers in 1986. Decades later, the brand is reinventing many of its best-known designs for Spring 23. Taking inspiration from the Fashion’s genderless movement, the brand tilts “H630” basketball-inspired low and high kicks. A honey-coloured sole draws the silhouette. The H bag also gets an update in new colors and materials.
Hogan updated his classic sneakers and H Bag.
Furla
The brand introduced a crossbody clutch called Metropolis Remix, a knot-shaped calfskin bag, as part of its new partnership with “She is the Music,” a non-profit organization founded by Alicia Keys to increase the number of women working in the music industry.
Furla’s Metropolis Remix sent a bigger message about music.
AGL
Innovative fabrics, exaggerated embellishments and extreme shapes define the AGL Spring ’23 collection. From studs to crystals to leather flowers, accents are key. Bold hues, from red to hot pink to gold, give the styles an extra edge.
Unusual fabrics are present in AGL’s Spring-Summer 2023 collection.
Rodon
As Rodo continues its return to the American market, the brand is drawing on its archives for Spring 23. The mini bag, for example, is reinterpreted as a shoulder strap version for the evening, with a jeweled chain. Details from the bag collection can be found in the shoes – with sandals and pumps embellished with gold, crystal and ruthenium. The leather platforms are trimmed with soft metallic tassels.
Spring 23 Rodo shoes and bags
CREDIT: minaeva
Geox
Already known for its comfort and breathability, Geox wants to further conquer the dress market. As it continues to have new sneakers in its collection, the brand is focusing on its more stylish looks for Spring 23. Ssandals, ballerinas, pumps and moccasins come in a variety of feminine colors. The outerwear offering includes new colorful trench coats and parkas.
The brand is emphasizing its dressy looks for Spring 23.
Pollini
Pollini’s archive models are revisited: the Cavaliere ankle boot is adorned with fringes and the cremino sole, cornerstone of the Archive collection, is fashioned into a new sandal. For the evening, prints and sequin embroidery adorn the iconic mules, new platforms and flat sandals.
Pollini Spring ’23 fringe boot, an update of an archival style.
CREDIT: Vincenzo Patruno
Fratelli Rossetti
As it prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2023, the brand is emphasizing its artisanal and local know-how (each shoe is made near Milan) and new eco-responsible models. As part of its new “GreenSide” project, Fratelli Rossetti pushes sustainable design into its best-known look, the Brera loafer, which features a suede upper made from recycled materials.
The Brera moccasin gets a makeover.
CREDIT: Fabrice Scarpa