The shoes that allow me to feel this way have always had two things in common: Comfort and Craftsmanship. That’s why we value these two principles and recognize them as the foundation for a shoe we want to wear again and again, year after year.

Being comfortable is the result of good design and careful production. Look at how our inner lining is one seamless piece of leather. Feel how our gel insoles release pressure in your feet. Ultimately, our shoes allow for such a range of natural movement that it feels like putting on socks, not rigid boxes. Wherever possible this is achieved through the rare and renowned sacchetto (“little bag”) technique – the true mark of precision and craftsmanship. This is what creates the surprising flexibility in the forefoot and natural curvature of the insole. It is the realization of our vision: That beautiful shoes should be comfortable, too.

To achieve this high standard, we use the finest Italian materials and partner with premier, fourth-generation craftsmen whose clients have included the world’s Fortune 500 luxury brands. Most of the 150 Italian men and women who work at our factory have an aunt, uncle or cousin working there, too – so it’s not a stretch to say that making an exceptional shoe is a matter of family pride.

Over the last 98 years, certain high expectations have become ingrained in each craftsman’s DNA. They’ve honed their artistry, all while embracing modern technology. When I entered the factory, I noticed that a reverence for tradition is very much alive. I chose these craftsmen for this reason – because they preserve the beauty or a strong heritage and because they hold true to to the Renaissance Guild establishment that is still thriving in Italy. For example, to create one pair of shoes it takes 36 artisans on average, which lends a rare and personal touch that no machine can replicate. The result? Incredibly well-made, well-loved shoes.

Proud to be among such a wonderful collective of female entrepreneurs.