Engaging and rip-roaring, Kinky Boots finally arrives in Milan

[On cover: photo from Kinky Boots musical on December 4th in Milan]

It walked its first steps – on stiletto heels – during the September Micam edition, where the award-winning Broadway musical premiere thrilled the audience during the footwear event’s gala (read more). Inspired by a true story, Kinky Boots tells the tale of a young footwear manufacturer, who uses a truly “alternative” collection as a way to relaunch the family business, then in disgrace. A story so unique and so strongly linked to the footwear industry, that it immediately caught the attention of Micam who wanted to sponsor its debut. The event was followed by the installation of several “booths” around Milan depicting the musical’s protagonists enticing people to take selfies and photos, as well as a musical-inspired flash-mob organised on the 21st of September in Piazza San Babila.

Kinky Boots now arrives on the theatre stage with its charge of joy, hope and a pinch of madness. The music is by Cindy Lauper, the direction if Italian, by Claudio Insegno, and the costumes are by Lella Diaz. At MICAM Milano we met the costume designer who explained the Italian version of the musical.

Are there any differences with the other musicals, in terms of the costumes?

The costumes were made especially for the show. They could not be identical to those of the American or English versions of the musical. I invented different figures for a British landscape, creating for example a British-themed burlesque show, that used the Union Jack’s colours, and making reference to characters like David Bowie and the punk movement, which was born in England… It is a totally Italian production, though maintaining the history, mood and style of the characters that, let’s not forget, are British – given that the shoe factory of the protagonist is in England.

And the shoes?

I established a great collaboration with the company from the Marche region that produced them. We were concerned with aesthetics, but also with comfort, given the high heels in which the protagonists have to dance.

Are you more used to testing yourself with the clothes you make or with the accessories you make?

I have been working in the theatre for 33 years now and I deal with costumes from the head to the toe. If necessary, I also design wigs and jewels, everything that has to do with the overall look. I am also a set designer, but in this case I focused on costumes.