The sensual and feminine return of Luciano Padovan

[On the cover: a proposal from Luciano Padovan FW 2022-21 collection]

Who could ever forget those haute couture giddy high stiletto heels by Luciano Padovan, made iconic by celebrities the likes of Penelope Cruz, Jessica Biel and Kate Hudson, who wore them on the prestigious red carpet?

An all-Italian brand founded over 20 years ago which suffered a certain slow down only to return stronger and better than ever before, ready for a new challenge as of autumn-winter 2021/22. The new CEO Giorgio Innocenti is the mastermind of this comeback, who acquired the brand in 2019, after a brief stint of Swedish ownership, an evident sign of how foreign groups are not the only ones interested in buying Italian brands. Giorgio Innocenti explains: “Made in Italy is the key to this comeback, an added value I firmly believe in. It would have been unforgivable to let such an excellent Italian heritage go to waste and after a period of immobility due to last year’s events, the time has come for a rebirth“. Where to begin? Where else other than the production facility in Parabiago, where footwear has always been made in the past, by the company Valsecchi, which has preserved its know-how, steeped in mastery, technique and expertise for three generations. Under the creative guidance of Mario Dice, an apparel designer whose creations feature in photo calls of important international events, the path of Luciano Padovan confirms its feminine soul, with models dominated by high heels.

“These shoes are designed for women who want to get back on their feet and take control of their lives and spaces, return to the theatre and eat out“, Giorgio Innocenti explains. “Therefore 7 and 9 centimetre heels, which suffered a drop in demand during lockdown, will return to the limelight much to the delight of women, although there is no shortage of flat models in the new collection“. Patent, nappa, suede and pony hair are all materials which feature in the winter capsule, alternating pumps, ankle boots and ballet flats with a two-tone boot decorated with long tassels, the masterpiece of this relaunch. Built around a pool of professionals, including the Studiozeta.org showroom for distribution, the brand has all the credentials for returning to previous levels of visibility across 50 countries where it is still present, in Europe, the USA, the Middle and Far East.

Flavia Colli Franzone