In the Wardrobe of… Mariano Di Vaio

To open the column In the wardrobe of… today we meet Mariano Di Vaio, a blogger and entrepreneur who has recently launched his own shoe brand.

How many shoes do you have in your wardrobe?
I’m not sure. Loads and loads. Perhaps a hundred or so. I love shoes, they are the most important item in an outfit. That is why I created my own line, MDV Shoes, because very often it is shoes that add character to an outfit.

How many do you buy per season?
I have a method. Every season I buy an iconic, glamour pair, and a basic pair. In this way I collect shoes suitable for all occasions.

Where do you prefer to buy shoes from?
I have no problems about buying them online. I usually have a clear idea of what I want and the Internet is a fantastic resource when you are looking for something unusual. But I am not immune to the charm of shop-windows. If I like a shop I go in and let myself be surprised.

Which shoes would you never do without?
Sneakers. They are also the main type of MDV Shoes. Sneakers are incredibly versatile and can be adjusted to many outfits, from casual to elegant.

Which shoes would you like to throw away and why?
I choose my shoes so carefully that I grow very fond of them, so I struggle when it comes to throwing them away. Especially because I love buying good quality shoes that do not wear easily (which is crucial because my life is always on the go!)

Italian shoes are…
Made in Italy is a guarantee. Italian leather, artisanal manufacturing, the small items with perfect details… Italian shoes are one-step ahead.

A strange place you went to without shoes.
The city centre. I had spent the whole day wearing a pair of shoes with incredibly hard leather. By the evening I had had enough, I went home barefoot – literally. My friends were shocked. It was fun.

Somewhere you couldn’t go without shoes.
The city centre. Once is fine, but it won’t happen again. (laughs)