Fratelli Rossetti

We look at the ranges of a family footwear business to find perfect shoes for the wedding guests

ANYONE that’s ever been to an Italian wedding will know that it’s not unusual to see the female guests dressed in elegant black, teetering on heels that are dangerously high but oh-so glamorous. Italians, both men and women, pride themselves on their footwear, particularly on special occasions. There is just no way that they would ever be seen outside with a pair of scruffy flip-flops if nipping out to the shops. Shoes are loved and cared for like newborn children and it won’t be uncommon to meet an Italian and find them having a furtive glance down to your feet to see exactly what kind of person you are. A shoe designer that is adored by Italians and foreigners in the know is Fratelli Rossetti. This is a family-run business with almost 30 stores throughout Italy including Milan, Rome, Florence and Turin and the rest of the world including London, Paris, Brussels, Chicago, New York, Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong. The company makes its footwear from the softest leather, that has to be felt to be believed and the collections comprise of a multitude of elegant styles that change very slightly with every new season.

STYLE AND COMFORT

What sets this company’s products apart from the competition? Diego Rossetti, the Managing Director, explains ‘It’s basically a classic shoe and first and foremost a man’s shoe which we have adapted for the design of the classic women’s shoe.’
Having looked at the collections you’ll find flattering shapes and above all, which is important when partying all day, they are incredibly comfortable to wear whatever the style or however high the heel.
The new autumn/winter collection for women sees a multitude of shapes and styles. Sandals and strappy shoes come with silver piping or, for a touch of even more glamour, with gem accessories on the buckles, with Swarovski crystals turning a simple shoe into a work of art. This season also sees a more delicate toe outline compared to last season’s more square cut. There are lengthened and tapered toes that makes any foot look elegant whatever the size. Autumn also sees a lot of patent leather used on shoes, which looks fantastic during the day or evening. You’ll find stylish ankle straps for a fifties feel and gorgeous peep-toe court shoes with a special steel heel that will get heads turning.

CLASSY CLIENTS

The men’s range was launched over fifty years ago, about thirty years before the women’s and they’ve been popular ever since, with loyal clients including Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise, who appreciate the quality of the fabric, leather and perfect stitching.

Rossetti says, ‘I’m a practical person and I don’t like things that go out of date quickly...’

Men will be given admiring glances as they glide through the party with their carefully crafted ‘artigianali’ shoes. This new style sees the classic slip-on and brogue and gives it a quirky touch with nicking on the toe which is done straight into polished calfskin. In the ‘classiche’ collection there are new materials, namely greased ‘corteccia’ crust leather and vegetable-dyed calfskin in a multitude of hues including brown, grey, burgundy, blue and black. The renowned hand-painted detail appears on the ‘tumble-tanned’ leather shoes, where some depth is given to the upper part of the footwear and etched with a small yet distinctive‘R’.

Rossetti says, ‘I’m a practical person and I don’t like things that go out of date quickly. I believe in absolute value for money.’ This is definitely what Fratelli Rossetti shoes are and, after having spent money on wedding outfits and a gift for the happy couple, it’s probably what every guest is looking for. www.rossetti.it