Family-run Italian shoemaker Alberto Guardiani’s third wave
In the small town of Montegranaro in Italy’s Marche region, a tiny, family-run atelier has been honing its craft for the last 69 years. The craft in question? Artisanal leather shoes. And the brand, Alberto Guardiani, has become synonymous with its refined craftsmanship and innovation ever since it began in 1947. In fact, it’s thanks to these values that the brand enjoys a long-standing Handmade collaboration with Wallpaper* – the last of which resulted in a Robert Storey-designed window display in its Milan flagship.
This year, however, marks a significant turning point in the history of the shoemaker: Serena Guardiani – daughter of Alberto and granddaughter of founder Dino – is stepping into the role of creative director, of the brand's women's collections. The 26-year-old graduate of Milan’s Istituto Marangoni joins her elder sisters Rubina and Guya within the company, making the transition to the third Guardiani generation complete. ‘I’m excited to bring a woman’s point of view and a touch of femininity to the functionality we’re known for,’ Serena says of the direction she intends to steer the brand in.
Her father will continue to oversee the men’s side of the business, and will remain her visual sparring partner. ‘My father is definitely “King of the style office”,’ Serena laughs, before adding: ‘He is the kind of man who very much believes you have to earn your space before you can take it. Because of this, I spent a long time developing my experience outside of the business.’
This experience has culminated in the brand’s second collection under Serena’s creative guidance, something that’s both a throwback to the glamour of the 1970s and 1980s, and a nod to the future. For A/W 2016, dainty brogues grounded with tough tread and a pair of snakeskin-embossed gold leather booties are standouts. The meeting of glossy leather and chunky lug soles is the kind of classic-versus-modern contradiction that embodies Guardiani to a T. ‘I have a big respect for our history and brand DNA,’ says Serena. ‘From a design perspective, this will always be my starting point.’
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Alberto Guardiani website
Photography courtesy Guardiani
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
-
Remembering Richard Serra (1938-2024), American art’s man of steel
American artist Richard Serra, whose vast sculptures transformed landscapes around the world, has died aged 85
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Architectural gardens around the world to soothe the soul
From small domestic gardens, to nature reserves, urban interventions and local parks, here are some of the finest green projects that place nature at their heart
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Corfu hotel Domes Miramare redefines beachfront bliss
Make like Jackie O at Corfu hotel Domes Miramare, a property with contemporary luxury and echoes of 1960s glamour in spades
By Bridget Downing Published
-
John Lobb’s ‘Cannon’ sneakers are an exercise in minimal design
John Lobb’s sleek ‘Cannon’ sneakers continue the British heritage shoemaker’s foray into sportier terrain – crafted with all the precision of its classic styles
By Jack Moss Published
-
These innovative Dior shoes bridge past, present and future
Inspired by an ornate Dior pump from 1962, Maria Grazia Chiuri’s just-released ‘62-22’ shoes give the classic design a futuristic update. Watch how they are made in this special short film
By Jack Moss Last updated
-
Superga’s ‘Artifact’ collection celebrates over 100 years of craft
Designed by Teppei Sugaya, the ‘Artifact’ collection by Superga explores the Italian shoe brand’s historic archive, with each launch arriving with a film celebrating artisans and hand-craft around the world
By Martha Elliott Last updated
-
Givenchy’s TK-360 ‘single-knit’ sneaker provides a contemporary approach to savoir-faire
Photographed on a sculptural artwork by British artist Ewan Macfarlane, the TK-360 sneaker by Matthew M Williams encapsulates the designer’s contemporary approach to Givenchy’s historic association with savoir-faire and craft
By Jack Moss Last updated
-
Loewe’s ‘readymade’ heels give outfits a Surrealist flourish
The head of a rose, a bar of soap, a candle dripping with wax – Loewe’s surreal heels see creative director Jonathan Anderson draw inspiration from artist Man Ray’s ‘readymades’
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
Eco footwear pioneer Allbirds launches apparel line
The San Francisco-based sustainable shoe brand launches its first clothing collection, crafted using TrinoXO
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
These Koio sneakers boast mini Bradley Duncan sculptures
Disruptive unisex sneaker label Koio cuts a strong figure with artist collaborator Bradley Duncan
By Pei-Ru Keh Last updated
-
Pillow talk: Magniberg and Our Legacy launch upcycled bedding
Fold yourself into Swedish design brand Magniberg's upcycled approach to bedding
By Laura Hawkins Last updated