Craftsmanship & Comfort
Every creation starts with an idea, and the same goes for shoes. At Stilettissimo, I personally design every model we offer. Designing is the part of my job I enjoy the most, and beauty and style are paramount to me.
Designing Shoes
Inspiration
With my eyes and mind always open, I never run out of ideas. I might spot a detail on a shoe from the 19th century that can be adapted for a Stilettissimo model. Or I see a certain material and have an idea of how to use it. Even myths and fairy tales have already provided me with inspiration.
While painters or other artists typically work with a notebook, I am the electronic type, which is certainly a relic from years of working in the IT industry. So, I collect my ideas in a folder on my computer.
Once inspiration strikes, I sketch the shoe on a piece of paper, assign the materials, and describe the model. I then scan it to be stored in the cloud and share it if needed.
RECEIVING NEW MODELS ALWAYS FEELS LIKE CHRISTMAS WHEN I WAS A LITTLE GIRL.
Brigitte Kobi | Stilettissimo
Crafting A Collection
A collection is not just an assembly of shoes, but an orchestrated ensemble that has a common motto. Yet, every model must be an individual. The motto can be a topic, a colour, a certain type of material, or even an era.
Once I have decided on the theme of the collection, I need to discipline my creativity. What do I mean by this?
Obviously, I can only add models that fit the collection. This means saying «no» or «not now» very often.
MATERIALS
I explained before what kind of materials I envisioned.
Meanwhile, the range has increased without compromising sustainability, which we will cover in detail in Chapter 6.
We use genuine leather and fabrics such as neoprene, brocade, and satin.
Our latest discovery is French fish leather from salmon and trout.
LIMITED EDITION SHOESTHERE IS ANOTHER MATERIAL I PLAN TO USE. I WILL REVEAL IT WHEN THE TIME COMES.
Brigitte Kobi | Stilettissimo
The Crafting Process
Definition
When I want to realise a collection I designed, I visit my manufacturers in Italy, which always brings me great joy.
We sit down with my designs and discuss every little detail. We decide which last is the best choice to actually turn my design into a shoe. The last also determines the height and the type of heel. Sometimes, we slightly change my design for technical reasons.
Next, we go through my list of materials to check everything again: upper, lining, insole, accessories, etc. We might even redefine the accessories or the hardware, such as zips and buckles.
Have you ever noticed that sandals—at least the high-quality ones—feature a distinct leather section where the toes rest? The colour and the material for this have to be defined, too. Moreover, I have to define the type of outer sole for each model, as they are important for comfort and safety.
The Manufacturing
Once everything is defined, the work rests in the capable hands of my manufacturers.
EVERY DETAIL OF A STILETTISSIMO SHOE IS HANDCRAFTED.
Brigitte Kobi | Stilettissimo
If the design requires it, they create sewing patterns for the upper, according to which the material is cut and stitched. The ladies in the in-house stitching atelier assemble the upper, stitch in the lining and the insole, insert eyelets, laces, or zips where needed, while the shoemakers in the same workshop attach the soles and the heels.
Quality Is Comfort
We only work with Italy’s best artisans, which guarantees both quality and comfort. The last and the heel must always be in perfect balance, as this is essential for walking comfortably and safely. Our manufacturers test every new heel with the last before creating even one pair.
Another important aspect is the insole. Only soft and padded insoles prevent your feet from burning or feeling sore. While most brands only glue their insoles, ours are also stitched, ensuring they remain impeccable.
We spoke about the outer soles before. At Stilettissimo, we avoid these highly polished leather soles, as they tend to be slippery. For summer shoes, we normally use Nubuck, which is very elegant but only suitable for dry weather. For winter or four-season models, we prefer leather in combination with rubber to ensure you walk safely.
IT IS A LITTLE MORE EFFORT TO DEFINE THE RIGHT SOLES, THAT DON’T COMPROMISE THE ELEGANCE OF THE SHOE BUT IT IS WORTHWHILE.
Brigitte Kobi | Stilettissimo
The Finishing
Our artisans also put a lot of effort into the finishing process. For instance, have you ever noticed that the edges of the outer soles always match the upper? When the sole is beige but the upper is black, the edge will be painted black.
Once all this is done, the quality is controlled, the shoes are packed, and sent to our logistics centre.
WE ARE YOUR SHOES
Next time, we speak about Heels.
STAY TUNED
