THE GENESIS OF STILETTISSIMO
Stilettissimo Creates Your Must-Have Shoes.
Limited-Edition Shoes of Uncompromising Luxury.
I have been asked many times why I founded Stilettissimo, how I started, and how I keep coming up with new designs. Therefore, I decided to chronicle the Stilettissimo story. This is the first chapter.
Navigating the Shoe Market
Like almost all women I love shoes.
Stores typically stock women’s shoes between size 36 (US 6) and 40 (US 9). Some models are available one size smaller or larger.
However, wearing shoe size EU 34 (US 4 or UK 1.5), I struggled to find footwear. Yes, there is a shop in my city that specialises in small shoes. The size fits. But the models were so lacklustre and drab, and no matter how long I live, I will never be old enough for these shoes.
Thankfully, I was able to find size 35 and ‘shrink’ these shoes by means of heel pads or extra insoles. The choice was limited of course. But what are these women doing who need bigger shoes than 41? Shoes might become a little wider when they have been worn two or three times. But they never will grow.
Having been on the hunt for nice and fitting shoes for years, I also noticed that the quality of the shoes began to worsen dramatically even if you buy from the big names.
It was no longer just a size problem. Price and quality are really out of balance. Something had to give. I had to do something.
IT WAS NO LONGER JUST A SIZE PROBLEM. PRICE AND QUALITY ARE REALLY OUT OF BALANCE. SOMETHING HAD TO GIVE. I HAD TO DO SOMETHING.
Brigitte Kobi | Stilettissimo
The Commitment to Excellence
I wanted true luxury footwear for myself and for all women out there who hold values like style, exclusivity, functionality, and ethics dear.
Beauty
I wanted beautiful shoes to begin with. Of course, I understand that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder; even if we speak about shoes. But to me beauty is more comprehensive than just aesthetics.
When I speak of beauty, I mean a product of extraordinary design that is handmade, of the highest quality, functional, and crafted from first-class materials
I WANTED SHOES THAT ARE STYLISH, SEXY, ELEGANT, OR CLASSIC. SHOES THAT WOULD MAKE WOMEN FEEL MORE BEAUTIFUL, BRING JOY TO THEIR LIVES, AND A SPARK INTO THEIR EYES. FOOTWEAR THAT MAKES AN INVESTMENT WORTHWHILE, AS IT MEANS AN INVESTMENT IN YOURSELF.
Brigitte Kobi | Stilettissimo
Comfort
No matter what some people say, a luxury shoe must not hurt your feet, and I could not agree more with Coco Chanel.
LUXURY MUST BE COMFORTABLE OTHERWISE IT IS NOT LUXURY.
Coco Chanel
The shoe you choose must make you look and feel great.
Ethics & Sustainability
Under no circumstances did I want hides or fur of animals that are just killed for this purpose.
If we use leather, it is from animals that are elevated in acceptable conditions and that are consumed. In this case hides are a waste product of the food industry, and it makes sense to use it.
Yes, I did look into so called vegan leather. We will talk about this in more detail in one of the following chapters.
The manufacturing process is as important as the materials used. I wanted to make sure that my shoes were crafted by artisans working in favourable conditions, with adequate pay, insurance coverage, and paid holidays. Low-wage countries or even child labour are out of the question.
What’s Next?
THE GOAL WAS CLEAR:
Brigitte Kobi | Stilettissimo
ONLY THE BEST WOULD BE GOOD ENOUGH FOR MY SHOES.
I had a huge job at hand, and I set to work.
WE ARE YOUR SHOES
Next time, we speak about My Journey to Italy.
STAY TUNED.
