Dolce Vita: The Journey From Trendsetting Start-Up to Steve Madden’s $60.3 Million Gem

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Known for its eye-catching, on-trend sandals, sneakers, boots, heels, and pumps, the shoe label Dolce Vita was acquired in 2014 by Steve Madden for $60.3 million in cash.

Shoemakers Nick Lucio and Van Lamprou started Dolce Vita in 2001 in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The company quickly made a name for itself with memorable shoe designs that were playful and refined.

From of-the-moment obsessions to modern staples, the shoe brand continues to deliver crave-worthy shoes that inspire—and possibly even transform—the 21st-century work-to-weekend wardrobe.

Not considered a designer brand, Dolce Vita is positioned more as a mid-range brand that offers fashion-forward designs at accessible price points. 

In August 2017, Bella Hadid was spotted wearing Dolce Vita’s rose satin “Harvyy” ankle wrap sandals while running errands in New York. However, it’s not often that we see celebrities wearing shoes by the brand.

Below, we’re featuring other popular styles from the iconic shoe label:

1. Dolce Vita Effie Block Heel Sandal

These studded block heels will add an edgy feel to any look.

Dolce Vita 'Effie' Block Heel Sandal

Dolce Vita 'Effie' Block Heel Sandal

Dolce Vita 'Effie' Block Heel Sandal

2. Dolce Vita Ethan Boots

Sleek, smart, and simple, this pointy-toe bootie is crafted from touchably soft fine-grain leather and set in a towering demi-block cup heel.

Dolce Vita 'Ethan' Boots

Dolce Vita 'Ethan' Boots

Dolce Vita 'Ethan' Boots

Dolce Vita 'Ethan' Boots

Dolce Vita 'Ethan' Boots

3. Dolce Vita Eva Raffia Sandals

With riveting detail and a contemporary-chic silhouette, the Eva is what your wardrobe has been craving.

Dolce Vita 'Eva' Raffia Sandals

Dolce Vita 'Eva' Raffia Sandals

Dolce Vita 'Eva' Raffia Sandals

4. Dolce Vita Harem Peep Toe Booties

A gradient finish highlights the alluring side cutouts of a lofty stacked-heel bootie with a perforated nubuck upper.

Dolce Vita 'Harem' Peep Toe Booties

Dolce Vita 'Harem' Peep Toe Booties

5. Dolce Vita ‘Haro’ Heeled Sandals

Add these fun heels to your outfits for easy trend-setting style.

Dolce Vita 'Haro' Heeled Sandals

Dolce Vita 'Haro' Heeled Sandals

6. Dolce Vita Harvyy Ankle Strap Sandals

A grosgrain ribbon ankle strap provides a perfectly poised finish for this stunning satin sandal that we’ve spotted on Bella Hadid.

Dolce Vita 'Harvyy' Ankle Strap Sandals

7. Dolce Vita ‘Henry’ Block Heel Slides

Fringe trim adds an eye-catching flourish to a cross-strap sandal crafted from lustrous satin for a luxe finish and elevated by a structural block heel.

Dolce Vita 'Henry' Block Heel Slides

Dolce Vita 'Henry' Block Heel Slides

Dolce Vita 'Henry' Block Heel Slides

8. Dolce Vita ‘Lando’ Platform Sandals

Set on a stacked heel with a towering platform, this palm tree printed heel will give you constant vacay vibes.

Dolce Vita 'Lando' Platform Sandals

Dolce Vita 'Lando' Platform Sandals

Dolce Vita Lando Green Palm Print

9. Dolce Vita ‘Layell’ Buckle Sandals

Eye-catching embossed buckles add Western edge to a chic, strappy sandal lofted by a chunky, stacked heel.

Dolce Vita 'Layell' Buckle Sandals

Dolce Vita 'Layell' Buckle Sandals

10. Dolce Vita ‘Rae’ City Sandals

With riveting detail and a sexy silhouette, the Rae is what your wardrobe has been craving.

Dolce Vita 'Rae' City Sandals

Dolce Vita 'Rae' City Sandals

Unveiling the Most Remarkably Eccentric Footwear of 2012 – Are These the Ugly Shoes That Defied Fashion Norms?

Occasionally, we deliberately showcase less favorable shoes here on Your Next Shoes to spark discussion among our audience. However, there are also instances where featuring such shoes is unintentional.

We knew we’d get you talking when we featured this pair of DV8 by Dolce Vita shoes on our Facebook page, but what we didn’t expect was how you YNS readers reacted to them.

With remarks like "epic fail," "tragic," and "please stop," it's hard to argue that this particular pair of DV8 by Dolce Vita "Gypsie" platform Mary Janes isn't the ugliest footwear we've showcased this yearWith remarks like “epic fail,” “tragic,” and “please stop,” it’s hard to argue that this particular pair of DV8 by Dolce Vita “Gypsie” platform Mary Janes isn’t the ugliest footwear we’ve showcased this year

These shoes got such an overwhelmingly negative response that the “nay” votes might as well have been unanimous.

Receiving comments such as “epic fail,” “tragic,” and “please stop,” would you say that this pair of DV8 by Dolce Vita “Gypsie” platform Mary Janes are the ugliest pair of shoes we’ve ever featured this year?

DV8 by Dolce Vita "Gypsie" Platform Mary JanesDV8 by Dolce Vita “Gypsie” Platform Mary Janes, $168.95

The stiletto heel on a flat platform design reminds us of Alain Quilici’s skate shoes, but this DV8 by Dolce Vita style makes those Alain Quilicis look almost normal.

There’s almost always at least one person who likes the eccentric shoes we feature, but for some reason, we couldn’t find that person for this style. If you’re that person, please don’t be ashamed to say you like these shoes! There has to be at least one. There HAS to be!