Founded in 2001 on Manhattan’s Lower East Side by shoemakers Nick Lucio and Van Lamprou, Dolce Vita quickly built a reputation for shoes that strike the perfect balance between playful and polished.
From strappy sandals and sleek sneakers to fashion-forward boots and pumps, the label became a go-to for women seeking trend-driven style without the designer price tag. That success caught the attention of Steve Madden, who acquired Dolce Vita in 2014 for $60.3 million, thereby cementing its place in the accessible luxury footwear market.
When Stars Choose Dolce Vita: From Street Style to Red Carpet
From red-carpet appearances to casual off-duty looks, Dolce Vita has found its way into celebrity wardrobes in both subtle and statement-making ways. Below are some of the most notable features of the brand on Your Next Shoes:
👠 Dolce Vita in the Spotlight on Your Next Shoes:
- 📸 Bella Hadid’s rose satin “Harvyy” ankle-wrap Dolce Vita sandals spotted street-style chic — August 2017 article capturing a rare celebrity moment featuring the brand.
- 💃 Tatyana Ali rocks purple Dolce Vita “Valencia” heels — A red-carpet fashion take from the “Think Like a Man Too” premiere.
- 👢 Dolce Vita “Lottie” Almond-Toe Combat Booties featured in a trend roundup — Highlighting the brand’s stylish take on combat boot fashion.
- 🌞 Ariel Winter paired with DV by Dolce Vita “Tex” and “Tabia” sandals — Casual summer styling seen at a farmers market outing.
- ⭐️ Lucy Hale wears DV by Dolce Vita booties — Styled the brand’s peep-toe ankle booties during a launch event for her Hollister clothing line.
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.
Bella Hadid sported a casual chic look with a convertible halter bodysuit, denim mini skirt, Dolce Vita wrap sandals, hoop earrings, sunglasses, and a washed denim Chanel backpack in New York City on August 28, 2017 (Credit: Dara Kushner / INSTARimages)
Not considered a designer brand, Dolce Vita is positioned more as a mid-range brand that offers fashion-forward designs at accessible price points.
Not every release strikes the right balance of playful and polished. When we featured this pair of DV8 by Dolce Vita shoes on our Facebook page, the reaction from YNS readers was louder than expected—proof that even bold experiments can spark debate in the fashion world.
A sharp stiletto heel paired with a chunky red suede platform and leopard-print Mary Jane straps, this DV8 by Dolce Vita design is a daring clash of textures and proportions
The DV8 by Dolce Vita “Gypsie” platform Mary Janes drew an overwhelmingly negative response from readers, with comments ranging from “epic fail” to “please stop.”
Featuring a stiletto heel balanced on a chunky platform, the design was even compared to Alain Quilici’s unconventional skate shoes. While eccentric footwear often has at least a few admirers, this style struggled to find its champion.
Dolce Vita isn’t alone in delivering trend-focused footwear at approachable prices. Several other brands share a similar appeal, striking a balance between fashion-forward design and accessibility. Here are some of the most notable ones featured on Your Next Shoes:
Brands Similar to Dolce Vita
👠 Trend-Driven Shoes Like Dolce Vita on Your Next Shoes:
- 🔥 Steve Madden — Noted alongside Dolce Vita as a trend-savvy, mid-price footwear powerhouse that sets the pace for stylish, accessible designs.
- ✨ Chinese Laundry — Often listed as one of Dolce Vita’s key competitors in the accessible-fashion segment, offering modern, trend-ready shoes without a luxury price tag.
- 🎀 Kurt Geiger — A British brand positioned as “luxury high-street,” blending classic silhouettes with runway trends, comparable to the Dolce Vita aesthetic and market tier.
- 🇦🇺 Tony Bianco — A mid-tier designer brand that offers high-quality, fashion-forward shoes at accessible prices—following in Dolce Vita’s stylistic footsteps.