20 Most Famous Italian Fashion Brands: From Heritage Houses to Cult Shoe Labels

Italy’s influence on fashion is undeniable—but nowhere is its legacy felt more powerfully than in shoes. From precision-crafted stilettos to sculptural platforms and cult sneakers, Italian fashion houses have shaped the silhouettes worn by celebrities, runway models, and red-carpet icons for decades.

While many global luxury brands rely on Italian workshops for production, Italy’s own designers remain the gold standard for footwear innovation—balancing heritage craftsmanship with daring design.

Think Casadei’s razor-sharp Blade heels, Valentino’s Rockstud sandals, Gucci’s era-defining platforms, and Le Silla’s jewel-like stilettos.

Kaia Gerber, Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid, and Kendall Jenner walk the runway during Milan Fashion Week, showcasing modern Italian tailoring and high-fashion silhouettes (Credit: Laura Villani / WENN)

Ahead, we spotlight 20 of the most influential Italian fashion houses through a footwear-first lens.

From couture heels and statement sandals to celebrity-loved sneakers, this guide breaks down the brands every shoe lover should know, the styles that made them famous, and why “Made in Italy” still matters when it comes to what’s on your feet.

Bottega Veneta: The Intrecciato House That Made Quiet Luxury a Flex

Meet the brand that defined a new era of artisanal cool. After years of redefining ‘cult status’ through intellectual design, Bottega Veneta has entered a sophisticated new chapter focused on the intersection of craft and modern reality.

Bottega Veneta, which means “Venetian workshop” in Italian, was founded in 1966 in Vicenza, Veneto

Bottega Veneta translates into ‘Venetian Workshop’ or ‘Venetian Atelier’. It was launched in 1966 by Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro and specializes in small Italian leather goods and accessories.

While Bottega Veneta is famous for its signature Intrecciato weaving technique, the fashion house also offers a variety of fashion pieces crafted from different materials

One of Bottega Veneta’s signature elements is its Intrecciato leather, an intricate hand-woven technique that creates a distinctive cross-hatched pattern and a richly tactile finish. Developed to reinforce soft leather while avoiding visible logos, Intrecciato became the house’s defining code and a quiet symbol of Italian craftsmanship.

In January 2025, British designer Louise Trotter took the helm as Creative Director. Her 2026 collections have been praised for their ‘soft functionality,’ returning the brand to its origins as a high-end workshop while introducing a refined, wearable elegance that moves beyond the viral trends of the past decade.

The brand has changed its logo and printed it multiple times to align with its ever-evolving aesthetic. Some bags feature the oversized ‘BV’ logo, suggesting they would rather sit and sip cocktails than see a piece being made.

Pronounced Bo-TAY-ga VAN-ah-ta instead of ven-ETT-a in Italian, Bottega Veneta has become the global powerhouse it is today while staying true to its humble beginnings. In 2001, Bottega Veneta was acquired by Gucci Group and is now a part of the French conglomerate Kering.

Giorgio Armani: Effortless Italian Minimalism, From Runway to Red Carpet

You probably think of advertisements with football players standing in their underwear. Giorgio Armani is the European take on minimalist all-American Calvin Klein – although it’s so much more than just underwear.

Giorgio Armani is a family-owned fashion house with several sub-labels

Giorgio Armani has several diffusion lines, offering options for every price point. Armani is one brand that needs no introduction. It offers something for everyone, making it one of the most versatile collections on the market.

Giorgio Armani’s universe spans ready-to-wear, footwear, fragrances, and accessories, reflecting the brand’s refined Italian aesthetic

The Armani brand began in 1975 with a design vision to meet the needs of everyday individuals. The Giorgio Armani fashion house has several diffusion lines, including Armani Exchange, Armani Jeans, Emporio Armani, and EA7.

The beauty of this Italian fashion house is that the family still owns it. Giorgio Armani captures the seduction and natural flirty flair of living in Italy.

His designs feature the same glamorous twist, representing the needs of the fashion community. The Armani aesthetic is effortlessly chic, with softly spoken shades and toned-down clothing.

Gucci: A Century of Tuscan Craft, from Luggage Legends to It-Girl Shoes

If any Italian fashion house has mastered the social-media era, it’s Gucci. Founded in 1921 by Guccio Gucci, the brand is one of the oldest continuously operating Italian luxury houses, evolving from handcrafted luggage into a global fashion powerhouse with enduring cultural influence.

Gucci’s interlocking G logo, which is the initials of Guccio Gucci, has become synonymous with luxury and sophistication

Gucci was launched in 1921, with a focus on luggage to meet the needs of the luxury lifestyle of the people he met while traveling around the world.

From its early days, Gucci’s aesthetic has featured Tuscan craftsmanship. This is evident in the use of high-quality materials and attention to detail, which are hallmarks of the brand. Gucci is also known for its fragrances and innovative designs, which often feature bold colors and patterns.

Gucci’s signature designs feature the interlocking double-G logo and the iconic green-and-red web stripe across ready-to-wear, shoes, and accessories

Like other European brands, Gucci’s origin story includes horses and the equestrian community. The horse-bit logo originates from the horse-riding industry, making it an iconic, recognizable staple of any outfit.

In 1994, American designer Tom Ford took the helm as Creative Director, transforming Gucci with a provocative, high-octane aesthetic that saved the house from near-bankruptcy and redefined 90s glamour.

Alessandro Michele’s tenure reimagined Gucci with a maximalist, gender-fluid aesthetic, celebrating the extraordinary through high-fashion pieces defined by bold color palettes, eclectic references, and the revival of house codes such as the green-and-red stripe and the GG monogram. His vision reshaped Gucci’s modern identity and propelled the brand into a new era of cultural relevance.

Alessandro Michele stepped down as creative director of Gucci on November 23, 2022. He was succeeded by Sabato De Sarno, whose tenure marked a deliberate shift toward pared-back tailoring and restraint before his departure in early 2025.

Gucci entered a new chapter in 2025 under Demna’s direction. Renowned for his provocative, culturally charged vision, Demna has reoriented the house toward a “La Famiglia” aesthetic—merging Gucci’s glamorous archival codes with a raw, cinematic edge rooted in modern Italian identity.

Fendi: The Roman Powerhouse Behind the Double-F and Icon Accessories

When it comes to heritage Italian fashion houses, Fendi is at the top of our list. A husband-and-wife duo, Edoardo and Adele Fendi, launched it in 1925. Fendi originally focused on fur and leather goods.

The double F logo was created by Karl Lagerfeld when he joined the fashion house in 1965

The brand catered to a luxury audience and the jet set of Rome. The famous double-F monogram is recognizable globally, just as much as the interlocking LV or CC from Louis Vuitton or Chanel.

What makes Fendi unique is its ownership and creative direction. In the 1940s, Fendi was handed down to the next generation of the family.

Fendi’s signature double-F motif appears across the house’s ready-to-wear, shoes, and accessories, reinforcing its instantly recognizable identity

For twenty years, the five Fendi sisters oversaw the brand’s direction. It all changed in the 1960s when Karl Lagerfeld was brought on board.

While Lagerfeld is most often associated with Chanel, he pushed the boundaries at Fendi and redefined the idea of fur in fashion. Lagerfeld remained the company’s Creative Director until his death in 2019.

Whether it’s micro bags or small leather goods, Fendi has produced some of the must-have pieces of the season, growing on its heritage as a luxury Italian-made brand.

Fendi entered the LVMH group in stages beginning in the late 1990s, with the French luxury conglomerate acquiring full ownership in 2001, cementing the house’s position as a globally recognized luxury brand.

Marni: The Cool-Girl Italian Label Behind Statement Shoes and Sneakers

Founded in 1994 by Consuelo Castiglioni, Marni is one of the youngest Italian brands on our list. This brand has a younger audience and incorporates contemporary designs into its work.

Marni is widely recognized for its women’s, men’s, and children’s ready-to-wear and accessories collections

Marni began as a brand to experiment with the furs and textiles produced by Castiglioni’s family fur business. The brand quickly expanded into ready-to-wear, accessories, and jewelry.

Marni’s contemporary designs blend playful color, bold textures, and modern silhouettes that resonate strongly with a younger, fashion-forward audience

One of Marni’s most famous segments is their shoes, with the brand often behind the ‘it’ shoes of the season. One of the most popular products in the Marni range is its signature sneaker. While the Marni sneaker draws clear inspiration from several Adidas silhouettes, it has become one of the fashion house’s most popular items.

Miu Miu: Prada’s Playful Sister Brand With a Cult Shoe Following

Miu Miu is the sister company of Prada (more on them later!) and was founded in 1993 by Miuccia Prada.

Miu Miu is a high-fashion brand founded by the granddaughter of Mario Prada, Miuccia

This Prada offshoot is famous for its handbags and ready-to-wear, although none of the bags we viewed would be considered a collection that works for everyone.

In contrast to Prada’s restrained sophistication, Miu Miu embraces a more playful, youthful aesthetic defined by femininity and charm

The Miu Miu aesthetic is the polar opposite of Prada’s, emphasizing color, shape, pattern, and sparkle. What makes Miu Miu a unique Italian brand is that Japan is its strongest market.

While it does not qualify as ‘maximalism,’ it incorporates everything from chains to sequins and fur into its garments and accessories.

The brand is a testament to Miuccia Prada’s talent, who moved seamlessly between two fashion brands at opposite ends of the spectrum.

Palm Angels: Italy’s Streetwear Breakout With Skate-Culture Roots

Italian fashion brands aren’t all established houses. One of the most exciting names in Italian fashion is the evolving Palm Angels.

This streetwear brand may be in its infancy, but it is already making a mark on the fashion industry.

Palm Angels was founded in 2015 by Francesco Ragazzi, who previously worked for Moncler

Palm Angels draws inspiration from the skateboard culture of Venice Beach and Manhattan Beach, which inspired the project he was working on at the time.

Palm Angels is a high-end streetwear label blending skate-inspired aesthetics with luxury fashion, embraced by athletes and celebrities worldwide

The versatility of Palm Angels as a next-generation ‘made in Italy’ brand means that it truly has something to offer everyone. Its blend of grunge and sophistication means Palm Springs is only a few collections away from fully stocking your closet.

You’ll find everything from contemporary silhouettes to camouflage patterns and daring cuts within this brand, which is key to leaving its mark on the fashion industry at large.

Prada: The Luxury Innovator That Turned Minimalism Into Modern Icon Status

Prada was founded in 1913 by Mario Prada, who quickly made a success of his new fashion brand. The brand began with a focus on luxury leather goods, earning the symbol that would represent its status as a supplier to the Italian royal household within a few hours.

Prada is known for its understated high-class elegance and quality luxury goods

What makes Prada unique is that it’s another previously family-owned business. In the 1970s, Prada entered a league of its own when Mario’s granddaughter, Miuccia Prada, was playing outside.

Prada’s trademark minimalist aesthetic runs through every design, balancing clean lines with understated luxury

The Prada brand has come to define elegance, effortless chic, and aesthetics. You never know what to expect from Prada and its minimalistic fashion range.

The current ‘it’ collection within the Prada house is its recyclable nylon range and the OG handbag designs from 2005 and 2009.

Valentino: Rockstuds, Romance, and the Brand That Red-Carpet Stars Keep Wearing

Valentino began as a one-man powerhouse before becoming one of the world’s most famous Italian brands. Do you own a pair of Rockstud (or inspired) heels?

Valentino was created in 1960 by Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani

You can likely recognize a Valentino design in the wild. Valentino Garavani started designing at an early age before enrolling in formal education in Paris. (yep, it was expensive!)

The Valentino fashion house was founded in 1960 and quickly established itself as a brand everyone needs to know. The brand has served everyone from Hollywood royalty to European royalty, and has even designed wedding dresses for several Princesses.

Valentino blends refined elegance with a sharp, modern edge, balancing romantic silhouettes with bold design details

‘Valentino Red’ is the brand’s signature shade and just as recognizable on its packaging and products as the aesthetic of other famous brands like Chanel and Christian Louboutin.

Valentino is why Italian designers are associated with ostentation. While the brand has been successful since its early years, its Rockstud collection is the reason for its modern success as its must-have product range.

Versace: Medusa-Level Glamour and the Boldest Italian Party Heels

Their Medusa head might be one of the most recognizable logos in the world. It strikes a different chord than the other classic Italian fashion houses.

Versace was founded in 1978 by Gianni Versace, but it was only in 1993 that the Medusa logo was introduced

While brands like Valentino are ostentatious, Dolce & Gabbana is more glamorous. Versace straddles both, capturing a luxury audience with elevated everyday essentials for your closet.

The Versace woman isn’t afraid to make her presence known – even if it involves ruffling a few feathers in the process. Versace was founded in 1978 by Gianni Versace and has since become one of the world’s most famous Italian brands.

Versace’s signature lies in its bold patterns and vibrant prints, drawing heavily on Greek mythology, most notably the iconic Medusa head, which has reemerged as a central motif across the brand’s collections.

Following Gianni Versace’s murder in 1997, his sister, Donatella, oversaw the shift to Versace becoming a ‘larger than life’ party. The brand has now become an advocate for LGBT rights.

Versace is defined by bold patterns and vibrant prints, often anchored by the house’s iconic Medusa emblem

The bold designs of the Versace print – such as their unique silk shirts – didn’t leave my friends feeling warm and secure inside.

After decades under the Versace family’s control, the fashion house entered a new corporate chapter in 2018 when it was acquired by Capri Holdings (then Michael Kors Holdings) for approximately $2.1 billion. The acquisition underscored Versace’s global brand power and its strategic importance within a growing luxury conglomerate alongside other internationally recognized labels.

Max Mara: Tailored Italian Elegance With Polished, Wearable Footwear

Max Mara was launched in 1951 by Cavaliere Achille Maramotti and has since become one of the world’s most recognizable and prestigious fashion houses, with an international reputation.

The brand is synonymous with its contemporary ready-to-wear and tailoring, which sit at the heart of its DNA.

Cara Taylor, Gigi Hadid, Joan Smalls, and Irina Shayk walk the runway at the Max Mara fashion show during the Milan Fashion Week – Spring / Summer 2022 on September 23, 2021, in Milan, Italy (Credit: MEGA / WENN)

Since the late 1960s, Max Mara has expanded its industry presence through several diffusion brands, including Sportmax and Weekend by Max Mara.

The Max Mara fashion house now comprises 35 brands, with a focus on womenswear. While the fashion house is famous for its tailored coats, its footwear also features sleek silhouettes and understated elegance.

Max Mara is considered Italy’s largest fashion house and is known for style, quality, and luxury. The tailoring at the heart of Max Mara’s designs has been passed down from the Maramotti family and its founder’s mother and great-grandmother.

Kaia Gerber walks the runway during the Max Mara fashion show as part of Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2020-2021 on February 20, 2020, in Milan, Italy (Credit: KIKA / WENN)

The fashion house recently celebrated its 70th anniversary with collections inspired by its origins. Max Mara is the go-to brand for women seeking practical yet beautiful designs. Their rural-meets-urban designs feature sensible silhouettes and Italian tailoring.

Fausto Puglisi: Italian Drama Meets American Glam—Made for Spotlight Heels

Fausto Puglisi approaches fashion without boundaries, describing himself as a “Fausto Puglisi”. The designer was born in Sicily but fell in love with American films, which inspired a lifelong affinity for America.

At 18, he took five dresses made by local Messina tailors to Saks Fifth Avenue to sell. Puglisi got his big break in 2010 when he partnered with Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana on their Spiga 2 project.

His rise in the fashion industry was accelerated when he became Creative Director of Emanuel Ungaro in 2012, and his eponymous label launched in 2013.

Dominique Jackson and Fausto Puglisi attend Fashion Group International Night of Stars 2021 at Cipriani South Street on October 13, 2021, in New York City (Credit: MEGA / WENN)

In 2020, Fausto Puglisi was appointed Creative Consultant to Roberto Cavalli, bringing bold new designs to the brand. If you’re searching for footwear that blends sensuality and high fashion with a twist of originality, then Fausto Puglisi is for you.

The eponymous brand and its designer are known for creating energetic styles that help you unlock your inner confidence, incorporating cultural influences with impeccably designed silhouettes and unique prints.

Although an Italian designer, Fausto Puglisi’s designs can be found everywhere from Hollywood to New York as a firm favorite brand amongst A-list celebrities who appreciate a theatrical moment.

Emilio Pucci: The Print Prince of Capri With Color-Soaked Fashion Legacy

If you’re a fan of kaleidoscopes of color, you’ll already be familiar with Emilio Pucci. This eponymous Italian fashion brand is known for its geometric prints and classic Italian styling. The brand was launched in 1947 by Emilio Pucci, with the first boutique opening in Capri in 1950.

As a Florence native, Pucci reimagined womenswear with a revolutionary perception of the modern woman, blending style and personality to reinvent elegance as being effortless, spontaneous, and joyful. Pucci and the fashion house are synonymous with their use of color and blending comfort with high fashion.

Amber Heard, Lisa Snowdon, and Rita Ora showcase Emilio Pucci’s signature prints and vibrant color palette on the red carpet (Credit: WENN / Lexi Jones / Joe Alvarez / Derrick Salters)

Emilio Pucci was affectionately known as ‘Prince of Prints’, combining the joy of color with streamlined designs and silhouettes. The brand is credited for creating everything from the first leggings to caftans and foulard shirts.

Now part of LVMH, Emilio Pucci is one of the world’s most sought-after luxury brands. The brand continues to produce designs that incorporate playful femininity and contemporary symbolism, allowing you to view fashion in a new light. Emilio Pucci is a staple brand for you if you’re a fan of classic Italian design with a feminine feel.

Cesare Paciotti: The Stiletto Specialist With a Dagger-Signature Edge

Cesare Paciotti is an Italian shoe designer whose eponymous brand offers a range of leather goods and contemporary accessories. His dagger logo is instantly recognizable throughout the fashion industry. Footwear design runs in Paciotti’s blood as his father founded a shoe company in the late 1940s, which Paciotti inherited in 1980.

The company was renamed ‘Cesare Paciotti’ in 1980, when he took control and oversaw the creative side, while his sister oversaw operations. The Cesare Paciotti company has three labels within its fashion house, including Cesare Paciotti, Cesare Paciotti 4US, and Cesare Paciotti Jewels.

Paris Hilton shops for statement heels at the Cesare Paciotti boutique in Milan, one of the Italian label’s flagship destinations (Credit: star.press / WENN)

Cesare Paciotti describes itself as “a dynamic brand with creative products and revolutionary advertisements”. This “anti-conformist brand” breaks the so-called fashion rules, creating simple designs that encapsulate the idea of Italian luxury.

The shift in Cesare Paciotti came in 1990 when Cesare transformed the brand’s women’s collection by introducing feminine designs and moving away from the traditionally masculine shoes. These designs focus heavily on the classic high stiletto heel, incorporating unapologetically feminine silhouettes with seductive cuts.

Dolce & Gabbana: Sicilian Seduction, Alta Moda Energy, and Statement Shoes

One of Italy’s most recognizable fashion houses, Dolce & Gabbana, was founded in 1985 by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.

The two designers met in the early 1980s while working at the same fashion house before founding their own consulting studio. Over time, they became known by their surnames – “Dolce and Gabbana’.

Their first collection was presented in 1986, and their first store opened a year later. The brand’s Mediterranean aesthetic has won the world over, drawing on the Sicilian heritage of its designers.

Animal rights activists during an Anti-Fur March in front of the Dolce & Gabbana store on Fifth Avenue in New York City on October 9, 2021 (Credit: MEGA / WENN)

One of their most famous designs is to take the traditional masculine tailored suit and make it a modern symbol of female power.

Dolce and Gabbana are known for playing with sexy and sartorial concepts, blending them with an infusion of Italian culture. The Dolce and Gabbana brand has grown into a global powerhouse, with several diffusion lines being launched throughout the years.

D&G and Dolce & Gabbana existed as two separate lines before being merged under the ‘Dolce and Gabbana’ name. The brand has been closely linked to celebrities such as Kylie Minogue and Madonna, for whom it has created several tour outfits and red-carpet dresses.

Sean “Diddy” Combs’s twin daughters, D’Lila Star and Jessie James, arrive at the star-studded Dolce & Gabbana 2021 Alta Moda runway show in Venice, Italy, on August 29, 2021 (Credit: MEGA / WENN)

Some of the most recognizable faces in the world, including Scarlett Johansson, have served as global ambassadors for the brand. Dolce and Gabbana is feminine seduction meets Italian style with a classic Mediterranean flair.

Giambattista Valli: Couture Volume, Red-Carpet Fantasy, and Feminine Heels

Giambattista Valli is an Italian fashion designer known for his semiannual Haute Couture and ready-to-wear collections, presented during Paris Fashion Week. Born and raised in Rome, Valli launched his eponymous brand in 2005, aiming to create a ‘Maison’.

Valli had previously worked at Fendi, Roberto Capucci, Fendi, and Emanuel Ungaro. Amongst the ready-to-wear pieces, Valli designed a range of leather goods and accessories, including shoes, bags, and jewelry.

Giambattista Valli, the Rome-born fashion designer, takes his runway bow following a show presentation (Credit: MEGA / WENN)

In 2011, Valli became an official member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, placing him among a select group of non-French designers granted this distinction.

In 2014, the brand launched its ‘younger sister’ ready-to-wear line, Giamba. During the early years of his eponymous label, Valli also served as Creative Director of Moncler Gamme Rouge until 2017, bringing a couture-influenced perspective to performance-driven outerwear.

What sets Valli apart is his approach to luxury and beauty, creating an allure that attracts a generation of international jetsetters and glamorous modern women worldwide.

The Giambattista Valli brand is built on a love story between the brand and its customers. It’s all about shared dreams and lovers with a common philosophy for ageless, timeless, effortless beauty.

Le Silla: “Shoes as Jewelry” From Italy’s Marche Shoemaking Heartland

Le Silla is a ‘made in Italy’ footwear brand founded in 1994 by Enio Silla and Monica Ciabattini, creating a brand synonymous with style and intricate details.

The brand began with an “image of a new femininity in black and white.” Le Silla began with its famous 10cm heel, giving the stiletto a charming, feminine shape.

Nicole Scherzinger styled her glittering Le Silla pumps with a strapless gown by Azzi and Osta and Jacob & Co. jewelry at The Recording Academy and Clive Davis’ 2020 Pre-GRAMMY Gala held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 25, 2020, in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles (Credit: Avalon / WENN)

The brand creates shoes inspired by the modern woman, incorporating urban elements into their designs. These luxury shoes will take you from a day at the office to special occasions.

Le Silla’s website states, “Luxury in pure Made in Italy style has always been the leitmotif of our mission.” The Italian brand views shoes as ‘jewels to wear,’ often incorporating gemstones and intricate details into its designs.

Their footwear is crafted in Italy’s Marche region, a historic hub of shoemaking, and embodies classic Italian elegance with an effortlessly contemporary twist.

Casadei: The Blade-Heel Legend and a Masterclass in Italian Craft

Launched in 1958, Casadei has anticipated and inspired fashion for generations. For half a century, it’s been one of the world’s best-loved footwear brands, producing timeless creations in its San Mauro Pascoli base. The brand is credited with making Italian footwear among the most desirable in the world.

Casadei’s journey began as a family-owned business that has since evolved into a global brand. These shoes are not just functional but also exquisite works of art meant to be worn and appreciated for their beauty.

In September 2021, Angela Bassett revealed her new wax figure featured at Madame Tussauds Hollywood. Her wax figure is dressed in a sequined Greta Constantine jumpsuit paired with black high-heeled Casadei shoes and a long, wavy hairdo.

Angela Bassett’s wax figure at Madame Tussauds Hollywood is wearing a sequin jumpsuit by Greta Constantine with shoes by Casadei (Credit: MEGA / WENN)

The brand was made famous by its sandals and experimentation with platform soles during the 60s and 70s. Casadei is credited for transitioning platform soles into wedges, creating new techniques within the footwear industry.

Exclusivity sits at the heart of the Casadei brand. Their designs typically feature decorative elements such as Swarovski crystals, eyelets, structural accents, and dyed fur.

Casadei has collaborated with some of the most recognizable names in the fashion industry, including Mario Testino.

Golden Goose: Distressed-Luxe Sneakers That Started a Cult Movement

If you’re a fan of sneakers, you’ll be no stranger to Golden Goose. The brand is synonymous with its Italian tradition, craftsmanship, and contemporary design. Golden Goose began as a “dream that started off from Venice and went as far as the skate parks of Los Angeles” while staying true to its Italian heritage.

Golden Goose was founded in 2000 by Francesca Rinaldi and Alessandro Gallo, two fashion-industry outsiders. Their designs are instantly recognizable thanks to their vintage aesthetic and Star logo. The brand’s sneakers are the standout product across its ready-to-wear, accessories, and footwear.

The brand is synonymous with a refined style, a distinctive vintage feel, and an Italian sartorial twist. Its designs are American style meets Italian sophistication.

The Golden Goose Mid-Star slogan-print sneakers offer a relaxed look and supportive ankle-length design

In 2019, Golden Goose opened its LAB in its Milan store, showing customers how its craftspeople distress the shoes by hand using professional brushes and treatments. The following year, Golden Goose celebrated its 20th anniversary by opening its new Milan headquarters.

Golden Goose’s shoes are famous for their ‘lived-in’ signature. Unlike other designer shoes, you’ll receive these shoes looking as though someone else has already worn them. The artificial distressing on the shoes is part of the brand’s charm and unique character.

The brand is credited with starting the ‘ugly sneaker’ trend and has a cult following amongst celebrities, including Hilary Duff, Alessandra Ambrosio, Megan Fox, Mandy Moore, and Selena Gomez. You’ll struggle to find a celebrity anywhere who hasn’t stepped out in a pair of Golden Goose sneakers.

Oscar Tiye: Whimsical ‘Minnie’ Heels With Fashion-Insider Appeal

Oscar Tiye is an Italian women’s luxury footwear and accessory brand synonymous with quirky stilettoes. The Oscar Tiye brand is the brainchild of Amina Muaddi and Irina Curutz and was born out of the ambition to create the ‘perfect’ show.

While Muaddi has launched her eponymous footwear line, Oscar Tiye continues to grow in popularity.

Jordanian-Romanian fashion designer and shoemaker Amina Muaddi left Oscar Tiye in 2017 and launched her eponymous brand (Credit: Jeff Grossman / WENN)

Launched in 2013, Oscar Tiye’s most iconic shoes are nicknamed the ‘Minnie Mouse’ heels for their distinctive silhouette that replicates the shape of the iconic cartoon character. If Carrie Bradshaw were a fashion influencer today, she’d be rocking Oscar Tiye shoes.

If you’re looking for designer Italian footwear with a twist, Oscar Tiye is your brand. It takes the ‘made in Italy’ quality and uses it to create contemporary designs that capture your imagination and inject a little fun into your closet. These shoes aren’t afraid to be feminine and daring.

Oscar Tiye shoes are the go-to choice for some of today’s most recognizable celebrities. Sarah Rafferty, Nina Dobrev, Britney Spears, and Camila Alves have all been spotted rocking Oscar Tiye shoes.

The Oscar Tiye ‘Minnie’ sandals are named after Minnie Mouse, a cartoon character created by The Walt Disney Company

Like Muaddi’s eponymous brand, Oscar Tiye was instantly acclaimed. Although it’s an Italian brand, its name has a fascinating and distinctive origin. ‘Oscar’ pays homage to Muaddi’s family members, while ‘Tiye’ draws inspiration from Queen Tiye of Egypt, the wife of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

The gold scarab on each shoe represents the golden scarab jewelry that Queen Tiye received as a wedding gift.

Oscar Tiye sat alongside some of the most recognizable Italian footwear brands. Their collection focuses on Italian shoes with a twist, from classic stilettoes to sandals and satin mules.

Zoe Saldaña and Sarah Hyland showcase Oscar Tiye sandals, pairing refined heels with polished red-carpet looks (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN / FayesVision)

Although Oscar Tiye quickly gained attention for its playful, risk-embracing footwear aesthetic, the label’s momentum slowed after co-founder Amina Muaddi departed in 2017 to launch her eponymous brand.

While Oscar Tiye is still associated with quirky, whimsical shoe designs, the brand has been largely quiet in recent years; its official Instagram account was last updated on May 22, 2019.

Continue Exploring Italy’s Most Influential Shoe Brands

From heritage fashion houses to specialist shoemakers, Italy’s impact on footwear extends far beyond the runway.

If this guide sparked your interest in Italian design, craftsmanship, and celebrity-loved heels, explore more in-depth features below—spotlighting iconic shoe brands, signature styles, and the artisans behind some of fashion’s most coveted footwear.