NIKKI: Hey Natalia, how are you luv? Great Shoes!
NIKKI: Tell me about your label BIONDA CASTANA - where did you get the name from?
NATALIA: Myself and Jennifer met at University in London (on our very first day) whilst studying an International Business degree but we had always had an intrinsic desire to set up our own footwear label together since we met. We have both loved shoes since we can remember – and always high heels. We wanted to create a brand whose designs were wearable, elegant and consist of classic shapes with a modern edge.
Jennifer and I had always been referred to as the ‘blonde and brunette’ duo at University so it seemed fitting for our company name to take on this name – we just translated it into Italian as we are both from Italian heritage. ‘Bionda’ signifying Blonde and ‘Castana’ signifying Brunette.
NIKKI: Have you always had a passion for shoes?
NATALIA: We have both loved shoes since we can remember – and always high heels. We wanted to create a brand whose designs were wearable, elegant and consist of classic shapes with a modern edge.
Heels are the most flattering style for the majority of women: elongating legs, creating a leaner silhouette. The beauty of a high heeled shoe is how it transforms a look and how it changes people’s personalities and attitudes. Your feet never have a fat day!
NIKKI:Can you explain your labels style in a nutshell?
NATALIA: Each Bionda Castana design marries femininity with an innovative edge. They are pieces which are fashionable and ‘of the moment’ yet timeless and very wearable.
One of our core values is premium quality. Each shoe is entirely hand-made by Italian artisans using traditional techniques and only materials of the highest tannery grade are selected. They provide the customer with a product which is not only unique and original in its design, but also combines authenticity and longevity.
NATALIA: Each Bionda Castana design marries femininity with an innovative edge. They are pieces which are fashionable and ‘of the moment’ yet timeless and very wearable.
One of our core values is premium quality. Each shoe is entirely hand-made by Italian artisans using traditional techniques and only materials of the highest tannery grade are selected. They provide the customer with a product which is not only unique and original in its design, but also combines authenticity and longevity.
NIKKI: How did you start your label & gain so much success so quickly (you are stocked in Browns & have been featured in Grazia & Elle!)
NATALIA: We both grew up in London but travelled to Italy very often as we had a lot of family there growing up. We were both inspired by the glamour and culture of Italian design so travelling there as frequently as we did opened our eyes to this from a young age. That definitely does come through in our designs.
We absolutely LOVED high heeled shoes since we can remember but if am honest, I never dreamed that I could be so lucky to be able to have my own shoe brand. When we both graduated from University, Jennifer held several successful roles in Marketing, QA/QC & NPD and Business Strategy and I worked within the Investment Banking Sector. We knew from then that the roles we were in were not for us and we dreamt of something bigger. So we took the risk, resigned from our jobs and set up the shoe business.
The only thing I can put our success down to is just sheer determination, passion and pestering buyers and press consistently! Saying this, in this mix is always a bit of luck.
NIKKI: What is your style tip for shoes SS 2010 and beyond?
NATALIA: Style for shoes is and will always be - wear walkable high heels!
What have been your greatest successes for your label so far?
I would say getting our first stockist on board in our second season which was Browns.
NATALIA: Style for shoes is and will always be - wear walkable high heels!
What have been your greatest successes for your label so far?
I would say getting our first stockist on board in our second season which was Browns.
NIKKI: What are your plans shoe wise for the next year?
NATALIA: We have a few collaborations in place for the up and coming AW10 shows so keep your eyes peeled. We're also introducing a 12cm heel height on a 1cm platform for AW10 which we're looking forward to launching.
NATALIA: We have a few collaborations in place for the up and coming AW10 shows so keep your eyes peeled. We're also introducing a 12cm heel height on a 1cm platform for AW10 which we're looking forward to launching.
NIKKI: Who would you love to see wearing your shoes?
NATALIA: Honestly, seeing everyone wear our shoes gets us excited. It's great to be at a party and see someone in them and then its great to receive a phone call from a celebrity stylist who is dressing their client and has requested our shoes.
NATALIA: Honestly, seeing everyone wear our shoes gets us excited. It's great to be at a party and see someone in them and then its great to receive a phone call from a celebrity stylist who is dressing their client and has requested our shoes.
NIKKI: Hook me up ladies! The nude studded sandals & the hot pink sandals are to die for! ...and the black ankle strap pair..and...uh all of them actually..
Stockists
United Kingdom
Browns, London
+44 (0) 20 7514 0016
Harrods, London
+44 (0) 20 7730 1234
Milletré, Kensington, London
+44 (0) 207 584 1588
Courtyard, Guildford
+44 (0) 1483 452825
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