Maker meets machine: the innovative artistry of René Caovilla
Embossed on the sole of every René Caovilla shoe is the silhouette of an elegant stiletto, with straps that coil serpent-like around the ankle. Adorned with glittering rhinestones, the Italian shoemaker created this now signature shoe in 1975, and it is has become a symbol of Caovilla’s relationship with artisans in the Veneto region, who crafted the finest hides and finishes for his painstakingly detailed creations.
Caovilla also designed exquisite footwear for Valentino Garavani, Chanel and Dior, inspired by the technical expertise of his shoemaker father, who was renowned for his exquisite hand-embroidered designs. ‘It’s not a matter of reinventing, but evolving,’ explains René’s son Edoardo, who was appointed creative director and chief operating officer of the 82-year-old luxury brand in 2009. Operating from the original Fiesso d’Artico factory, Edoardo brings a creative approach that fuses third generation artisanal heritage with cutting-edge industrial process.
Caovilla's glittering creations are embossed with the silhouette of a stilletto on the sole
‘Technology and innovation have always been at service to higher luxury handcrafting,’ Edoardo says. Inside the factory, machines laser cut soft leather, while others count out the number of rhinestones needed to embellish every shoe design, from cut-out detail pointed flats to espadrille-sole sandals. ‘Through these instruments we have discovered new creative paths to improve our techniques, most of which are family secrets,' he adds.
Edoardo cites the artistic and architectural heritage of Venice as a continued inspiration. ‘Every time I stay there I am aware that the city gives me a certain unconscious knowledge in terms of proportions, colours and shapes,’ he says. Using gold leathers, ochre embellishments, and grey marble and aqua flourishes, Caovilla’s creations ooze modern Byzantine splendour.
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the René Caovilla website
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
The Volkswagen Passat is a sober, straight edged estate car that feels increasingly out of time
Why would anyone pass on a Passat? Volkswagen’s big load lugger proves that the old ideas are still the best
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Italian designer Enrico Marone Cinzano fuses natural perfection with industrial imperfection
Enrico Marone Cinzano's first solo show at New York’s Friedman Benda gallery debuts collectible furniture designs that marry organic materials with upcycled industrial components
By Adrian Madlener Published
-
Tom Wesselmann’s enduring influence on pop art goes under the spotlight in Paris
‘Pop Forever, Tom Wesselmann &...’ is on view at Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris until 24 February 2025
By Ann Binlot Published
-
‘What does a Luca Faloni jacket look like?’: this suede bomber marks the brand’s first foray into outerwear
‘Made for years to come’, this lightweight bomber marks Luca Faloni’s entry into outerwear and encapsulates the label’s provenance-focused approach
By Jack Moss Published
-
Rovi Lucca is the Milanese label creating ‘elevated workwear for garden lovers’
Rooted in Italian craft, Bradley Seymour and Fabrizio Taliani’s horticulturally inspired Rovi Lucca finds inspiration in the gardens of Lucca, Tuscany
By Zoe Whitfield Published
-
Luca Magliano takes Wallpaper* on a tour Bologna, the home of his non-conformist fashion label
Luca Magliano gives Wallpaper* an insider’s guide to Bologna, Italy, the lifeblood of his on-the-rise label – from a museum of queer history to a mystical cemetery (and plenty of gelato)
By Jack Moss Published
-
Paul & Shark hits the slopes with a Cortina ski resort takeover
‘Paul & Shark takes Cortina’ sees the label take over the Italian ski resort, kitting out the town’s ski club and Scoiattoli chalet
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Jonathan Anderson on his new store in Milan, an ode to the city’s design codes
For his second JW Anderson store – and first outside of London – Jonathan Anderson has set up shop in Milan with a space that pays homage to the city’s stylistic codes. Here, he tells Wallpaper* the story behind the opening
By Jack Moss Published
-
Sunnei launches its first Objects collection
Italian label Sunnei launches a range of lifestyle pieces, ranging from pillows to puzzles
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
Aitor Throup launches first Anatomyland prototypes as NFTs
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
Coperni harnesses Star Wars tech in new campaign
Innovative French label Coperni, launches its cutting-edge XR digital campaign ‘Ready to Care'
By Laura Hawkins Last updated