The brand name Loriblu is well known to fashion followers around the world. Annarita, why did you decide to devote your life to the production of shoes, a craft very unusual for a woman?
The Loriblu brand appeared in the early 1970s when my husband Graziano decided to realize his long-standing dreams of creating his own concept, design and manufacture of shoes. I joined Loriblu in 1995, and all the cares about sales, marketing and public relations fell on me, and Griziano was responsible for the design and manufacture of our shoes. Today, Loriblu is one of the leading shoe brands in the world, and its products are represented in the best cities of the world, such as Sydney, Montreal, New York, Los Angeles, Doha, Kuwait, Beirut, as well as in Russia and Saudi Arabia. And now in Dubai.
Surprisingly, the Loriblu brand appeared in the 1970s, and its first branded boutique in Rome was not opened until April 2009. Why did it take so long?
We began to sell our products in multi-brand shoe stores and large department stores. Loriblu shoes sold very well and became popular all over the world. We were satisfied with the volume and quality of sales, so we continued to work with large stores, and only in 2009 decided to open the first monobrand boutique in Rome.
How did you feel when you opened the first Loriblu branded Middle Eastern boutique in Dubai?
Today, Dubai is the center of world fashion like Milan, Paris and New York, and I believe that opening a boutique here is an ideal choice to please buyers and lovers of fashionable and beautiful shoes from all over the region. According to my feelings, residents and visitors of this city are closely following fashion, and this gives designers excellent opportunities for the realization of their works in this country.
The Loriblu brand is famous for releasing flagship models for every decade, for example, MIGNON shoes, which became a hit in the 1970s, or jewelry jewelry sandals in the 1980s.
What special was invented by brand designers for 2010 and subsequent years?
The year 2010 was very bright for us, thanks to the main focus on colorful shoes and rich colors, both for the summer and for the autumn-winter seasons. In addition, this year was also special because they presented luxurious evening open shoes inlaid with Swarovski crystals.
What models of your shoes are you especially proud of? Is your favorite model among them?
As a designer, it’s very difficult for me to point out one model and say: “This is my favorite!” Each pair of our shoes, each model is unique, since a lot of time and creative efforts have been spent on its creation. I am proud of all the collections created by me and our design team.
One of the main markets for Loriblu are Russia and Ukraine. Why are your shoes so popular in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi and Kiev?
Women in Russia and Ukraine are terrible fashionistas; they follow all the latest products and wear them with pleasure. They perfectly feel the style, understand the latest fashion trends and spend considerable money on branded clothes and shoes. That is why the Russian and Ukrainian markets are among the largest and most attractive for manufacturers. Italy and Dubai also represent giant markets. Buyers in these countries are well aware that shoes play an important role in creating a solid fashionable image.
What do you think of buyers from Russia?
Russians are very stylish people. Most Russian women can boast of their natural beauty and elegance, so they can safely wear any, even the most extravagant outfits. They love high heels, adore brands and designer clothes, and just love to look beautiful and luxurious.
What features make the Loriblu brand special? What sets Loriblu shoes apart from other brands with the Made in Italy label?
Our design, models and color scheme of each pair distinguish our shoes from other Italian brands. The color combinations and finishes we use are strikingly different from what other shoe manufacturers in Italy offer.
What are the plans for future expansion of the Loriblu brand? Are there any strategic regions, countries, cities in mind?
Loriblu shoes are currently sold in 15 single-brand boutiques and 35 department stores around the world. In June, we plan to open a new store in Milan, on the beautiful Via Manzoni 19. Also in the near future we plan to open four brand boutiques in the Middle East region.
What would you like to wish our readers?
I would like to give all your readers one small piece of advice - always try on your favorite shoes. The real beauty of the shoe is revealed only when you put it on and you can clearly see it. Always look for shoes that suit you and your clothes, and you are sure to find what you need. Let your walk always be easy!
Thanks for the conversation, Annarita. Good luck to you.
