Years ago Vigevano (outside of Milano) was the center of luxury footwear in northern Italy. Now that honor goes to Parabiago, where I work, but I must say that the vintage made-in-Vigevano shoes are much more beautiful and precise than the shoes I work on. The stitching is so tiny and perfect. I can't imagine putting that much attention to a pair of shoes anymore, and it makes me wish I'd come here 40 years ago when the now run-down factories were elegant and the owners proud and sophisticated. I picked up a copy of Il Tacco a Spillo: Fascino e Seduzione from the International Footwear Museum last time I was in Vigevano and it provides me with tons of inspiration. Just look at some of these examples...
