Neapolitan luxury men’s brand Isaia is relaunching footwear.
In an exclusive interview, chief executive officer Gianluca Isaia told FN that the category’s revival comes after a year-long hiatus and marks the brand’s first complete luxury footwear collection.
“During this time, we have been carefully considering the balance of design integrity and construction to ensure that this collection truly represents what our discerning customers are looking for,” the third-generation CEO, whose grandfather founded the company in 1920, said. “While our stores currently carry minimal styles of shoes from previous releases, we have taken this time to focus on creating a collection that meets the high demands of our clientele.”
Isaia noted that in the past, the company has released a few styles of footwear without adhering to a strict schedule. However, with this upcoming launch, customers can now expect to find a full footwear collection comprised of 10 dressy silhouettes.
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The new range includes slippers, oxfords, loafers, monk straps, derbies and boots made in materials like crocodile and calf leather, calf-grained leather and calf-suede.
Consumers can expect retail prices to vary depending on the specific design and type of leather utilized, Isaia said. Retail prices start at $1,295 and go up to $11,500 for models crafted from 100 percent crocodile leather.
Isaia said that “enhancing the brand’s image” was the primary reason and focus for the category relaunch. “The design team enthusiastically welcomed the challenge, further solidifying the decision,” he said. “Plus, there has been a longstanding demand for a shoe collection from our customers. Therefore, the decision to move forward in this direction seems not only fitting but also necessary.”
The Naples, Italy-based brand’s new luxury footwear collection is set to be released in stores in June for the pre-fall 2024 season. At present, the line will be exclusively previewed at select retailers, including Isaia boutiques and Harrods in London.
The CEO added that the company intends to organize events at its retail stores that specifically focus on the new shoe collection, showcasing the option to purchase custom-made footwear. Additionally, a targeted advertising campaign may also be considered as part of the launch’s marketing strategy, but plans have not yet been finalized.
“We are confident that this debut will set the tone for future shoe collections to come, offering a diverse range of styles and materials to suit every occasion,” Isaia said.
This relaunch comes after the company has experienced “robust performance” in recent years. In fact, Isaia is further investing in its business with the expansion into new markets.
“We will be opening locations in Palm Beach and Naples, Fla., and we are actively exploring potential opportunities for further growth,” Isaia said.
