by Stephanie Lewis - shuzsociety.com
Who loves a man with an accent? We do, especially if he’s Italian-born Angelo Anastasio. Rendered virtually irresistible by his shoemaking skills, Anastasio is Creative Director and owner of Angeleigh Anastasio, an alluring line of footwear and handbags.
Anastasio took a moment between trips to chat with shuzsociety.com™ about the collection. During the phone interview conducted partially on an LA freeway Angelo says, “Excuse me,” and proceeds politely out of his car window, “Hey mister, you’re letting all the trash out of the back of your truck. What are you DOO-ING?” I imagine he points to the trail of trash. Then he says to me, “I apologize. I don’t get it.” We do. He’s environmentally conscious and doing his part, his own way.
In a nutshell: Born in Italy, Anastasio came to the US in 1966 with a soccer scholarship to New York’s Adelphi University. Famous for his moves on the field, Anastasio played with New York’s Cosmos in the ‘70s. His in-depth knowledge of the inner workings and intricacies of the sports world lead him to a marketing position at Adidas in ‘78. Subsequent positions included Design and Development for Fila, Inc. and Vice President of Design and Development at Reebok International, Inc.
The Transition: Tired of corporate BS and having dreamt about footwear since he was six and spent days with shoe-maker (and mentor) Lorenzo Il Calzolaio in hometown Calabria, Anastasio took his plunge in 2006 by premiering at The Collections at WSA. “The art and the creative of shoe making remained in my heart and soul,” he pours, “I believe that the minute a woman puts on a wonderful pair of shoes… it’s like watching a beautiful rose that goes into blossom.” Go on! “She immediately becomes a very different person…sensual, elegant and feminine and most of all a VERY, VERY, VERY HAPPY PERSON, and I JUST LOVE TO MAKE WOMEN HAPPY!”
What’s in a Name? In 2004, Angelo and his wife welcomed a baby girl, Angeleigh—they combined Angelo and his wife’s middle name, Leigh. “(She) is the love of my life,” he pours, “my guiding light to all my dreams.” We’ll have to stay tuned to see if her dreams include shoes, like her daddy.
The Collection: Designed and manufactured in Italy, the collection is comprised of tall boots, high-heeled pumps and elegant sandals, all crafted in the finest leather and fabric available. The designs range from $300 to $800 and exemplify Anastasio’s creativity at its best.
Fall 2007: Fall captures a South African safari palette with animal prints. The 100mm heeled Annalisa, this weeks FAB FRIDAY shoe, is a sassy pleated-satin, ornamented sandal that practically melted our computer when we opened the file. Late night, the ever-busy Anastasio emails from Italy, “Please note the Annalisa is flirtation by day and naughty by night…. Ciao, Angelo.” Then later adds, “A GARTER BELT FOR YOUR ANKLE.” Ohhh, we get it!
And Bags Too? Born from the requests of some of his better retailers, Anastasio introduced bags this summer. With the same aesthetic and leather incorporated into his shoes, they are doing well. He hints at evening styles for fall 08, “they will be very refined and amazingly sensual…in a wonderful pearl, black and gunmetal pitone.”
What does Spring Bring? Inspired by antiques, accessories and wares he finds in remote towns and villages, Angelo loves his traveling! Fall incorporates the colorful costumes of the bareback horse riders of the Siena Palio in Siena, Italy—a folk festival celebrating the apparition of the Virgin Mary, dating to the 15th century—spring 08 is a celebration of colors and materials: we’ll see pitone snake with laser print detail, Sworovski crystal accents and patent.
Angelo does Dallas: Anastasio is keeping busy this fall with several national trunk shows. shuzsociety.com™ and Steven Spodek are hosting Angeleigh Anastasio, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17th at Spodek’s Lovers Lane location. A portion of the proceeds will go to Dallas-based organization “Attitudes and Attire.” If you’re in town, stop by for a visit. He’s sure to put a smile on your face, and delightful shoes on your feet.
See our shuzsociety™ interview with Angelo Anastasio here.
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