Designer Spotlight ~ Attilio Giusti Leombruni

Who is Attilio Giusti Leombruni?
In an era where shoe production is heading to the Orient, Attilio Giusti Leombruni (AGL for those in the know) pride themselves on maintaining an Italian operation. AGL’s leathers and components are all Italian made. Their production takes place in their own factory nestled in the valley of Montegranaro, a municipality in the Province of Fermo. “It has been our home for generations and we couldn’t imagine living or working anywhere else,” offers Marianna Giusti, the designer behind the brand and a third generation designer of the Giusti family. She inherited the art of design from her father Attilio, for whom the brand is named.

“We also pride ourselves on running an eco-friendly organization. In the fall of 2008 we converted the factory to solar power. While we are not vegan, we use natural vegetable dyes and non-toxic glues. We believe that a shoe is a work of art. We like to say we are artisans working in a state of the art facility.” In this way, Attilio Giusti Leombruni is a company that embraces the best of modern technology, but refuses to abandon traditional craftsmanship.

What is your design philosophy?
“Designing the Attilio Giusti Leombruni Collection comes natural to me,” says Giusti, “and at the same time is a new challenge every season. It’s necessary to start with an idea, a specific theme and with time and patience it all comes together. One moment I’m negotiating leather deals and then the next I’m off for a seaside picnic with my husband and nephews. One night at dinner with clients, another out with my sisters. I love the fact I can go to my closet and find a ballet, a riding boot, a smart pump and a fun metallic sport shoe and they each express who I am. My style preferences vary, but I will never compromise on fit or comfort.”

Describe AGL’s design style 5 words:
Refined. Pure. Timeless. Smart. Classic.

What brought you to the shoe industry?
“Shoes are part of my DNA. I grew up among shoes! Since I was a child I spent my afternoons in my father’s workshop. I loved watching him work. It was our time together. I had my own sketch book and would draw shoes, heels, buckles. He’s always encouraged me and I remain his #1 fan. My sisters all caught the shoe-bug as well. Sara and Vera work in PR and production. My brother who recently graduated from university has joined the team, too. It’s a family affair! Mom still works tirelessly in the stitching room and Dad still runs the show.”

What can we expect for Summer 2010 collection?
“Inspiration comes from two great cities where urban landscapes merge with water: Vancouver, Canada on the Pacific Ocean and Venezia on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. Colors from the different architectural silhouettes and the spirit of the two lifestyles inspire me. I love the season’s sea blue and mango patent colors. They remind me of sunset at the shore.”

And for Winter 2010?
It is characterized by a new freedom of movement… “which include loose and soft fits, rounded shapes and a new mix of volumes. I’m in love with our new equestrian-inspired boots and can’t wait until our new buttery over-the-knee design makes its debut.”

What else is in the works?
A Men’s Collection — a collaboration between Giusti and her father and brother.

How does AGL give back?
For more than 20 years AGL has been supporting “La Lega del Filo d’Oro” — an Italian association that helps blind and hearing-impaired children. Their aim is to inspire, educate, assist and impart skills to allow these children to achieve their dreams and be as self-sufficient as possible.

Just a few of the places to find Attilio Giusti Leombruni…
Nordstrom.com and at 83 of their stores; The Shoe Box in New York, NY; Matava Shoes in Baltimore, MD; The Shoe Salon on Cape Cod, MA; FootStock in Boston, MA; Shirise in Glencoe, IL; Wilkes Bashford in San Francisco, CA; Village Bootery in Tequesta, FL; Embellish in Chatanooga, TN; and Goler Shoes in Santa Fe, NM.

Getting Personal:

Which song or recording artist sets the tone for your spring 2010 line?
“Colbie Caillat and Jason Mraz’s duet “Lucky.” The song always makes me smile. Last summer I married the love of my life and feel very lucky that he is my best friend.”

What are you reading right now?
“Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson…so inspiring!”

What is YOUR personal favorite pair of shoes?
As much as I love our heels and boots, I have to say my favorite is our toe cap ballet. Love the feel, love the way it is perfect with so many pieces in my closet.

How do you pack your shoes for travel? Tips?
“I always use AGL dustbags – one comes with every pair. Instead of using paper to stuff them, I roll up my socks and tuck them in my shoes. Saves room in my suitcase and helps shoes keep their shape,” offers Giusti. “One other travel tip I live by is to always pack a pair of metallic shoes. They go with practically everything and as much as I would love to wear a different pair every day, I like to travel smart and light.”

What is your favorite vacation spot? And why!
“Italy remains my favorite because it keeps surprising me, though I am fortunate that both my husband and I travel for both business and pleasure and have spent time all over the world,” ends Giusti. “Each corner of this wonderful country is steeped in ancient tradition and everything from its remarkable landscape, to its stunning architecture echoes to a particular sensibility towards beauty that is so inherently Italian.”

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