The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2022 - Issue 32

biteshoes BALDININI I talian shoe brand Baldinini traces its roots back to 1910 when it started producing the finest quality handmade shoes in a small artisan workshop in the Emilia-Romagna region town of San Mauro Pascoli. After third-generation descendant Gimmi Baldinini took over the reins in the 1970s, it became a leading footwear and accessories manufacturer with over a hundred stores worldwide. Baldinini made its first sabot, the ultramodern clog, in 1974, mark- ing a watershed moment and the new industrial manufacturing era, fulfilling 500 pairs daily. Before long, it became a manufacturing ex- pert, attracting men and women with its typically classic Italian style. It ventured into Germany and France before conquering the Russian market. As its footwear became increasingly popular, Baldinini ex- panded its retail and wholesale network in Eastern Europe, the Mid- dle East, China, and the United States. The brand’s growth and triumph are commendable as the two-level- floor store is proudly located in the centre of Milan’s shopping dis- trict, occupying a 200 m2 showroom in the old palazzo in Via Bigli, close to the Verri and Monte Napoleone boutiques. Large windows, art déco interior design and jaw-dropping early 20th-century mosaic floor hold all the business operations, press communications and in- ternational PR activities. From its inception, Baldinini’s headquarters and factory have been located in San Mauro Pascoli. Recently, newly designed buildings were added to create more space for each department according to the business’ expansion. These departments include product design, manufacturing, design studio, model-making workshops, commer- cial, retail and digital departments. Its original factory shop has be- come an attraction amongst international buyers. The brand reached new heights with its FW22–23 collection and un- veiled a new logo with more modern lines. It draws inspiration from contemporary architecture and highlights the classic origins of Made