In one of the most creative and elegant decades of the XX century, which goes from the “Avant-garde” back to times of order, Cubism and Art déco, Surrealism and Metaphysics, Dadaism and Realism intertwine. These are the years of Bauhaus and Le Corbusier, Marlene Dietrich and Greta Garbo, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
Signed by Amedeo Testoni in 1929, this model represents a work of art for the complexity of the sole construction in which three typologies of artisan production overlap: Spiral, Norwegian and Tirolese.
Transgression stems from scarcity, as novelty stems from impediment. Culture and art become animated by new signs. This is the moment in which Italian people acquire the passion for well dressing: tailor shops thrive again and the style of the new Italian dandy is celebrated throughout the world.
“Derby” style laced shoes in dark brown calfskin exemplify the care and passion for details, prerogative of a.testoni since the beginning.
These are the mythical years of optimism, rebirth and opulence. Rome is the capital of “La Dolce Vita” and the Italian Glamour in the eyes of the world. The standard of life increases, shopping centres and consumption grow. As cinema intertwines with life, culture depends on the paparazzi’s flash. French existentialism goes together with American rock’n roll: everything is new, but social schemes and roles are still traditional.
Derby-Buckle realized completely in shiny black crocodile. The use of exotic leathers by a.testoni dates back exactly to the 50’s.
Psychedelic years in which things start changing seriously. The first man on the moon, Mary Quant’s miniskirt, the Beatles, flowers in cannons, Philosophy and Politics: this is a revolutionary decade, symbolizing a new epoch full of contradictions, contrasts and rebellions. Everything is allowed and put into question at the same time in hopes of creating a better world.
Women’s boots in calfskin and suede conceived for the fascinating Sofia Loren. The geometrical pattern on the leg is clearly inspired by the mood of that time.
It is difficult to come after the charisma and ideals of the 60’s. The 70’s appear more shaded, even if this decade is eclectic and full of interesting influences. Fashion tends to be a mass phenomenon and it imposes itself as a trend with uncertain results regarding taste and quality.
The first women’s boots realized entirely in polished dark brown crocodile made for the Empress of Iran, Farah Diba.
From Wall Street to the “work hard”: making the bid for power imposes new laws and the world fills up with managers. Electronics promises become reality and spread through the people. These are the years characterised by the “I want more” refrain. Hedonism and the body cult gain ground, everything that is trendy triumphs. The world gains fastness and loses its bipolar system in the period leading up to the fall of the Berlin wall.
Attention to the detail and stylistic experimentation characterizing the 80’s find their synthesis in these slip-on shoes conceived for the well-known stylist Gianni Versace.
These are strange years marked by the mystical accents of New Age, consumerism and the concreteness of technology. Internet gains ground and the incorporeity of relations prevails. In this context a.testoni does not disnature, it remains true to the “slow production’s” motto and escapes from mass production and productive indifference maintaining the original philosophy unchanged.
Slip-on shoe in black calfskin conceived for Luciano Pavarotti. a.testoni consolidated its good relationship with the great tenor participating at Pavarotti’s International.
A future full of great promises is characterised by the birth and achievements of globalization. Epoch of intercultural exchange, communication connects everybody with everything. Especially on the web, infinite possibilities of expression prepare the world for new, unthinkable ideas. People’s habits are changing, the new motto seems to be: “enlarge the borders” overcoming the limits of narrow-mindedness.
“Oxford” style laced shoes in dark brown and caramel colours, entirely realized in ostrich. Thanks to its success, this model has been included among the a.testoni’s carryovers.
The decade opens with renewed international awareness: the world has been moving too fast, losing sight of its own centre. Hence there is a need for a come back to reality, the tangible essence of things, facing the globalised world with an open mind that looks to the future with renewed awareness and maturity.
Derby in antiqued chestnut calfskin with Tyrolean stitching. Excellence in craftsmanship and construction come together with the unique style of a.testoni with a contemporary design.
A.Testoni S.p.A. - P.zza XX Settembre, 1 40121 Bologna - Tel. +39 051 8901711 - Fax +39 051 8901740 - N. REA BO 299010 - Cap. Soc. Euro 5.018.542 I.V. - P. iva 00300560372 © a.Testoni 2011 - All rights reserved