1929

AMEDEO TESTONI ESTABLISHES A.TESTONI

From a young age, Amedeo Testoni pursued his craft in Bologna, the historical centre of shoemaking. By the age of 24, he had already learned the secret techniques of great masters. In 1929, he opened his own workshop. Thus, the a. testoni brand was born.

THE BIRTH OF THE SIGNATURE SPIRAL

The distinctive spiral that adorns many of AMEDEO TESTONI's most celebrated footwear makes its first appearance. A sign of high workmanship, the spiral was originally conceived to hide the twine that attaches the sole. While Amedeo Testoni has innovated upon the shoemaker's art, the spiral remains a signature detail that symbolises uncompromising craft.

1930

AN ERA OF CONTRASTS

Amedeo Testoni expresses his creativity through contrasting colours and intriguing shades—transforming the formal Oxford and loafers into lively sartorial statements. These fresh new creations astounded the Brits but amazed the Americans, for whom the flashy footwear became style icons that evoke the romance of Prohibition-era speakeasies, jazz clubs and swing music.

1946

THE FILETTONE MAKES ITS DEBUT

AMEDEO TESTONI introduces the filettone—a thin leather piping that creates a perfect, non-overlapping seam between various pieces of the shoe. It also serves as an exquisite border between colour contrasts and adds character to the footwear. This innovation has become synonymous with quality and can still be found in our dress shoes.

1949

MARISA TESTONI JOINS THE FAMILY BUSINESS

In 1949, Amedeo Testoni’s daughter Marisa took up the torch for her father’s dream. From the late 1940s to the mid-2000s, Marisa brought her creative vision to the brand as Creative Director. Under her leadership, the brand regaled the world with some of its most spectacular and influential creations.

1952

ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE

Amedeo Testoni has always been a patron of the arts. He was especially fond of the theatre. In the 1950s, he designed theatrical masterpieces which included these ankle boots with dramatic buckles, elevated heels and oversized tongues. The collection has been lovingly preserved in the AMEDEO TESTONI archives.

1954

EXOTIC INSPIRATION

In the early 1950s, AMEDEO TESTONI introduced exotic leathers to the collections. With a range of magnificent skins—including crocodile, ostrich, python, lizard and shark—creativity was boundless. Transforming these leathers into works of art requires specialised skills, which have been continuously refined and upheld by our artisans today.

1964

DEBUT OF OUR WOMEN’S FOOTWEAR COLLECTION

While Amedeo Testoni made its name with men’s shoes, the brand applied equal passion and even greater artistry to our women’s collection. With stylistic flourishes such as intarsias, weaves and filettones, the collection became an instant success. Embracing the changing attitudes towards gender roles, typically masculine models were reinterpreted in feminine ways, featuring wider heels for stability and confidence. These style icons provide a glimpse of women’s lives during the 1960s and 70s.

1965

CRAFTED FOR THE ELEGANT SOPHIA LOREN

Amedeo Testoni created this fabulous custom pair of boots for Sophia Loren, one of Italy’s biggest film stars of the twentieth century. This exquisite creation was masterfully handcrafted of supple calfskin and suede, embellished with a lizard skin appliqué along the entire shaft. The contrasting colours and materials add a luxurious twist to this trendy 60s-style pattern.

1966

PRESENTING OUR
MEN’S LEATHER GOODS

AMEDEO TESTONI launches a line of leather goods for men. This was followed in 1971 by our long-awaited men’s bag collection. Crafted with the utmost care to match our shoes, these elegant accessories highlight the sartorial excellence of the well-dressed gentleman.

1967

THE INTARSIA COLLECTION MAKES ITS MARK

Inspired by the legendary Italian cabinetmaker Giuseppe Maggiolini (1738-1814), Amedeo’s daughter Marisa Testoni designs a breathtaking intarsia collection. Just like in woodworking, Testoni’s artisans apply the utmost care and precision to create ornamental, two-toned motifs on a leather base. Marisa’s creations feature geometric shapes reminiscent of the magnificent marble intarsias in Italian churches.

1968

BIG SHOES TO FILL FOR
GIANT BABA

When it comes to delighting our customers, no request is too large. When professional wrestler Giant Baba requested custom footwear, Amedeo Testoni happily obliged. The shoes created specifically for him was a UK size 16.5 (EU size 51) with an O width. Most importantly, like every Testoni creation, it was big on style and craftsmanship.

1969 & 1973

INTRODUCING OUR WOMEN’S LARGE LEATHER GOODS

Shortly after introducing the women’s shoes collection in 1969, AMEDEO TESTONI launched a line of matching belts that showcase impeccable leathercraft. In 1973, this success was followed by a line of exquisite women’s handbags, much to the delight of stylist as everywhere.

1970

FIRST COLLECTION TO FEATURE “STITCH AND TURN” INTERNAL STITCHING

AMEDEO TESTONI is renowned for unparalleled attention to detail. Of the many signature touches, the use of internal stitching truly expresses mastery and dedication. Inspired by stitching on haute couture, the uppers were crafted with hidden seams—resulting in an incomparably sleek and graceful silhouette. This level of refinement is a testament to the skill of our artisans.

1972

A GIFT FOR THE EMPRESS OF IRAN

Amedeo Testoni creates his first pair of boots made entirely of crocodile leather. These objets d’art were given to Farah Diba, the Empress of Iran. With a deep brown lustre and refined silhouette, the boots exhibit a level of workmanship and artistry worthy of royalty. Even today, its timeless style still inspires footwear designers worldwide.

1976

NEW FACTORY AND
HEAD OFFICE ESTABLISHED

During the 1960s, our creations continued to grow in popularity across Europe, North America and Asia. To keep up with demand, we opened a large-scale factory in the province of Bologna in 1976. By employing teams of highly skilled artisans, we expanded production without compromising quality. Our head office moved to the building in Piazza XX Settembre, in the centre of Bologna.

1978

WELCOME TO OUR FIRST FLAGSHIP STORES

In July 1978, we unveiled our flagship store in Toulouse, France. Two years later, we welcomed shoppers to our second flagship store in Singapore. At these luxuriously appointed spaces, discerning customers can discover our ever-expanding range of men’s and women’s footwear, briefcase, handbags and other handcrafted leather goods.

1983

WINGTIPS FOR GIANNI VERSACE

Legendary Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace is spotted with a showstopping pair of brown leather slip-ons, custom-made by Amedeo Testoni. With full-brogue detailing, an impeccable cap medallion and matching leather tassels, these shoes exuded elegance with a touch of flamboyance.

1992-1994

IN HARMONY WITH LUCIANO PAVAROTTI

Amedeo Testoni was an avid fan of the great tenor Luciano Pavarotti. In the early 1990s, we had the privilege to be a key sponsor of many Pavarotti international events. These grand occasions combined the tenor’s two undying passions: music and horses.

2001

BIRTH OF OUR NEVERENDING T PATTERN

In the late 1990s, after years of using the lowercase t from our logo, we began experimenting with patterns featuring a capital T. This opened up new possibilities and also reflected the bold steps we were taking on the world stage. During it all, we stayed true to our values, which was symbolised by this lowercase pattern from our Fall Winter 2001 Collection.

2002

THROUGH THE LENS OF PETER LINDBERG

To enter the new millennium in style, we launched an advertising campaign and catalogue by internationally acclaimed fashion photographer Peter Lindberg. With a minimalist yet bold approach, the campaign captured the essence of AMEDEO TESTONI ’s timeless design and craftsmanship.

LAUNCH OF THE INTERLOCKING T FILIGREE

Since adopting the capital T as a design element, many unique patterns came to life. Here is another mesmerising geometric design, which appeared on the cover of our catalogue by renowned fashion photographer Peter Lindberg in 2002.

2005

LAUNCH OF OUR
ICONIC HEXAGON PATTERN

Amedeo Testoni’s Hexagon Pattern as we know it today was launched in 2019. But its origins came from our signature Honeycomb Pattern, which was first showcased in the mid-2000. For this iconic design, Marisa Testoni had been inspired by the hexagonal tiles used in churches across Italy.

2006

AMEDEO TESTONI PATENTS THE PIUMA RAPID TECHNIQUE

Improving upon the age-old Norwegian construction, Piuma Rapid uses chain stitching with hand-braided linen twine—creating a feather-light shoe that insulates the foot from heat, cold and humidity. This innovative design delivered unsurpassed comfort and freedom of movement.

AMEDEO TESTONI TURTLE BAG IN “THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA

Our brand graced the silver screen. The production team of “The Devil Wears Prada” asked our New York press office to send them a poster from our Fall Winter 2005 campaign. The poster showcases the Testoni Turtle Bag, a limited-edition design object that was originally only launched in Europe. Due to its cult status, the Turtle Bag was eventually released worldwide

2008

STEPPING OUT WITH
GOLDIE HAWN

Celebrities around the world appreciate our exquisite designs. These stunning black suede ankle boots with silver studs from our Fall Winter 2008 Collection were purchased by actress and producer Goldie Hawn in one of our New York boutiques.

2009

WE’RE OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD

In celebration of the 70th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz, Warner Bros. invited us to create a modern reinterpretation of Dorothy’s famous ruby slippers. Our crocodile skin creation is contemporary, feminine and brimming with confidence. It features a satin bow with a Swarovski crystal pavé heart, rounded points and elegant conical heels.

2010

WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE SHOES

AMEDEO TESTONI unveiled the world's most expensive pair of shoes. Priced at US$38,000, our Moro monk-strap model is handcrafted from the world's finest alligator leather, featuring our patented Piuma Rapid technique in a process that takes over 200 exacting steps. This extravagant footwear is finished with a diamond-encrusted gold buckle.

2013

TRIBUTE TO ERNEST LUBITSCH

To commemorate the Rome International Film Festival in 2013, AMEDEO TESTONI introduced a special collection of three shoes inspired by the 1916 film “Shoe Palace Pinkus”, directed by the legendary Ernst Lubitsch. Created exclusively for the event, the shoes were remakes of earlier models from our archives. These icons from the past returned as testaments to timeless style.

A SALUTE TO GIUSEPPE VERDI

In honour of the great composer’s bicentenary, AMEDEO TESTONI created two limited-edition tributes. The gorgeous women’s court shoes boast slender 11cm heels and two-tone soles, while the classy men’s Oxfords feature a tapered design and burgundy filettone. Printed on the fine ivory Nappa leather was the opera’s score. The models were named Violetta and Alfredo—the opera’s main characters.

2014

HIGH HONOURS IN HONG KONG AND CHINA

Amedeo Testoni received two prestigious awards for bringing Italian craftsmanship to Greater China. We were presented with the Hong Kong Special Award during the 2014 Cathay Pacific Business Awards at Palazzo Lombardia. In the same year, we also won the Time-Honoured Panda Award at the Panda d’Oro, organised by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in China.

2021

THE NEW LOOK OF CONFIDENCE

The new AMEDEO TESTONI logo pays homage to our founder, the incomparable Amedeo Testoni. With its bold yet timeless typeface, AMEDEO TESTONI Red background that evokes Bologna’s famous Lambrusco wine, and exquisite sense of balance, the new brand identity exudes confidence and craft-making it the perfect symbol of our brand.