Organized by Assocalzaturifici, in collaboration with the “Colosseum” cultural association, the “Italian Shoes, European Footprint” exhibition was inaugurated on Tuesday, 30 May, at the headquarters of the European Parliament in Brussels. Staged by Luciano Calosso and Enrica Barbano, the show aims to tell the story of the journey of a shoe of Italian design that has been subject to a continual creative interplay between past and future fashions in the world of footwear.
In addition to the undeniable historical, cultural, and artistic value of the initiative, there is also a political value: in fact, the show represents the right occasion for reminding the EU of the necessity to protect the excellence of Italian manufacturing and the right of consumers to be informed on the origin of the products they purchase. In other words, the troubling question of “Made in”, which has seen Italian footwear manufacturers acting in its favour as an official mouthpiece in Europe for the last ten years.
“Made in must become a priority for Italy and for Europe. – declares Annarita Pilotti, President of Assocalzaturifici – Is it possible that an overwhelming majority of the European Parliament declares itself in favour of compulsory origin marking, while the European Council instead denies this majority the right to a fair and equal law? For the last ten years we have strived, without any results, to guarantee consumers a regulation that informs end customers on the geographical origins of the product. So, I ask: who is afraid of Made in? Now, with England, a historic opponent, leaving the EU, we ask if the conditions are right for obtaining a majority in approving the contents of art. 7 of the consumer product safety proposal or in approving a dedicated regulation”.
The invitation extended to members of Parliament and the European Council to attend the “Italian Shoes, European Footprint” Exhibition was also an invitation for them to carefully reflect upon the extraordinary legacy represented by Made in Italy footwear. A legacy that deserves to be both recognized and protected at the same time.
The exhibition will accompany visitors on a journey dedicated to discovering the most important moments in the evolution of Italian footwear, which is represented by three different sections. The first, “Footprints, from ancient times to the 20th century” outlines the genealogy of the shapes that were precursors to 20th century women’s footwear. “Styles”, instead, tells the story of craft workmanship and high fashion in the footwear industry going into the new millennium. Finally, “Creative Pathways” highlights contemporary creative shapes, with their bold design and use of innovative materials, while also providing a glimpse into the future of the shoe.
The show was organized thanks to the support of European Parliament member Simona Bonafé, together with the collaboration of an important group of Made in Italy brands: Pompei 2000 srl, Alberto Gozzi, Aldo Bruè, Baldinini, Bruno Magli, Casadei, Gianna Meliani, Giuseppe Zanotti, Le Babe, Loriblu, Luciano Barachini, Paciotti, Pollini, Tesorone, as well as the Museo della Calzatura [Footwear Museum] in Villa Foscarini Rossi.
