On the eve of the 50th anniversary of the company, we went to visit it to discover how exactly Pèpè shoes are made. Now as then, they are artisanally manufactured in accordance with the Made in Italy tradition. “The construction of our shoes is traditional and also includes ‘Ideal’ workmanship, which is the very best kind when it comes to guaranteeing flexibility and softness. – explains Paola Pizzetti – We use first-rate quality materials, vegetable-tanned leathers, the finest nappa leathers and natural linings to guarantee comfort and breathability”.
On the shelves of the in-house laboratory library are displayed some of Pèpè’s cult models: one model with eyelets and another with perforated details. Surrounding them, in an array of colours and shapes, are zebra-striped pony sandals, glittery sandals, flats with pompoms, Texan booties, and sports shoes… “In the beginning, Pèpè only produced slippers and shoes for infants. It was with my entry into the company in 1994 that we decided to develop a larger collection – explains Paola Pizzetti – Today, this includes various kinds of classic and sporty footwear, a complete line of models, characterised by a retro design that is open to contemporary contaminations, where attention to details and the choice in colours and materials – which today also includes lamé, glitter, pony, and velvet – takes on maximum importance”.
This is why P
èpè shoes end up in the very best children’s boutiques and in clothing stores where they complete the most romantic outfits with their style. Obviously, this is in addition to being the protagonists in the brand’s very own flagship stores of Milan and Paris.
“In Europe, our markets are France, Belgium, and Denmark – explains Paola Pizzetti – we also have an important presence in the USA and in the Far East. In Japan and in South Korea, they especially appreciate the style of our footwear. However, we are beginning to work well also in China, a market we have decided to focus on in the near future”.
And online? “We are working on a project for the restyling of our website that will also include e-commerce and it will most likely be ready for our fiftieth anniversary. In the meantime, we are on the Farfetch platform and Smallable”.
What will Pèpè, which has always been an exhibitor in the Apartment section of Pitti Bimbo, present for the next edition of the fair? “We have cemented a partnership with Illy Trilly, a brand that produces hairbands and backpacks, which is in sync with our universe. After the success recorded in our stores, we will now present this collaboration to our public in Florence”.
