Content area
Full Text
Designing Duo
There's a new footwear pair stepping into the comfort market for spring '06. Jonathan Roselli and Nicola Bachini, recent graduates of Milan-based design school Arsatoria Appel, have teamed up to launch GianNicola. "After viewing the business, we saw something missing," Roselli said. The line of upscale looks for women puts the focus on the attributes the team saw the market lacking, including color and detailing. (Bachini has a background in production: his father owns a shoe factory in Italy's Tuscany region.)
Produced in Italy, the collection is built around the brand's contoured footbed, which incorporates built-in arch support and cushioning. To further enhance the comfort factor, the footbeds are designed with toe grips covered in soft nubuck to prevent slippage. While the debut collection of eight patterns focuses on heels and wedges, they never climb more than two inches in height.
Moving into fall '06, the collection will be expanded to include a wardrobe of styles, from boots to sport-inspired looks. Aimed at customers age 30 and over, the line is available in European sizes and...