Giorgia Galassi covers her face when reporters bring out the cameras. “Please don’t take my picture!” the Italian designer demurs. “It’s not about me. It’s about the shoes.” Not a surprising comment from a woman who comes from a long line of Italian footwear artisans and has helmed her own eponymous line since 1992. But once the camera is put away, Galassi can’t wait to talk about her spring ’08 collection, which reflects her own whimsical, lively personality with its bright colors, unexpected materials and charming details. Picking up sandal after sandal, each one a favorite, she smiles brightly. For this young designer, it really is about the shoes.

Giorgia Galassi's spring '08 collection, as seen at MICAM

WSAToday.com recently chatted with her about her newest designs and what it’s like to grow up in the business. Below is an extended, Web-only version of our exclusive interview, which first appeared in the December ’07 issue of WSAToday.

What’s happening with your new spring ’08 collection?

We have lots of new styles, like a suede flip flop with and an exotic-look metallic sandal. Flowers sell well for us, so those are returning, too. We’re doing a lot with thongs, a lot of flat sandals.

What were your design inspirations for spring ’08?

It was really something old, something new. I was looking to the ’60s and ’80s, but with an updated influence. I’ve been thinking about Twiggy, Audrey Hepburn, those icons from the ’60s. I love the low heels from that time period.

The Verbena, a new spring 08 style

What trends are hot right now, in terms of women’s footwear?

Metallic with some color is the most important trend for next spring. This is going to be the second season for metallics, so we needed a little bit of change.

What would you say is your niche in the market?

For us, footwear is a family tradition. My father has been in the shoe industry since he was 13, and I think that shows in what we do. Some of my clients compare me to Gianna Meliani, but I think we’re totally different. We have quality similar to Casadei, but at a lower price point, which is a good place to be.

The Phoenix

What have been some of your biggest challenges?

The American market is very difficult, and I’m trying to understand why that is. Also, now that the exchange rate is higher, U.S. buyers are being very careful.

Is there a trend that’s over?

Pointed toes are a little done. They’ll come back, but not as pointy as they have been.

What are the advantages to working with your family?

It can be hard to do business with family, but much harder to deal with outside people. My family is made up of true artisans, so they’re never going to make standard products. Everything is designed and constructed very carefully, and that’s a great benefit.

The Garden

Describe your customer to us.

She’s between 25 and 40, and she’s someone who wants to be well put together and fashion forward. She’s interested in style and fashion, but she’s also an individual.

What are you goals in expanding your brand?

I’d like to sell more outside of Italy. The big problem I face is figuring out how to deal with payments, especially from Japan. That’s my biggest market outside of Italy. That’s also an issue in Israel, Singapore and the U.S. I want to break into Neiman Marcus, but I just haven’t found the key.

If you could change something about the industry, what would it be?

I wish more clients used the Internet. Some are still very old-fashioned, and I really wished they were more open to ordering online.

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