Casadei And Gianvito Rossi: A Comparison Of Two Great “Made In Italy” Footwear Brands

What unites two prestigious footwear houses like Casadei and Gianvito Rossi? Undoubtedly, the celebrated Made in Italy craftsmanship that defines them. Italian artisanship, renowned worldwide, is inseparably linked to constant innovation—both in manufacturing techniques and in design and comfort.

The new Fall/Winter 2025 collections continue a journey of relentless stylistic refinement, constantly inventing and reinventing styles for women who cherish elegance and long to express their femininity.

Shoes are the accessory that perhaps best defines a woman’s personality. They embody both her will and her deepest, unspoken desires—the desire to seduce, to dream. Just like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, who discovers in her ruby slippers the magic to fulfill her dream, or Cinderella, whose glass slipper becomes the key to her transformation, revealing her as a beloved princess.

In their own unique way, Casadei and Gianvito Rossi narrate women’s personalities and dreams through the elegance of footwear. Casadei presents a collection infused with vibrant, confident elegance for a woman with a free spirit—one that draws inspiration from the past while reinterpreting aesthetics through a contemporary lens. The past and future intertwine, creating a modern yet nostalgic aesthetic, both fresh and innovative. The designer’s intent is to encourage and empower women to fully express themselves in their daily lives.

In contrast, Gianvito Rossi takes a different approach, adorning a woman’s foot with an almost whispered touch. From intricate designs to more essential styles, his ambition is not to astonish but to rediscover the allure of a perfectly crafted silhouette, fully aware of its innate seductive power.

Thus, confidence and elegance on one side; elegance and sophistication on the other.

This contrast is also reflected in the presentation settings of the two Maisons. Casadei welcomes guests into a luminous space, animated by reflections of mirrors and a symphony of sounds. Gianvito Rossi, on the other hand, surprises with an intimate lounge, dimly lit and adorned with an elegant fireplace, leading visitors seamlessly into a bright showroom. The transition from shadow to full light, where vibrant footwear takes center stage, creates a striking yet delicate scenographic effect, perfectly in line with Gianvito Rossi’s philosophy.

Two shoemakers, two great Maisons, two sublime visions of women’s footwear. What unites them goes beyond artisanal excellence and stylistic innovation—it is an invisible thread weaving together elegance, creative vision, and a timeless aesthetic pursuit. A subtle, precious harmony permeates every detail, transforming each creation into an authentic expression of beauty and refinement. Let’s explore together what the Fall/Winter 2025 collections reveal about these two masters.

Suede undoubtedly holds a place of prominence. At Gianvito Rossi, suede is a preferred material, particularly for daytime wear. His iconic pumps are presented in an audacious palette featuring 30 different suede shades—from deep, luxurious purple, the season’s standout hue, to refined brown variations and sophisticated emerald green. The seductive Art Deco-inspired line is also highly appreciated, featuring gold accents and bold color-block combinations, such as red and purple or monochrome designs. Both the colors and styles are designed to capture attention, making women feel like protagonists.

At Casadei’s maison, suede is primarily used for boots and handbags. A standout piece is the elegant Aurora ankle boot, featuring a refined cape-like detail at the ankle—an irresistible design that demands a second glance. Aurora is available in deep burgundy or classic black suede, complete with a delicate ankle strap.

Casadei’s FW 2025 Collection; Images Taken By Alina Balijja

Casadei’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection distinguishes itself through its variety of styles and the richness of its designs, embodying an eclectic and ambitious elegance. The inspiration behind the collection is captured in its name, La Donna Farfalla (The Butterfly Woman), symbolizing strength, transformation, and innate versatility.

A striking example is the Malesia line, with bold leopard prints adorning everyday essentials such as crystal-embellished ballet flats, boots, and the Venus cone-heel sandal. Another standout is the Lingerie boot and its matching pump, crafted with intricately flocked panels that create the illusion of lace—an embodiment of the Casadei woman’s ability to play with power and seduction.

Now, like a graceful dance, let us step back in time and embrace the revival of a significant 1970s-inspired platform, recurring in both Maisons, as well as the Over-the-Knee boot—a timeless staple since the 1960s—crafted in soft suede with a slim heel, of course. Gianvito Rossi, in particular, places Over-the-Knee boots at the heart of his collection, offering them in a wide range of refined suede shades with remarkable depth and intensity.

This winter, footwear will take center stage in defining women’s outfits, bringing back a way of dressing that seems almost forgotten by time.

And for the evening? Naturally, the night calls for sparkle. Casadei believes that “Every woman is a star who should shine,” a philosophy reflected in the return of Julia, a stunning cage-style sandal adorned with shimmering mini baguette crystals that catch the light with every step. Available in silver and black, the look is completed by the matching Starlink Party Bag, featuring the brand’s logo.

Gianvito Rossi’s FW 2025 Collection; Images Taken By Alina Balijja

For Gianvito Rossi, the evening is his natural element—a stage where his artistic vision comes to life through creations of pure elegance. His refined suede slingback pumps feature sophisticated cut-out details, while silk organza uppers adorned with hand-applied crystals and signature plexi designs with metallic pointed toes showcase his meticulous attention to special-occasion footwear.

The designer’s creativity shines through bold and unexpected pairings, merging plexi with dazzling crystals to create visually lightweight yet striking models. Sensual satin sandals in deep purple exude a daring yet refined allure, while the models with intertwined laces offer a more discreet elegance in shimmering bronze and gold hues. The collection as a whole strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, enriched by exquisite details that convey grace, refinement, and timeless luxury.

We have explored two distinct worlds, each with its own unique character, yet united by a shared mission: to preserve and enhance the artistic, technological, and artisanal heritage of Made in Italy.

Exquisite materials meet the boldness of innovation, giving rise to eclectic creations that reinterpret tradition with refined modernity. This journey through elegance and comfort is designed for a woman who is confident in her worth, seeking luxury as an authentic expression of herself.