Dressing up in a vibrant PatBo evening gown this season? Soon you can pick out shoes to match from the women’s label.
“It was always a dream,” founder and creative director Patricia Bonaldi told FN ahead of her brand’s “Latin Soul” show held during New York Fashion Week on Tuesday, where her first shoe collection will debut on the runway. “But I think shoes are more specific, it requires more technique, so I was waiting for the right moment to do this,” Bonaldi said of her newest venture. “I really believe this is a business inside a business.”
PatBO shoes are set to be available in late October at the start of the holiday season. The creative director views this as an opportune moment to introduce shoes, as the label has matured over the course of several years, dating back to its 2002 launch. She explained, “So I think our customer is expecting this, and I really believe that we are a lifestyle brand, so it’s natural for us to offer this category for them.”
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Bonaldi’s love of her native Brazil, where she designs with her team, played a major role in influencing the shoes. The styles are produced in Brazil, where Bonaldi noted many competitors are also manufacturing — a testament to the country’s notoriety for quality shoemaking. With styles ranging from a platform to a block heel sandal to a mule, the designer explained how the silhouettes take on an “architectural” influence, which is blended with leather craftsmanship. The styles also present a “clean” aesthetic while featuring statement floral designs.
With comfort her top concern, Bonaldi emphasized how important it was to choose the right suppliers who had the experience for the job. Luxury craftsmanship tied in with her brand’s DNA is what will make her shoes stand out in a challenging market, she believes.
PatBo footwear can serve as an accent to the brand’s ornate clothing options — Bonaldi explained how the two categories differ and overlap.
“It’s a little bit different from the clothes because it’s more clean,” she said. “Because the clothes are so detailed, the shoes will be more clean. But of course there will be shoes that have a lot of flowers and textures. I tried to use some materials that I use in my clothes.”
Shoe prices will range from approximately $450 to $1,200, with an average pair costing around $650. With this launch, Bonaldi is choosing to release the shoes only in her own stores and online; then in December, the collection will be presented to retailers. This allows her time to gauge reactions to the footwear before a wider launch.
Bonaldi’s favorite style from the new collection makes use of a new symbol for the brand, the lotus flower, which will be incorporated into other items like buttons and buckles. As a shoe design, the rounded metallic heel of a simple mule sandal is a graphic lotus flower: “It’s very beautiful, it’s very unique and I think this will be the best seller,” Bonaldi said.
As for the target audience for her footwear, Bonaldi anticipates her existing PatBo clientele to be interested, and then some. “I think she’s waiting for this, but I think we will reach a wider audience too,” the founder said. “They look like sculptures. They are really not just a functional accessory but a very bold and feminine and strong accessory.”
In addition to shoes, Bonaldi is also prepping for made-in-Italy bags to be launched next year. She shared, “I really think that this will be a new chapter for PatBO, because I think accessories bring this maturity for the brand.”
