StyleNest take five minutes with the beautiful Natalia Barbieri, co-founder of luxury shoe brand Bionda Castana.

Natalia talks shoes, fashion and beauty and tells us the story behind the creation of glamorous and versatile footwear brand Bionda Castana. Handcrafted and multifunctional, Bionda Castana shoes are elegant and classic with a stylish twist and offer a shoe for every woman and every occasion.

StyleNest love how multifunctional Bionda Castana shoes are. Was this your initial goal?

We produce shoes for women who consider shoes to be the heart of their wardrobe. We have a wide collection now of different categories, be it flats, kitten heels, wedges…so there is something for everyone. I guess when you start a collection you focus on one main theme and ours was high heels. It was always the intention to branch out into other categories as the season’s progressed.

Bionda Castana is British but the name is Italian, what is the story behind it?

Both myself and Jennifer are half Italian. Jennifer’s mother is Italian and my father is Italian. The shoes are also all handmade in Italy so we wanted an Italian brand name to reflect our heritage. Bionda Castana means Blonde Brunette in Italian. It represents the two of us; the ying and yang of us, both our dark and light side.

When you first met business partner Jennifer Portman at university in 1997, did you instantly form a connection and dream of things bigger and better outside the university walls?

Absolutely. We would constantly dream up ideas of designs, mood board fabrics and even envision how our first store would look.

When did you first realise you had a love for shoes?

It was probably via my brother Alberto. He pays a lot of attention to his appearance, very classic style and always sought after the finest quality handmade leather goods. He bought me a pair of Sergio Rossi Sky Blue Crocodile Skin pumps when I was 15. It was pretty much the stamp on my shoe obsession.

Your shoes are so versatile. What is the design process behind it? Are you trend led or do you design based on something that has inspired you?

Since I can remember both myself and Jennifer have had a compulsive obsession with shoes, and in particular high heels. Partly because my friends were always taller than me and also because I loved the way that the elegance of the high heel always made me feel at my most confident and lifted any outfit I was wearing. We see shoes as works of art and our travels to Italy every year as young girls contributed to our passion for meticulously crafted ‘Made in Italy’ shoes. Once a season has come to a close, we literally start again on a blank canvas. We are inspired by day to day, our friends, films, our travels, cultures – anything and everything. But it is predominantly our gut feeling. In each collection there is a style for everyone be it more conservative or more eccentric.

How would you describe the style of Bionda Castana? 

We are the epitomy of vibrant luxury. We use feminine lines, exuberant textures and have a contemporary vision which gives life to a footwear collection that is both distinctive and inspiring.

Who is the Bionda Castana woman?

She is empowered and assertive. There is no one else like her.

When it comes to shoes, you must have a huge collection.Do you have a favourite pair?

My favourite is probably our KIKA model which is a strappy gladiator sandal. It was the first design we did that captured the interest of the press so it was the one that got us on the map. It’s one I still wear today. And yes, I have a LOT of shoes – you can never have too many.

Do you have a favourite type of shoe? Pumps? Sandals? Wedges? Courts? Or do you alternate by outfit?

I am currently obsessing with pointed pumps.

What advice would you give our readers who want to open up their own business?

Be patient and have a clear vision. You have to say something with your designs. It’s also important to not dwell on the negatives. One must learn from their mistakes and celebrate their victories. Also, very importantly, it’s all about networking.

What is your favourite shoe from the AW12 collection?

The BELEN shoe boot in mesh with geometric panel detailing in black suede. A classic that can be worn with absolutely everything.

What is your fail safe daytime and evening shoe?

The VALERIA red suede pointed flat with zip chain detail. It’s uber comfortable and tres chic.

When shopping, how do you choose your shoes? Your mood? The weather? Your oufit?

I always dress from the feet up and living in London, sadly I have to admit that the weather is the deciding factor on which shoes to wear.

How would you describe your personal style?