Bruno Magli
Marquee Brands · Italy
Bruno Magli is an Italian footwear brand founded in Bologna in 1936 by the siblings Marino, Mario and Bruno Magli. It makes men's and women's shoes and leather goods and is owned by Marquee Brands.
| Founded | 1936 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Marino, Mario and Bruno Magli |
| Origin | Bologna, Italy |
| Owner | Marquee Brands (since 2015) |
| Website | brunomagli.com |
What is Bruno Magli?
Bruno Magli is an Italian brand of men's and women's shoes and leather goods. Its products are still designed and made in Italy, while its corporate office operates from the New York offices of owner Marquee Brands.
History
Siblings Marino, Mario and Bruno Magli learned shoemaking from their grandfather and began making shoes in the basement of their Bologna home, opening their first shoe factory in 1936. From the 1980s the company opened more than forty retail stores in the United States, Australia, China and Europe.
Ownership changed several times in the 21st century:
- 2001: Opera, a Luxembourg investment fund half-owned by Bulgari, took a controlling stake
- 2007: UK private equity firm Fortelus Capital bought the brand
- 2014: Swiss fund Da Vinci Invest acquired it
- 2015: Marquee Brands acquired the brand and its intellectual property
Products and positioning
The brand covers dress and casual footwear for men and women, alongside handbags and other leather goods, positioned on Italian craftsmanship.
Why it matters
Bruno Magli shows how a family-founded Italian shoemaker can be carried forward under a brand-management model, with an owner focused on licensing and partnerships rather than manufacturing.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Bruno Magli?
Bruno Magli has been owned by Marquee Brands since 2015.
Where is Bruno Magli from?
Bruno Magli was founded in Bologna, Italy, in 1936 and its products are still designed and made in Italy.