Gondolina
Gondolina is a Venetian footwear brand that reimagines the traditional Italian friulana slipper as a flat, waterproof shoe. The shoes are handmade in Italy in limited runs.
| Origin | Venice, Italy |
|---|---|
| Founders | Javier Fernández and Agnese |
| Signature design | Friulana-inspired flat shoe |
| Soles | Recycled bicycle inner tubes |
| Production | Handmade in Italy |
| Website | gondolinaofficial.com |
What is Gondolina?
Gondolina is an Italian footwear brand rooted in Venice. It reinterprets the traditional friulana slipper, a flat shoe long associated with the Venetian lagoon, as a contemporary, waterproof design. The shoes are handmade in Italy by local artisans in limited runs, with production in Friuli Venezia Giulia.
History
The brand was created by Javier Fernández, from Spain, and Agnese, from Italy, who met in 2018 between Madrid and Venice. They launched Gondolina as a creative project and a way to spend more time together. Fernández, a former lawyer, leads the business and strategy, including international expansion and the opening of flagship boutiques in Venice.
Products and positioning
The range consists mostly of Mary Janes and mules in silk and velvet. The design is patented and includes an ergonomic inner lift, described as invisible, that keeps the traditional silhouette.
Materials and construction are a central part of the brand's story. It uses a local supply chain, waste fabrics and Italian cotton velvet, with soles made from 100% recycled bicycle inner tubes and water-based adhesives. Packaging contains no plastic and is FSC certified.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Gondolina from?
Gondolina is a Venetian footwear brand. Its shoes are handmade in Italy, with production in Friuli Venezia Giulia.
What does Gondolina sell?
Gondolina sells flat shoes inspired by the friulana slipper, mostly Mary Janes and mules in silk and velvet.