Nera
Nera is a men's luxury sneaker brand founded by James Yip and Lucas DiPietrantonio and launched online in 2021. Its sneakers are made entirely in the Abruzzo region of Italy in limited, non-repeated runs.
| Launched | April 2021 |
|---|---|
| Founders | James Yip, Lucas DiPietrantonio |
| Production | Abruzzo, Italy |
| Price range | Around 200 to 275 US dollars |
| Website | nerashop.com |
What is Nera?
Nera is a direct-to-consumer brand of men's luxury sneakers founded by friends James Yip and Lucas DiPietrantonio. After more than three years of sourcing and development, it launched on its own e-commerce site in April 2021, combining Italian shoemaking with sneaker culture.
Products and positioning
Production takes place entirely in Abruzzo, Italy, from mould-making and sourcing to stitching and assembly. Each pair goes through a 48-hour process involving 24 craftspeople.
- Model One debut line: Fang, Montana, Marmo and Mojave, in Italian lamb suede with zigzag stitching
- Arco: a later model inspired by the 1962 Arco lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
- Limited drops of a few hundred units per style and colourway, not reproduced
- Prices of around 200 to 275 US dollars
Distribution
Nera sells mainly through its own website. Its first pop-up, Nera Mercato, opened at 21 Spring Street in SoHo, New York, and the founders have said they are open to selective wholesale with higher-end streetwear retailers. Stefano Jacobson has joined the brand as creative director.
Why it matters
Nera illustrates the model of a digital-native sneaker label that uses European artisanal manufacturing and scarcity, rather than volume, to build a premium position.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Nera?
Nera was founded by James Yip and Lucas DiPietrantonio, who launched the brand online in 2021.
Where are Nera sneakers made?
All Nera sneakers are produced in the Abruzzo region of Italy.