Behind Carmina there is the Albaladejo family that has been making shoes on the island of Majorca for almost 150 years. The company itself, Carmina Shoemaker was found in 1997 by José Albaladejo, even though it was just to continue a long tradition together with his family. Visiting at their booth is always a pleasure and this time in Florence was no exception.
Carmina shoes are made using best possible leathers (including Horween shell cordovan of which special treatments the company is renowed and more exotic leather choices such as alligator, crocodile and lizard), all shoes are goodyear-stitched and made with the same techniques, consistency and perfection as their English counterparts. Read about the eleven steps of making Carmina shoes from here.
Regarding the presentation at Pitti Uomo - new design to highlight was definitely the “U-tip” balmoral-oxford (and -boot) made on the “Rain” last combining leather and suede smoothly together. Perfectly suitable for business and also for others more formal occasions.
In terms of the selection, one of the strengths of Carmina in general is definitely their wide selection of boots, ranging from most formal balmoral versions all the way to more casual options such as chukka or shell cordovan derby boots featuring thick dainite rubber soles.
Different boots for different occasions. Was personally especially fond of the brown calf x brown suede chelsea boot in the middle of the top picture.
The selection of alligator and lizard skin leathers
“Sauma x Carmina”
This time visited the booth together with the guys from Sauma so I got to take a look of their choices of upcoming models for the upcoming season at the same time. Some really nice suede options (including some string and tassel loafers, slip-on and single monks) gonna be on wild at the streets of Helsinki during summer.
Green is the new black - looking forward to see some loafers made of this green suede on my feet.
Carmina on the screen
Interesting detail was also that Carmina has fit the actors for the next Woody Allen movie “Magic in the moonlight” that will be in theaters this spring and summer. At the booth there were presented also pairs that are gonna be seen in the movie signed by Collin Firth and Woody Allen.
Finally, we also had a short discussion regarding Carmina possibly making a trunk show visit in Helsinki. Look forward to that and will keep you informed on the matter as soon as we know more.
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