When it comes to reputation in the footwear industry, it doesn’t get much higher than that of Italian shoes.
Renowned for their impeccable craftsmanship and timeless elegance, Italian shoes, especially Bruno Magli, are among the most popular dress shoe brands for men.
Bruno Magli, founded in 1936, is a prestigious Italian brand known for its luxury footwear and clothing (Credit: Tupungato / Shutterstock)
In a world obsessed with novelty, Bruno Magli proves that sometimes it’s best to stick to what you know. The brand has maintained its luxury status since 1936 by upholding time-honored traditions and choosing classic designs.
It’s been a celebrity favorite since its rise to fame in the 50s and is still well-loved by the most stylish people on the planet. Find out all about the quintessential Italian shoe label below!
The History of Bruno Magli
Bruno Magli started as a small family business in Bologna, Italy. Shoemaking and fine craftsmanship were a family tradition; Bruno’s grandfather was a cobbler who taught him everything he knew.
His siblings Maria and Marino joined Bruno in their humble basement headquarters. By 1947, the operation moved into a proper factory, and its product range expanded to include shoes for both men and women.
Bruno Magli’s luxurious dress shoes continue to be designed and handcrafted in Italy, showcasing timeless elegance (Credit: Bruno Magli Facebook)
The company experienced rapid growth throughout the 1950s and 60s, opening several boutiques across Italy. Bruno Magli quickly gained worldwide acclaim for its impeccable quality and craftsmanship. Esteemed celebrities like Sophia Loren and Marilyn Monroe favored the brand, cementing it as a symbol of luxury and elegance.
The label continued its global expansion over the next few decades and also introduced an accessories range featuring handbags and cold-weather goods. By the 1990s, Bruno Magli boutiques could be found on almost every continent!
In recent years, Bruno Magli was acquired by Marquee Brands, a global brand management company based in New York. Despite the shift in ownership, Bruno Magli remains true to its roots, with all production still taking place in Italy. This ensures the brand continues to deliver the exceptional quality and craftsmanship it has been known for since 1936.
Legendary Italian Quality & Craftsmanship
To this day, Bruno Magli shoes are renowned for their high level of quality and exceptional Italian craftsmanship.
The brand is dedicated to preserving the traditional Italian shoe-making techniques used by the Magli siblings and their ancestors. As a nod to the brand’s heritage, all Bruno Magli shoes and accessories are still designed and handmade in Italy.
Bruno Magli shoes are timeless and sophisticated, with clean lines and simple details that will never go out of style. Although the brand has added modern styles like sneakers and slides into its collections, the designs retain a classic Italian aesthetic.
Bruno Magli’s classic lace-up sneaker, crafted from soft Italian full-grain leather, exemplifies modern comfort with a timeless style (Credit: Bruno Magli Facebook)
Bruno Magli brogues, loafers, and pumps are particularly sought after by business professionals and special occasion shoppers.
The label is still a favorite among A-list celebrities, including Zoe Saldana, Lupita Nyong’o, Ryan Hurd, John Legend, Liev Schreiber, and brand ambassador Lucy Liu. Fashion enthusiasts from all walks of life also love Bruno Magli products for their reasonable price points.
Despite being handmade in Italy with top-quality leather, most shoes range from $300 – $500, making Bruno Magli leaders of accessible luxury.
An Unexpected Celebrity Endorsement
Bruno Magli’s worldwide popularity is also linked to a notorious event in pop culture history: the OJ Simpson murder trial in the 1990s. A pair of Bruno Magli ‘Lorenzo’ shoes were used as part of the evidence against the infamous football player, an alleged fan of the brand.
The sinister proof was a bloody ‘Lorenzo’ footprint in size 12, which happened to be OJ Simpson’s size. Although it was never proven that OJ owned those particular Bruno Magli shoes, civil prosecutor Daniel Petrocelli believed it was a possibility.
Bruno Magli’s classic bit loafer slip-on combines sophistication and versatility
The footballer had previously been photographed in another pair of Bruno Magli’s at a 1993 football game.
According to Petrocelli, only 9% of the population wore that size, and a mere 299 pairs of Bruno Magli’s Lorenzo shoes had been sold in the USA around the time of the murder.
In a strange turn of events, this new public exposure to the Bruno Magli brand led to a 30% increase in sales in 1996. Although the shoes did not end up being the strong piece of evidence that Daniel Petrocelli hoped for, they certainly proved that all press is good press!
The Best Places To Buy Bruno Magli Shoes
Are you ready to add some fine Italian quality to your shoe collection? As a renowned luxury label, Bruno Magli shoes can be found in many designer department stores. Our favorite places to shop for Bruno Magli shoes are:
1. Bloomingdale’s
2. Zappos
3. Nordstrom
4. Amazon
You can also visit the official Bruno Magli website to view their full range of Italian shoes, sunglasses, cold-weather accessories, and leather goods!
Caitlyn Jenner’s Timeless Elegance in Bruno Magli
Caitlyn Jenner is definitely a Kardashian. The former Olympic athlete and current reality TV star seems to be taking fashion tips from her kids.
Caitlyn Jenner opted for light and natural makeup with loose waves in her hair (Credit: WENN)
In October 2016, she looked as chic as the rest of the “Keeping Up” clan at the screening of the biographical war film Hacksaw Ridge.
The then-66-year-old donned a rose pink bodycon dress that showed off her long legs and curves. The dress looked like something out of Kim Kardashian’s closet.
Caitlyn Jenner showcased a chic and daring look in a form-fitting dress (Credit: WENN)
Although Caitlyn Jenner didn’t reveal as much skin as her daughters typically would, she still showcased a tasteful amount of flesh.
Caitlyn Jenner highlights her legs in a stunning rose pink bodycon dress (Credit: WENN)
Caitlyn’s makeup was light and natural, and she kept her hair in loose waves.
Caitlyn Jenner in a stylish pink bodycon dress at the Hacksaw Ridge screening in Beverly Hills, October 24, 2016 (Credit: WENN)
The Kardashian-Jenner patriarch paired her fitted dress with Bruno Magli snakeskin sandals.
Caitlyn Jenner shows off her feet in Bruno Magli sandals (Credit: WENN)
Given her already impressive height of 6’2″, the sandals featured modest 2.9-inch heels. She is confidently embracing her femininity.
Caitlyn Jenner rocks Bruno Magli snakeskin shoes (Credit: WENN)
Snakeskin Bruno Magli Sandals, £428