The Dimension of Elegance

In Guido Vergani’s “Dictionary of Fashion”, Franco Rivolta offers this memory: “Then, through a glass door, a theatrical entrance made flesh, a living coup-de-théâtre, he would arrive, small, smiling, fast-moving, with tousled white hair.  He wore a white lavallièr e bow tie with white polka dots. Physically, he was somewhere between Arturo Toscanini and Charlie Chaplin’s Calvero from Limelight. Rivolta’s last produced shoes gave every man’s foot unrivaled slenderness.”

Founded by Enrico Rivolta in 1883 in Via del Gesù in Milan, Calzoleria Rivolta soon made a name for itself, thanks to its exquisitely handcrafted bespoke shoes, using the most refined cobbling techniques. Before WW II, the atelier was moved to Via Verri by Enrico’s son, Franco Rivolta.

During the fervid years of the reconstruction and the economic boom of the ‘60s, Rivolta made-to-measure shoes became the ultimate in masculine elegance. In addition to many of the leading Milanese aristocratic and bourgeois families and cultural figures, clients came from all over Italy, and many aficionados from overseas followed suit as well, especially from the UK.

Today the brand legacy has been handed to Fabrizio Rivolta, a direct descendant of Enrico and Franco, who decided to dedicate his efforts to extending the family tradition and opened the new Rivolta atelier in 2009 in Via della Spiga 17 in Milan.

Calzoleria Rivolta is characterized by the construction and aesthetical values of the tradition and by the innovation through next-generation technology.
A challenge that has been met by combining the style of the Milanese shoemaking school – elegantly rigorous and simple in shape – with technical expertise, a marked artisanal propensity, and superior workmanship – Goodyear, Blake, Norvegese – and advanced digital processing.

The product range, rigorously Made in Italy, is divided among various sectors: bespoke, personalized, or made to order and 1883 Heritage in ready-to-wear. More sporty and less structured, but without forsaking the brand’s refinement and elegance, are the lightweight Mocassini Aria and the Marine collection, the last with a nautical flair but perfect in town as well.

In addition, accessories – backpacks, overnight bags, document and credit cardholders in leather or crocodile, also personalized – and a range of shoe care products.
Lastly, there are shoe care cases of various sizes in mahogany and shoehorns in precious materials.

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