GUIDI SPRING/SUMMER 2019 ARRIVALS

Tucked away among the sleepy hills of Tuscany lies the unassuming city of Pescia, home to the world-renowned label Guidi. Founded in 1896 by Guido Guidi, Giovanni Rosellini and Gino Ulivo foremost as a leather tannery, the family-run company only relatively recently expanded to shoemaking and leather-working in 2004. Dedicated to providing the highest quality hides, the tannery’s client list includes labels Rick Owens, Boris Bidjan Saberi, Leon Emanuel Blanck and Layer-0.

Guidi’s foray into shoemaking arose from a mere passion project of the company’s (current) head, Ruggero Guidi. Fascination with the art of shoemaking and a desire to recreate the feel of old workers’ footwear led Guidi to produce shoes with his own leather and eventually, with the help of former Carpe Diem employee Alessia Righi Amante, show off to the world.

With a focus on durability and aesthetics, Guidi utilises modern technology and traditional shoemaking techniques to create now-iconic footwear. Each pair goes through multiple handmade processes to replicate silhouettes which harken back to older, rustic roots while methods such as Goodyear welting ensure longevity. Another signature feature of Guidi pieces is the object-dyed treatment, which allows a more even colour tone across the upper and sole.

Year after year Guidi has been relentless in its development of new silhouettes by modifying existing models. A new addition to the collection is the PLS sneaker boot. Taking the upper measurements of the PL1 front-zip boot, Guidi opts for a treaded, rubber sole, adding modern versatility. The 112 derbies are another example. The combination of linen and leather is eye-catching and carries a vintage feel, topped off with contrast fabric laces. Accessories like the yellow Q10M are constructed from linen, deviating from the leather-centric focus that Guidi is most known for while remaining classic.

Unafraid of colour experimentation, Guidi introduces several bold shades for the courageous. The SA05V buckled sandal and SNB00 hiking boot in neon yellow and green add a pop to the usual black or neutral colour outfits whilst retaining Guidi’s aesthetics. Perhaps the most unique is the “Metro” colourway; an urban camouflage pattern of splattered black and greys painted onto the leather. Taking militant influences, these PL2 boots are a mix of modern and traditional cultures, a representation of the tannery’s journey till today.