Inspired by minimal style and the grunge aesthetic, Mi Piaci’s In Focus collection explores timeless and innovative designs for all occasions. Designer Ellie Mills was motivated by customers’ concerns about purchasing high-quality shoes that are on trend while also being a wardrobe staple for years to come, creating over 20 timeless designs.
“There’s no way we could look at the world around us and not create products for people's needs and circumstances,” said Mills. “You can’t design in a vacuum”.
One of the highlights of this collection is the reintroduction of the pointed-toe kitten heel design. This collection also features modern takes on iconic footwear, such as black and white loafers, strappy ballet flats and slingback mules. However, the centre point of the In Focus collection is the box calf leather, a luxurious and new textile with a history of high-end footwear.
“This is a premium leather used traditionally on luxury footwear and leather goods,” said Mills. “It initially has a stiffer face to the leather but ages gracefully with wear.”
Mi Piaci created striking and unique silhouettes, with exaggerated square and elongated chisel toe being one of the focal points. The colour pallet of this collection branches out from just the traditional black, brown and white to the deep Oxblood burgundy that is perfect for winter and metallic blue, an eye-catching but classy shade that hopes to add a pop of colour to your wardrobe.
The use and lack of texture also varied from previous seasons. Mills chose to strip back the embroidery on last season's Annie boot, intentionally creating a staple that lives past the Western footwear trend. Mills also incorporated big buckles on the Jazz flat and the Bracken ankle boot. This simple touch pays a subtle head nod to the extremely popular Ganni slingback pumps made popular at the end months of 2023.
This collection repeats several Mi Piaci iconic styles, such as the Spencer loafer, Marley slingback, and Ellroy ankle boot. In addition to this, the slingback Ditta, Florentine loafer, and Annie western boots are new or improved styles that fit into the upcoming winter style.
When designing this collection, Mills focused on functionality and inclusivity, hoping that people of all demographics could find purpose in their styles. Using thicker soles and softer leather guaranteed a new comfort level without compromising the design. Mills added that they improved underfoot comfort and flexible outsoles for a more enjoyable wearing experience.
“We spent hours upon hours and countless fitting across all feet and legs with our support office as well as store teams to make sure we were creating the best product we could,” said Mills.
Mi Piaci’s In Focus designs seamlessly transitions from autumn to winter footwear, providing high-quality shoes that will stay in style for seasons to come.
