Fifty years ago, founder Enrico Bracalente set out to create more than just a footwear brand. He built NeroGiardini on a foundation of exceptional products, service and authentic storytelling. Today, the brand’s legacy is alive and thriving under the leadership of his children, Alessandro and Gloria Bracelente, who are steering the family-run business into a new era of global growth.
With its footwear and accessories ranging from $250 to $400, the brand maintains an affordable yet premium quality that Made in Italy labels are celebrated for.
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The brand already has a foothold in the U.S. at major shoe retailers including Nordstrom, Sundance Shoes in Michigan, Globe Shoe Company in Georgia, and DK Shoes in Alabama, with more doors opening soon.
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Here, Fairchild Studio sits down with Alessandro Bracalente, managing director of NeroGiardini, to share the story of the brand’s evolution, the values driving its family-run operations, plans for a flagship in New York and what’s next for the Italian brand.
Fairchild Studio: How are you evolving the heritage of the brand for the modern-day consumer?
Alessandro Bracalente: Evolving our heritage for the modern-day consumer means staying true to our roots while embracing change with intention. We are constantly observing new trends, listening to our customers and evaluating how we can better meet their needs without ever compromising on the values that define us: quality, craftsmanship and Made in Italy production.
To bridge the gap between tradition and today’s consumer, we’re launching a new brand storytelling project that puts our heritage at the forefront, sharing the history, people and values behind each shoe in a way that resonates with modern audiences.
This initiative is just the beginning. We believe that innovation doesn’t mean abandoning the past; it means honoring it in a way that speaks to the future. Exciting news is on the horizon!
Fairchild Studio: How does NeroGiardini tap into its family-run business to inform its values and brand ethos?
A.B.: NeroGiardini, being a family-run business, is at the heart of who we are. Our values — such as quality, integrity and long-term relationships — come directly from the way we’ve always worked together as a family.
This background shapes everything we do, from how we treat our team and partners to the way we design and produce our footwear and other product categories. We believe in doing things the right way, with care and attention to detail. Our brand identity is rooted in tradition, trust and a deep respect for Italian craftsmanship. Being family-run helps us stay connected to our origins while continuing to grow with authenticity and purpose.
Fairchild Studio: What are your goals in expanding further in the U.S.?
A.B.: Over the next five years, our goal is to establish NeroGiardini as a recognized and respected brand in the American market while maintaining the Italian craftsmanship, quality and heritage we’re known for.
Our first major step is to open our flagship retail store in New York, a city that aligns with our brand’s style and international reach. This will serve as a key entry point to introduce the full NeroGiardini experience directly to U.S. consumers.
To support this, we’re actively building a strong U.S.-based sales team, expanding our specialty retail partnerships and launching strategic marketing and advertising campaigns to build brand awareness. We have been investing in digital outreach, social media and selective PR efforts to position NeroGiardini as a go-to brand for high-quality, Made in Italy footwear. We’re excited about the journey ahead and are committed to growing thoughtfully and sustainably in the U.S.
Fairchild Studio: How does NeroGiardini maintain what it’s built thus far while it looks to the future?
A.B.: Our brand is built on a strong foundation of tradition, quality and integrity, values that have guided us since the beginning and will continue to shape our future.
As we plant new roots and expand globally, especially in markets like the U.S., we remain deeply committed to what makes NeroGiardini unique: 100 percent Made in Italy production, careful selection of high-quality raw material and a strong sense of respect and appreciation for the skilled people behind every pair of shoes.
Our team is the heart of the brand. Each shoe is the result of craftsmanship passed down through generations, blended with modern innovation to meet today’s market.
While we look to grow, we believe our heritage must not only be preserved but also reinterpreted in a way that speaks to the modern consumer. That means staying rooted in our values, while continuing to evolve through thoughtful design, new technologies and international expansion without ever compromising the essence of who we are. We honor the past to transform our legacy into a contemporary vision of Italian excellence.
Fairchild Studio: What’s next for the brand?
A.B.: NeroGiardini is currently sold in 34 markets around the world and our vision for what’s next is focused on continued, thoughtful global expansion. Our goal is to bring the essence of Italian craftsmanship to even more consumers, ensuring that when someone encounters our brand, they discover something beautiful, elegant and comfortable.
This mission has guided my family in Italy for generations and it’s the same mission that will guide us as we grow internationally. Whether it’s opening new stores, expanding retail partnerships or connecting with customers through digital and physical experiences, the future of NeroGiardini is about honoring our heritage while embracing new opportunities around the world.