INSIDE CASADEI: A CONVERSATION WITH CEO ARIANNA CASADEI ON THE NEW COLLECTION
Arianna Casadei, CEO of the iconic Made in Italy footwear brand, represents the third generation of the Casadei family. Born in Rome in 1988, she is the daughter of Creative Director Cesare Casadei and granddaughter of founders Quinto and Flora Casadei. After earning a degree in Communication Sciences from the University of Bologna, she built her experience at Alberta Ferretti and LuisaViaRoma before joining the family business in 2012.
From leading the brand’s digital transformation to heading international marketing and communication, her role has evolved into guiding Casadei’s global strategy with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Now at the helm as General Manager, Arianna shares her vision for the season, unveiling the creative essence and defining styles of the new Casadei collection.
What makes this season’s Casadei collection unique?
This season, Casadei dares to experiment, redefining iconic silhouettes through a bold play of textures and visual illusions. Lace takes center stage, it’s no longer just a material, but a statement of personality, this time layered over glossy patent leather to create a luminous effect that reimagines classics like pumps, ballerinas, and even sneakers in vivid tones of red, black, and white.
Another highlight is the “Lingerie” theme, where a flocked trompe l’oeil lace motif gives the illusion of delicate underpinnings atop leather. Subtle from afar yet intricately detailed up close, these styles channel both the power and sensuality inherent in lingerie, offering a provocative twist on elegance in daring over-the-knee boots or classic black pumps.
Lastly, for winter escapes, the après-ski capsule fuses fashion and function with the signature C-chain rubber soles that will leave unmistakable Casadei imprints behind. Here, faux fur and cruelty-free materials take on innovative design, where bomber-jacket sleeves inspired boots that recall the coziness of the winter season.
Which Style Feels Most Iconic to You This Season?
For Arianna, the standout of the season is undoubtedly the Blade Aurora. Anchored by the brand’s signature Blade heel, this sculptural heel—Originally envisioned by Cesare Casadei nearly a decade ago— embodies the essence of Casadei’s creative legacy. Its cape-like silhouette draws inspiration from the elegant outerwear worn by Renaissance women, an ode to femininity. What makes the Blade Aurora truly exceptional is its tonal artistry: the deep amarena hue is expressed through a triad of textures: the soft suede upper, glossy patent leather on the buckle strap, and the smooth nappa that wraps the ankles and secures the foot. It is for sure a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship.
What part of Casadei’s collection might still surprise people?
While Casadei is renowned for its sculptural heels and daring silhouettes, one of the most surprising chapters in its story lies in its evolution of luxury sneakers. It all began in the early 1990s, when Cesare Casadei started experimenting with rubber, an unconventional material for a heritage maison. Today, that early innovation has blossomed into a full-on sneaker collection, led by the brand’s most iconic model: the Nexus. Defined by a bold, chunky rubber sole and yet remarkable lightness when worn.
Available in classic nappa leather for a timeless appeal, adorned with shimmering glitter or strass trims for a glamorous look, or finished with cozy fur lining for winter days, the Casadei’s sneaker collection is a refined yet playful expression of everyday sophistication. It’s a testament to the brand’s ability to surprise, merging innovation with artisanship in a form that makes a fashion statement while being practical at the same time.
Is there a Casadei piece that feels deeply personal to you?
For Arianna, platforms are more than a bold fashion statement; they’re a deeply personal symbol of her family’s style. As a millennial, she recalls them as the go-to shoe for nights out at the club, effortlessly elevating every look with its grand proportions and striking silhouette. But its legacy within the Casadei family runs even deeper, since her father Cesare and his sister would also sneak pairs of platforms from their parents' closet—a nod to a time when this type of shoe was genderless.
Today, the powerful essence of the platform is still present in all its iterations where the dramatic height is softened by the balanced platform, allowing for a bold yet steady stride. It’s a shoe rooted in nostalgia, that remains a valid choice for contemporary women.
H2: What’s the Most Versatile Investment from This Season’s Collection?
Among the season’s new styles, the Riderama boot stands out because of its adaptability. Crafted in brushed calf leather, this boot captures Casadei’s signature approach to blending functionality with elegance. Its flat heel makes it practical for daytime wear but what sets it apart is its removable harness detail: a thoughtful element that allows wearers to personalize the boot depending on their mood or outfit. Additionally, the asymmetric cut not only flatters the leg but also facilitates slipping them on. This style is going to be for sure another shoe-lover favorite.
Conclusion
The new Casadei collection is a playful experimentation of textures combined with the brand’s signature Italian artistry. From seductive lace pump to snow-ready boots, each design reflects a deep understanding of footwear through a modern lens. Arianna Casadei’s vision infuses the collection with personal stories, stylistic versatility, and a fearless approach to materials, marking a new chapter where tradition and innovation still walk hand in hand.