Golden Goose is a world-renowned designer brand most famously recognised for its statement shoes. Founded in Venice, Italy, the designer shoe brand takes pride in its quality. This does not mean that it comprises style though. In fact, their shoes are becoming more and more popular on the internet and social media sites such as Instagram. The style of their shoes are casual yet fashionable. Appearance wise, the shoes have a worn, lived in look about them. They are also notable for their star icon embellished in their shoe products.
The brand was initially set up in 2000 by husband and wife Alessandro Gallo and Francesca Rinaldo. Having travelled the world, visited many cities, met many people and had lots of various experiences, they wanted to put these feelings into one product. This unique set of associations with a product really stood the sneakers out from anything else in the fashion market. Individuals were taken aback with the casual, worn out yet stylish and trendy look of the rockstar inspired shoes.
At the same time, the shoes are extremely comfortable and high quality. This is put down to the intricate manufacturing process of the shoes. Alessandro Gallo and Francesca Rinaldo reached out to local talents in Venice, such as tailors, who brought their ideas to life. To reinforce the uniqueness and difference of the shoes, a star applique was embroidered onto each product. When you see the star, you can be reminded of these special origins of the shoes.
The star also helps to differentiate these sneakers from other globally recognised fashionable shoes such as Air Forces or Stan Smiths. This is thanks to the purposeful design of these shoes to look pre-worn. Shoes can appear scuffed, miscolours and even at times, broken. Although this may sound off putting, it is internationally recognised to be the sign of an authentic and celebrated Golden Goose product.
Additionally, these such products have their individuality celebrated across the fashion world. Not only this, but adding to their unique qualities, no two shoes are the same and this is because they are handmade in Northern Italy from Italian leather. Their price point may be higher than your typical trainers, but these intricate, hand finished details that go into the creation of these products ensures that their quality is second to none.
Despite this, if this kind of style is not to your taste, then the brand also designs, manufactures and sells clean cut shoes. These are much more similar to what you would imagine are typical trainers fresh out of a shoe box from the shop. Trainers are not the only style of Golden Goose shoes that are available to customers. They also offer other types of shoes from suede boots and leather loafers. All in all, the style of the shoes balance vintage and the modern thus making them suitable for all different lifestyles and personalities.
It should be noted that they do not exclusively produce shoes. Garments are also produced by the brand such as tops, jackets and trousers and even accessories. Although being in a different clothing category, these products still carry the same inspiration and quality as the shoes. They are reminiscent of a rugged style lifestyle whilst also remaining modern and smart.
Various stockists both online and in store supply these shoes. From websites such as Net-a-Porter to internationally recognised store Selfridges. These stockists help to exhibit their products globally alongside the likes of Louis Vuitton and Gucci. They also have their own flagship stores and showrooms all across the world from Asia to South America.
Yet in 2018 the brand saw itself facing backlash on social media after being accused of appropriating poverty. A design of trainers were originally aimed to pay homage to skaters by having scuff marks and duct tape. However, critiques said it was appropriating those who were unable to afford new shoes. The brand appears to have overcome this misjudgement. More recently they have been opening even more flagship stores and showrooms. As mentioned in the beginning, they are starting to gain a cult following. On Instagram, they have gained nearly 840 thousand followers and are being acclaimed by notable figures in the fashion industry.
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