The story of my passion for fashion shoes began in 2000 when I was asked to design handbags for a US made shoe company in North Hollywood California, a small family owned operation that specialized in using fine Italian leather and materials. Shoes handmade in LA was a rarity! Absolutely I would create a handbag look that complimented these stunning shoes!
I fell in love with the beautiful fabrications and components from Italy!
We had a US and Italian design team; As we collaborated, the LA based factory was putting it all together, making an excellent product.
A year into joining the company, I was thoroughly convinced that this product needed to be on the shelves of the major specialty stores.
Beautiful product, comfort, fit, perfect price point, made in the USA, what more could any retailer ask for.
I was asked if I’d like to share my passion for fashion shoes and transition into sales and product development for the Collection. 100% I was in! I soon shared my passion with Nordstrom, Zappos, Amazon and specialty stores in the US who all became our customers. We were one of the first brands that Amazon purchased and distributed at the time.
This small family owned operation went on to be one of Nordstrom‘s top vendors for over a decade! I traveled across the country promoting the product, and met amazing people over the years!
I was blessed to fulfill my passion and expertise in fashion with an emphasis in women’s footwear, accessories, and apparel.
After 35 years in business, the doors to the LA factory closed. I sought to open a new door by reaching out to one of the head designers of over 16 years. This lead to a trip to Italy where all the beauty in fabrications originated.
Italy and I had an instant love connection; Especially for the people and their passion for using their gifts and talents in fashion, fabrics, art and style which drew me the most. From the 80-year-old grandma on the street to the cabdrivers... their swag and style was undeniable.
The rest is history! I founded Passione di Gina in 2016, building and ramping up my new Italian women’s footwear collection showcased in key specialty stores in NYC.
2020,
In 2020 the world hit pause. I decided to pull the trigger on something I've always wanted to do, which is take Passione di Gina direct to consumer.
I love the verse in Scripture that says "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, and to those who are called according to his purpose."
My Passion and Purpose are People, Fashion, and Amazing shoes, using my God-given gifts and talents in the market Place.
As for the future, the possibilities are endless... stay tuned for the next collaboration!
Thank you for letting me share my real life on foot, shoe story and journey!
Ciao Gina/ Passione di Gina.