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SPOTLIGTH

The Storied Legacy of Marche: Italy's Premier Shoe Valley

To truly appreciate the significance of the Gianni Gallucci Collection, one must understand the profound legacy of the Marche region as Italy's preeminent "Shoe Valley". This area, also known as the Marche Shoes District or Marche Footwear District, holds an undisputed global reputation for producing footwear of the highest caliber

The Gallucci family's origins are firmly planted in this fertile ground of shoemaking expertise, with Mario and Giuseppe first learning their craft in the Marche region in the 1950s. Gianni Gallucci himself was born in Fermo, a town within Marche renowned for its historical leatherworking tradition, and spent his formative years in Monte Urano, where his family has operated a shoe factory for over eight decades. This deep-rooted connection to the region underscores the authenticity and heritage embedded within the Gianni Gallucci brand. Indeed, the brand proudly proclaims "MASTER CRAFTSMANSHIP FROM MARCHE REGION," a clear indication of its commitment to this esteemed heritage.

The history of shoemaking in Marche dates back centuries, with the Fermano-Maceratese Footwear District tracing its origins to the 15th century. Artisan workshops in this region initially crafted shoes for local markets, and historical records attest to the importance of shoemakers' guilds even in those early times. While some scholars place the district's true emergence in the early 19th century, the legacy of exceptional shoemaking is undeniable, with Boccaccio even mentioning the exquisite quality of shoes from Montegranaro and Sant'Elpidio a Mare in the Decameron.

Over time, the industry in Marche evolved, embracing innovations like the introduction of pedal-operated sewing machines around 1870, which revolutionized production and expanded the reach of shoe manufacturing. This rich history has established Marche as a cornerstone of some of Italy's most renowned footwear brands. The Marche region's reputation for quality stems from several key factors.

The artisans in the Shoe Valley are known for their exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, skills honed over generations and passed down through families. Shoes produced here are renowned for their high quality, utilizing premium materials and employing meticulous construction processes, resulting in footwear known for its durability, comfort, and style.

The region is home to a diverse range of manufacturers, from small family businesses to larger companies producing for international brands, allowing for a variety of styles and designs to cater to global tastes. While deeply rooted in tradition, the shoemaking industry in Marche also embraces innovation, with companies investing in research and development to explore new materials, technologies, and design concepts. This combination of heritage and progress ensures that Marche remains at the forefront of the global footwear market. Many prestigious brands source their footwear from the Marche Shoes District or collaborate with manufacturers in the region, further enhancing its worldwide reputation.

Photo © Unione Industriali del Fermano