When Mr. Big asked Carrie Bradshaw to marry him in that iconic ‘Sex and the City’ episode by putting those high-heeled velvet pumps on her feet with a crystal brooch that she would later wear on her wedding day, that’s when it became clear to everyone that shoes now play a central role in the very idea of wedding. With all that it entails. Because you don't just dream about the dress you’ll be wearing when you say, “I do.” There are also a few ‘details’ that have now acquired unique significance. Above all, bridal shoes. And it goes without saying that now more than ever trending looks cannot disregard special, unique shoe styles, an element as key as the dress, each year bringing different collections featuring wide and varying interpretations of the bridal accessory par excellence so each bride-to-be can find the one that suits her best.

From classic pumps to jewel sandals to couture models: the catalogue is extensive, following trends that are developed both in step with and independently from canonical à porter creations which Sì SposaItalia bears witness to. As a reference point for the entire wedding industry, the trade fair has always hosted the greatest Italian and international bridal shoes companies and, ahead of the April event, has asked them which creative ideas should be captured to bring the magic of marriage right down to the tip of the toe.

And there are instant eye-openers as we highlight two clear directions footwear collections are following, reinforcing their inescapable link with the present day: sustainability on one hand and a desire for beauty and luxury on the other. “The keyword is reuse, which is not unrelated to the comfort factor,” says Alessio Demma of Francesco Italy, highlighting a key feature of shoes that lend themselves to being worn even after the big day and, thanks to structural features that make them extremely comfortable, are ultra-wearable. But that’s not all. Also underlined is the return to a concept of luxury which the jewel shoe is an exceptional ambassador of and explores various colours and materials. A distinctive trait also shared by creations from Marini Shoe Factory, which differ in daytime and evening wedding models, tending toward dark colours and finishes for the latter, and where the workmanship and textures are often reminiscent of those used in formal wear.

Inevitably, between the dress and accessories, there is also ample space for the bride’s personal input, so their wishes are flawlessly expressed in everything they wear when they tie the knot. “The bride-to-be is at the centre of everything, and every ceremony is a chance to give them the opportunity to express themselves," comments Alice Ferrario, brand manager of MSUP Shoes which has always interpreted fashion trends for its customers by introducing a customisation option for each model involving all aspects of the shoe. The heel and material as well as embellishments and shapes: each shoe becomes an invaluable tool and, at the same time, a key asset for each wedding. The trends? All eyes will be on the iconic pump, reimagined with numerous variations, the addition of unusual details and on an increasingly broad colour palette in which the classic soft tones of nude, powder and ivory are accompanied by pop shades of lemon yellow, orchid pink and even sea green and mauve. In short, anything goes as long as it is extremely romantic, as they well know at Danira Footwear where, alongside the refined collections they are renowned for they have created ‘Love Knot’, a new proposal inspired by love in all its forms with the capacity to combine traditional taste with chic, contemporary innovation, a perfect blend adored by modern brides.