A mutual obsession with provocative design and fine craftsmanship led
Paris-based accessories designer Natalia Brilli and visionary Tuscan
shoemaker Alain Quilici to join forces. Brilli has mastered the art of
gainage, or leather wrapping, to sculpt her sleek bags, wallets, and
necklaces, among other objets; Quilici made a memorable debut a year ago
with improbable shapes, like his “ice-skate boot.” Together, the pair
has created four wedge styles that—embedded with chains and beads
encased in black leather—look more like French artist Arman’s
accumulation sculptures than mere shoes.Still life by Pamela Cook
