The Italian shoemaker Calzoleria Carlino’s famous campaign where they offer exotics at no upcharge is back, and this year bigger and better than ever. For the whole of June one can order any type of exotics leather handmade shoes at the same price as calf. So not only alligator or crocodile, but other very special stuff, often vintage skins, like hippo, seal, capybara/carpincho, elephant, stingray and more.
I’ve written about Calzoleria Carlino several times before, for example last year in this article about my spectactular bespoke nubuck alligator wholecuts, in conjunction with last years exotics promo. The brand is based in Sassuolo, where they have a new large workshop with nine full time employees making fully handmade shoes, both for the Carlino brand, for the Rome based Stivaleria Savoia who they’ve taken over the bespoke making for, and also freelance work for other reputable bespoke shoemaking companies.
My nubuck alligator wholecuts.
They now run their fourth consecutive edition of the exotics promotion, which will run from the 1st to the 30th of June. For the entire month, clients will be able to upgrade to exotic leathers with no additional cost. For the first time, the promotion will apply to any exotic skin available in their stock.
Over the years they’ve built a rather unique archive of vintage and rare skins, so this opens up access to materials that are not only usually priced at a significant premium, but in some cases simply not repeatable. As mentioned there’s stuff like hippo, seal, capybara/carpincho, elephant, stingray and more. Also when it comes to the alligator and crocodile there’s some special things available, like the rare Himalyan alligator.
Stingray is one of many exotics available at no upcharge during June.
All Carlino’s shoes are fully handmade to bespoke standard. Starting prices for Made to Order is €1,950 (excl. VAT), for Made to Measure €2,450, and for bespoke bespoke (which also can be done remote) €2,850. Shipping and duties are not included, however for overseas clients they can arrange a DDP service on request. Lead times are approximately 3–4 months for Made to Order, and around 6–8 months for Made to Measure and bespoke.
