This year marks a significant milestone for Malone Souliers as we celebrate a decade of innovation and timeless elegance. To commemorate this anniversary, we took over the Orangerie of the Museo Poldi Pezzoli in Milan during Milan's Salone del Mobile for an exclusive exhibition titled The Shape in collaboration with Vogue Italia – offering guests a captivating glimpse into the illustrious heritage of Malone Souliers. We'd like to extend this exclusive invitation to you to celebrate with us and immerse yourself in the timeless allure of the Malone Souliers archive.
Malone Souliers was born in London in 2014, founded by American designer Mary Alice Malone during a period when the footwear industry was largely controlled by male creative directors and manufacturers. After graduating from the London College of Fashion’s cordwainer course, Mary Alice embarked on a journey across Italy, seeking the best local factories and artisans capable of bringing her vision to life. Today, we continue to honour the traditional principles of Italian craftsmanship that started our brand while embracing bold and iconic designs – redefining the essence of 'classic' in a dynamic fashion landscape that is constantly evolving.
One year after launching, inspired by Hollywood’s Golden Age actress Maureen O’Hara, Mary Alice designed the Maureen, recognised to this day as an emblem of contemporary elegance. Admired for its flattering curves and double straps, this heeled mule is an ode to femininity with each meticulous detail, showcasing a craftsmanship that values beauty on par with comfort. Since its inception, the silhouette has become an integral part of our brand legacy and has been subject to an infinite number of interpretations over the past nine years, including the Robyn, the Maisie and the Imogen.
Last year, Mary Alice appointed longstanding team members, Coco Fong and Valerio Bava, as Malone Souliers’ Co-Creative Directors – propelling the brand into new territory. Together, the duo continue to fulfil Mary Alice’s unique vision, sharing her unwavering dedication to timeless craft whilst always designing with a sense of emotion and integrity.
The Shape exhibition provided an exclusive look into the Malone Souliers archives, showcasing fifty iconic silhouettes that narrate our journey through the decades. Each piece reflects our unwavering commitment to Italian craftsmanship, vibrant colour palettes, innovative materials, and a profound understanding of the female form. Each pair was mounted on an elegant, curved structure reminiscent of Maureen's iconic waved outline, accentuating a timeless visual motif that has remained consistent throughout the years. Accompanied by sketches from Mary Alice, Coco, and Valerio, these exhibits illustrate our ongoing evolution and the enduring codes that continue to inspire fresh and imaginative reinterpretations.
As part of the exhibition, we unveiled a limited-edition series celebrating the Maureen 100 in Black Nappa – our most iconic style. This exclusive capsule will showcase ten iterations of the mule, each adorned with a distinctively coloured strap, symbolising the themes of our past ten seasons.