Anticipating fashion. Inspiring it with the sketch of an upper, the shape of a toecap or a platform, the line and the proportions of a heel. Interpreting it in those few elements that define and distinguish the uniqueness of a shoe and skilfully creating models that are always special is no small thing. Even more so if, like Casadei, you’ve continued to do so with infinite passion for fifty years. Half a century in which one of the world’s best-known and best-loved footwear companies has produced a remarkable number and variety of striking ideas from its base of operations in San Mauro Pascoli. Creations that remain timeless, that continue to spark enthusiasm and which, given their dates, appear even more original, bold and directional. The milestones of an entrepreneurial venture that exemplifies the marrying of tradition, research, sophisticated craftsmanship and flair for innovation.
1994 was the most difficult yet important year: it represented a passage of rite between one generation and the next when Cesare Casadei, Quinto and Flora’ son, joined the company as its creative director. Cesare’s strength was his all-round vision of the company, thanks to know-how acquired on-site which he experienced first-hand from production to marketing right up to creativity. Cesare was the link between two worlds: on the one the hand, the pioneers of “Made-in-Italy” craftsmanship and, on the other, the managers and designers whose task it was to promote the image of the brand on an international level
In the year two thousand, Casadei decided to consolidate his roots of high-class artisan tradition: skins, colours and styles were created on an exclusive basis using dedicated suppliers. The footwear industrialization process subsequently became a jewel of craftsmanship, a heritage that it was impossible to imitate. At the same time, he continued with the modernization of distribution and communication. In 2002, the Milanese showroom relocated to Via dell'Annunciata. Sales continued to increase, followed by the opening of a series of single-brand boutiques. During these years, international celebrities were photographed wearing Casadei creations on their feet, thus consolidating the brand in the eyes of the fashion system. At the same time, the best known talents of photography, including names of the calibre of Nick Knight, Mario Testino, Javier Vallhonrat and Raymond Meier, were chosen to shoot the company’s advertising campaigns. In 2008, Ellen von Unwerth, was commissioned to commemorate the brand’s 50-year-old history with a book and an exhibition that trace all the moments that made this miracle of style possible.
In November 2015 the brand unveiled in Rome and then Milan its new store concept created by Cesare Casadei and Architect Marco Costanzi followed by the 120 square meters boutique in the exclusive Albemarle Street, Mayfair London. Casadei is currently working on a global strategy to reinforce its retail and communications visibility worldwide. In November 2022, Casadei announced the opening of its first corner in DOHA, Qatar in the renowned luxury department store PRINTEMPS, located within the prestigious Doha Oasis complex. Casadei's corner will boast a 36-square-metre space that echoes the enveloping and elegant atmosphere of the brand's concept store opened in Rome and Milan. In April 2024, Casadei opened for the first time its e-commerce in China. In May 2024, the showroom moved to Via Bigli 4.
The CASADEI brand is officially distributed by Thái Tuấn Group.
