Legendary Capri sandals from Da Costanzo

On the island of Capri, just as soon as you get off from the taxi or the train you will notice a tiny sandal shop. The window is filled with all colours and types of strappy sandals. This custom made sandal shop has been visited by Jackie O, Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, Bridget Bardot, and Clarke Gable to name a few.

Since roman times, strappy sandals have been the symbol of Capri. The bespoke sandals were hand made by Costanza Ruocco, nowadays by his son Antonio.

Your grandfather started the business and your father Costanzo Ruocco, continued.  Can you tell us something about him?
Well my father was a real humane person. He started to work really early in most of the small stores (bottegucce) around Capri. Many years ago, all the craftsmen made everything by hand; starting from raw material. The shoemaker would buy a big piece of leather and cut the base of the shoe exactly like your feet. In fact, customers put their feet on a piece of paper and draw a line around their feet, so this way they can have the shoes in their exact size.
He was really lucky, because he really lived when Capri had ‘gold’ time. All the most important people came to Capri for their summer holiday; he always said that everything was smart but no so ‘luxurious’. For example, one time Brigitte Bardot walk in the ‘piazzetta’ with no shoes on, and by doing this, she was so elegant.

What is so special and different about Da Costanzo from other sandals boutiques?
We differ from the others because even though it is 2011, you can and still smell the real leather, there is still the charm of sandals being made being on the work table and there are still the same tools we have always used. Each year there is a new collection and our strength is that we never distort the ever timeless style of Capri.

All the sandals are custom made and are adjusted to fit the customer while they wait, in the design of their choice. You have so many different colours and designs with Capri charms, a coral, or a starfish. Who makes the designs?
You need to know that the roots of Capri sandals are of Roman origin. The collections are mixed with various classical designs, enriching them with Swarovski stones, without losing the style of Capri.

The soles are special as well. You are using the kind of leather Fendi uses for its collection. Are all the sandals made on Capri?
Of course, all Costanzo sandals are strictly handmade in Capri while the hides and skins are bought in Tuscany, the best place for hide production.

What makes Capri sandals so special? How should Capri da Costanzo sandals be stored and cleaned after purchase?
It's very simple.... Costanzo's sandals are like wine....the older they get, the more beautiful they are...and with the original ‘FLAT HILL’, they never go out of fashion, THAT'S OUR SECRET.

If you ever visit the lovely island of Capri, make sure you go to this unique sandal shop DA COSTANZO via Roma 49 80073 CAPRI (NA) ITALY

Tuana Zeynep Bilgin

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