Designer Dish: Canfora Capri Sandals

ShoesTV got the dish on Canfora sandals, an iconic brand of sandals made on the Italian island of Capri. We got Constanzo Canfora to tell us all about the family business--including the pair of Canfora sandals his grandpa made for Jackie Kennedy when she visited the shop!

Canfora was "practically born in the store in Capri." His grandfather Amedeo opened shop in 1946 and his mom worked there from the time she was 13-years-old. The family takes pride in their creations--each one made by hand in Capri. There is no stock of sandals. When an order is placed, a sandal is made.

 Irina Canfora sandal in black.

ShoesTV: How did your company get started?

CC: My grandfather's father, Gennaro, was a shoemaker in Capri. He had a little shop where Amedeo learned the trade and when he was 24-years-old, he decided he was ready to open his own shop, on Via Camerelle, Capri. Our store is the same as it was 65 years ago and we do our best to pay tribute to the memory of my grandfather and his creations.

Gail Italia Canfora sandal.

ShoesTV: What inspires your designs?

CC: Capri island is one of the most beautiful places in the world and most of our collection is inspired by the island colors--like the turquoise and blue of the sea. Our gold and silver sandals are perfect for an elegant night out in Capri and all of our sandals are great for climbing over rocks to get to the beaches in Capri.

Capri, Italy, inspires Canfora Sandals.

Irina Canfora sandal in blue.

ShoesTV: What kind of woman wears your sandals?

CC: One of our sandals, the "K," was designed by my grandfather just for Jacqueline Kennedy. It's a very simple triangle of small rings. It's really chic when worn and he used to say that it personified the natural charm and elegance of the first lady. 

Jackie Kennedy shops at Canfora sandals of Capri.

 Jackie Kennedy's favorite Canfora Sandal-the "K."

ShoesTV: How did you start mixing leather and jewels?

CC: When my grandfather started the company in the 1940s, no one used to mix leather with corals and jewels. He was a sort of genius thinking he could put any kind of jewel on a pair of sandals and during the 50s and 60s he made sandals that people all over the world copied. Sandals around the world are still referred to as "Capri."

 Layla Canfora sandal in purple.

ShoesTV: What is the process like making your sandals?

CC: Our sandals are a team effort consisting of my mother, my father, my brother and my aunt. We're all involved in the process of designing and producing the sandals. Our sandals are 100% handmade in Capri. We're the only company in Capri and I think worldwide, to custom make sandals as the customer asks, in any combination, in a few hours. 

Photo courtesy of Canfora