Vinci Boots - The Rise of The Celebrity Favorite Luxury Italian Boot Brand

The Rise of Vinci Boots

In recent years, a new player has entered the world of high-end designer footwear - Vinci. Vinci boots have quickly become a status symbol among fashionistas and celebrities alike. But what makes these boots so special? And how did this newcomer establish itself as a luxury brand?

The Origins of Vinci

Vinci was founded in Milan, Italy in 2015 by husband and wife team Marco and Sophia Vinci. Marco has years of experience working for renowned shoe companies like Prada and Gucci. He decided to strike out on his own and launch his own luxury footwear label. Sophia heads up the branding, marketing and operations side of the business. Together they make a formidable team.

The Vincis saw a gap in the market for a new high-end designer that focused just on boots. Up until now established fashion houses like Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo have dominated the designer boot space. But these brands also offer a wide array of other footwear like heels, flats and sandals.

The Vincis decided to laser focus just on the boot market and offer a level of quality and craftsmanship that exceeded anything else on the market. They sought to combine cutting edge styles with the finest Italian leather. And of course, distinguish themselves with the iconic Vinci buckle hardware on each pair.

Vinci's Rise to Fame

The Vinci's may have had the product to back up their ambitions, but they needed brand awareness. Their big break came in 2017 when Beyonce was spotted wearing a pair of the white nappa leather knee-high Vinci boots. She posted photos on Instagram and from then on Vinci exploded.

Other celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Rihanna and Kendall Jenner soon followed. Every Instagram influencer had to have the latest Vinci boots. Waiting lists soon stretched over 12 months to get some of the most popular styles. And Vinci boots now fetch huge markups on the resale market.

But Vinci has been clever about maintaining an air of exclusivity. They still produce all their boots in a small workshop in Milan. And they limit supply to keep the brand prestigious. You can't just walk into a department store and pick up a pair of Vincis.

Why Vinci Boots Are So Coveted

So what makes Vinci boots so covetable and luxurious?

Craftsmanship

Each pair takes over 8 hours of skilled labor to produce. The boots go through over 200 production steps to achieve the perfect fit and finish. The Italian leather uppers are cut from a single piece to limit seams. The soles are made from lightweight Italian wood and leather for flexibility. And of course, the hardware is brass plated or gold plated, with concealed hinges for a streamlined look.

Materials

Only the finest materials make the cut in Vinci boots. The leather is 100% Italian calfskin or nappa lambskin. It's carefully chosen for softness and thickness that will mold to your feet over time. Lining is made from supple Italian goatskin. And the brass hardware is custom molded just for Vinci.

Style

Vinci boots come in a carefully curated palette of styles from over the knee to ankle. Classic black or white make a sophisticated statement. Metallics like bronze and silver provide flash. And vibrant colors like red and cobalt pop against any outfit. With chunky heels or sleek stilettos, there's a Vinci for every occasion.

Brand Prestige

The Vinci name has become synonymous with celebrity style and Italian luxury. You feel part of an elite fashion club owning a pair. And the resale value remains high if you ever want to sell them on. Vinci keeps the supply scarce which protects pricing. So they are an investment as well as a style statement.

How to Buy Vinci Boots

So you're coveting a pair of Vincis to elevate your shoe closet. Here are some tips on buying your first or next pair:

Find an Authorized Retailer

Vinci boots cannot be bought directly from the Vinci website. You need to find an authorized luxury retailer or reseller. Top retailers to checkout include:

• Farfetch
• Net-a-Porter
• Moda Operandi
• Luisa Via Roma
• Harvey Nichols

Visit the Vinci website to find a full list of authorized online stockists.

Join a Waitlist

Once you've found the Vinci style you must have, get your name on the waitlist. New stock arrives in limited quantities and sells out fast. Waitlists can stretch 6 months to a year. So join the list for your size and the boutique will contact you when they arrive.

Pre-Order

Another option is pre-ordering from a site like Moda Operandi. Here you can reserve next season's styles months in advance. You'll have to wait about 5-6 months for delivery, but at least you've secured the boots!

Buy Resale

If you can't face the long waitlist, buying resale is always an option. Sites like The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective stock rare finds. However be prepared to pay well above retail. Popular styles can fetch double or triple the original pricing.

Enter the Vinci Lottery

A couple times a year, Vinci runs a lottery for the chance to buy limited edition boots straight from their website. It's free to enter by signing up at vinciboots.com. If selected you'll be able to pre-order the boots before the wider release. So it's a great way to skip the waitlist.

Caring for Your Vinci Boots

Once you've invested in those coveted Vinci boots, you'll want them to last. Here's how to care for them:

Use Boot Trees

Invest in solid wood boot trees and insert them after every wear. This absorbs moisture and maintains the shape of the boots.

Weatherproof Before Wearing

Before the first wear, treat the boots with a weatherproofing spray. This prevents water damage and staining.

Clean & Condition Leather

Use a soft brush to remove dirt after each wear. Then clean with a gentle leather cleaner and apply leather conditioner to prevent drying out.

Store Properly

Keep boots stored in their dust bags in the box. Don't stack other items on top that could crush them. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Repair at Signs of Wear

At the first signs of damage like scratches or scuffs, send boots off for repair. This will maintain their excellent condition.

Caring for luxury leather boots is easy when you follow these tips. And your Vincis will pay you back by becoming more supple and molded to your feet over time.

The Future for Vinci

Vinci has exploded from a small Italian startup to a huge player in luxury footwear in just a few short years. What does the future hold for this red-hot brand?

No doubt Vinci will continue dominating the designer boot space. Expect even more lust-worthy styles each season. And more collaborations with top fashion houses and celebrities.

Rumors are circulating that Vinci will branch out into other accessories like handbags and small leather goods. But they're likely to always keep boots as their main focus.

Expansion into additional brick and mortar boutiques is also on the horizon. Look for more Vinci flagship stores in fashion capitals like Paris, London and New York.

And will Vinci get snapped up by a major luxury conglomerate? Only time will tell. But Vinci seems content growing at their own pace. And keeping supply lower than demand.

One thing is for sure - the Vinci dynasty has arrived. And these boots will continue to adorn A-listers and fashionistas for decades to come.

FAQs

Where are Vinci boots made?

Vinci boots are handmade in a small workshop in Milan, Italy. Each pair undergoes over 200 production steps and takes over 8 hours to make.

What materials are used to make Vinci boots?

Vinci boots use only the finest Italian leathers like calfskin and nappa lambskin. The boots are lined in soft Italian goatskin. Soles are made from Italian wood and leather.

Why are Vinci boots so expensive?

The retail price reflects the quality of materials and craftsmanship. Each pair takes hours to produce by skilled artisans. The supply is also kept limited which increases value.

How can I buy Vinci boots?

Vinci boots must be purchased through authorized luxury retailers either online or in select boutiques. You can also pre-order new styles or buy resale.

How should I care for Vinci boots?

Use boot trees after wear, weatherproof before first wear, clean and condition regularly and store properly in dust bags. Get repairs done at first signs of damage.