Nearly 65 years ago my Granddad, Alec Holt realised that the shoes he really wanted to be selling in his shops were nowhere to be found. Certainly not in Britain. He wanted three things – creative styling, comfort and high quality. So he did some research and found himself in the beautiful city of Bassano Del Grappa, just north of Venice. This is a place renowned for home crafted shoes of the highest quality. Here began the long relationship with the Renata factory and the Salomon family, one that transcends three generations and continues to this day.
Today there are frighteningly few other brands that can still claim their shoes are 100% MADE IN ITALY. We Can! We haven’t compromised on any part of this extensive process to make a quick buck. With so much disposable fashion available today we stand out in that our shoes are investment pieces. They will last long after a passing fad. In fact, proof of this is the number of Renata’s that I found when visiting a well known vintage market in Manchester. I think it was fifteen at the last count. It just goes to show that shoes of timeless quality can even be passed down through the generations.
Our Renata and Sabrina Chic shoes are designed entirely in our factory and we give the most scrupulous attention to all the little details. The time we spend on perfecting lasts and designs all reflect on the goodwill and good name we have built up in 60 years. Renata is one of the leaders of the Italian fashion shoe trade. Renata produces ladies shoes from a size 33 to 46 (approximately UK sizes ½ to 10), using twenty different lasts, from very low to very high heels.
Amongst the extensive styles, we make a special range suitable for Mother of the Bride/Groom, wedding guests etc. All shoes are handmade with finest quality leathers. Our shoes are always in the height of fashion with elegant matching handbags. We follow the smart, classic trend that has made Italian shoes famous all over the world.
I still pride myself on the fact I am running a business with those three ideals my Granddad had – style, comfort and high quality. And of course, affordability for the design and craftsmanship our prices are still competitive.