Embrace Effortless Elegance: The Timeless Charm of Friulane Slippers
From Venetian Heritage to Modern Allure: The Evolution of a Classic Silhouette
A recent observation on social media revealed interior designer Remy Renzullo's consistent affinity for a particular style of slipper, worn across various outfits, from embroidered vests to formal tuxedos. These distinctive shoes, resembling a more mature relative of contemporary velvet Mary Janes, immediately captured attention. This unique footwear, known as friulane, boasts a rich Venetian legacy. Historically, these slippers were meticulously handmade in Northern Italy during the 19th century, often from remnants of velvet curtains. Their design, akin to espadrilles, features a rubber sole, contrasting trim, and a slightly lower peaked front. Today, brands such as Vibi Venezia and Piedaterre Venezia, alongside Flabelus, offer their own versions, preserving the craft while adapting to modern tastes.
The Unforeseen Versatility: From Sandy Shores to Bridal Aisles
The widespread appeal of these charming slippers was further evident when spotted on model and entrepreneur Michèle Ouellet Benson, even at the beach. Benson's personal journey with friulanes began about six years ago after noticing a stylish friend sporting a chocolate-brown pair during a vacation in Umbria. Her immediate purchase of Vibi Venezia's black friulanes led to a deep appreciation, culminating in her gifting them to her bridesmaids. She extols their practicality for summer travel, noting their compact design for carry-on luggage and their ability to comfortably navigate city streets. These slippers effortlessly transition from casual denim shorts to elegant slip dresses, making them a true wardrobe staple due to their blend of style and affordability.
Personal Style Exploration: Integrating Friulanes into Everyday Life
Inspired by the growing trend, I acquired my first pair of Flabelus friulanes in navy with red piping. They quickly became my go-to for diverse settings, whether paired with eyelet shorts and button-downs for neighborhood strolls or with a little black dress and seashell jewelry for office wear. My initial venture to the beach with them proved successful; though I cautiously avoided getting them wet, their quick-drying nature and ease of cleaning from sand made them surprisingly practical. I even adopted the casual habit of treading down the heel, a comfort-oriented habit my mother once disapproved of when I was younger, but one that Benson herself endorses for beachwear.
A Spectrum of Styling: Redefining Formal and Casual Boundaries
The adaptability of friulanes continued to impress. Witnessing Gianluca Longo, Style Director of The World of Interiors, don black Venetian slippers at a wedding alongside a mandarin-collared shirt and sharp black trousers, with bare ankles and a lace fan, solidified their remarkable versatility. These slippers proved equally fitting for a formal event as they were for a beachside day. Further inspiration came from Desert Vintage's Instagram, where the Arizona and New York-based store frequently features friulanes in their editorial styling. They showcase diverse feminine interpretations, pairing dark slippers with a vintage Chloé dress, tights and an oversized peasant blouse, or a striped floor-length caftan, demonstrating the slippers' seamless integration into various aesthetics.
The Enduring Appeal: Comfort Meets Sophistication
Michèle Ouellet Benson aptly summarizes the enduring allure of these modest yet elegant slippers, emphasizing their ability to effortlessly transition from a wedding dance floor to a beach boardwalk. She muses, "I love that they feel like an espadrille, but the velvet elevates them to something beyond." For her dynamic lifestyle, which often involves moving from a boat trip to a fine dining experience, her footwear must embody both beauty and appropriateness. The friulane slipper perfectly fulfills this demand, offering a unique blend of comfort and sophisticated charm that adapts to any occasion.