Destination Naples: it all starts with the right pair of shoes
Set off to explore the city of Naples on a foodie tour, with a stop – or rather, seven stops – for shopping, featuring designer pieces, tech gadgets and a whole world of trainers and footwear.
It all began with a pair of shoes. Or rather, a whole shoe shop. The one opened in Naples in 1991 by brothers Giorgio and Nuccio Deliberti.
There are now seven shops: three specialising solely in footwear and accessories, whilst the others also stock a selection of clothing.
The secret, say the brothers, is to offer a wide-ranging selection. “We stock classic trainers such as Nike (from 80 to 250 euros), Puma (from 80 to 220 euros) and Adidas (from 100 to 300 euros). But we also stock more distinctive options such as Officine Creative (from 350 to 700 euros) or On trainers, which are very popular at the moment; they’re made in Switzerland and feature the patented CloudTec technology: recognisable by their white sole made up of cushions (known as Cloud) that cushion the impact and give a boost to your stride’. For the Deliberti brothers, ‘versatile’ also means that the women’s range spans Spanish brands such as Lola Cruz (€180 to €350) or Chie Mihara (€250 to €450)—which offer great value for money and excellent craftsmanship—right up to the masterpiece heels by Jimmy Choo (€450 to €1,300), Christian Louboutin (from 550 to 1,600 euros) and those by a master such as the Venetian René Caovilla (from 750 to 2,000 euros).
Then there’s fashion. From the Lagoon comes Barena Venezia (from 200 to 900 euros): jackets, shirts and trousers for men and women. Relaxed fits, natural fabrics that are comfortable to wear. The name is also inspired by the Lagoon: ‘barene’ are the flat, tabular stretches of land typical of the area, periodically submerged by the tides. ‘Alongside Barena, we offer Lardini (€250 to €2,000), with jackets and jumpers by Zegna (from €350 to €6,000). But also avant-garde pieces by Maison Margiela (from €320 to €3,500) and Rick Owens (from €450 to €5,000 and above)’. A designer who, incidentally, has just unveiled a ‘climate-controlled’ collaboration with Adidas for next spring/summer, featuring a special technology called ClimaCool. ‘We always find Japanese brands very interesting, for both men and women. From classic names such as Yohji Yamamoto (from 350 to 4,000 euros) and Junya Watanabe (from 300 to 2,500 euros), right through to the more youthful ones, such as Undercover (from 250 to 2,500 euros), and wander (from 250 to 1,200 euros) and Attachment (from 250 to 1,200 euros). From America, meanwhile, come Amiri (from 450 to 5,500 euros), Enfants Riches Déprimés (from 600 to 5,000 euros) and Gallery Dept. (from 350 to 2,500 euros).’
For the Deliberti brothers, fashion also means travelling to trade fairs and fashion shows, on the lookout for special brands to offer their Neapolitan customers. ‘Without forgetting, however, one brand that is quintessentially Neapolitan: Briglia 1949.’ The date refers to the birth of the family patriarch, Carillo, but the name features horses – the founder’s great passion. The aim: the perfect trousers for him and her. We’re left with one style-related curiosity: to find out what’s in the Deliberti brothers’ wardrobes. “Trousers in various colours, strictly black and white T-shirts; I go for Attachment and and wander,” says Nuccio. For Giorgio, it’s Maharishi and Fear of God, with cargo trousers, plain or printed T-shirts and trainers. Comfortable clothing, then, even for exploring Naples whilst following a foodie itinerary. “Our favourite restaurant is Coco Loco, with its seafood and shellfish menu; we’re looking forward to the new branch in Piazza dei Martiri, as it’s taken over the premises of a historic café. For Sunday lunch, Ciro in Mergellina. We choose Mimì alla Ferrovia, on the other hand, for unforgettable dishes such as ‘peperone ’mbuttunatu’, stuffed with provola cheese. For a coffee, Riva by Oscar Leonessa, right next to Marinella – the place to go for tie lovers. Aperitifs are on the terrace of the Grand Hotel Parker’s, with spectacular views over the gulf. And for after dinner, L’Antiquario, a true hidden speakeasy, open until three in the morning.”
