The pop culture powers-that-be have always stoked the rivalry between blonde and brunette: think Kelly and Brenda, Zach and Slater, Blair and Serena. But Gen Art Styles 2008 accessories nominee Bionda Castana, which translates from Italian to "blonde" and "brunette", has proven that these two opposites can come together to create a pretty fabulous pair.

The blonde and brunette in question are Natalia Barbieri and Jennifer Portman, college friends who ditched their nine-to-fives in a quest to create the perfect shoe. Frustrated by the ludicrous prices of luxury footwear, Barbieri and Portman decided to create the pieces they wanted for themselves, despite the fact that neither one had any design training. And what they wanted just happens to be what every girl wants: timeless romance, indulgence, solid craftsmanship and value for money.

After a brief shoe making tutorial in Milan, Bionda Castana was born, dripping with Italy's signature glamor, handcrafted spirit and reverence of luxury. Each pair emits a distinctly Old Hollywood nostalgia, from the Swarovski crystal clusters gracing a peep-toe to the nosebleed-inducing four-inch heels that come as a standard (a three-inch version has recently been introduced for the acrophobic). These are shoes for the uptown socialite who harbors downtown club kid fantasies, blending delicately sculptural design with bold pops of color, sumptuous silks and exotic skins—all of which can be customized to suit a buyer's tastes.

"We try to combine both red carpet and daytime styles that will look right with any outfit," says Barbieri. "Our inspirations are endless—anything from Alexander McQueen to the way a door handle or key ring is shaped."

If Blair and Serena decided to ditch the Upper East Side drama, drop the boys and find new ones with dreamy accents and Vespas, they'd look a lot more legit doing it in a pair of Bionda Castanas—we're addicted already.

For more information please visit www.biondacastana.com.

- Erin Magner

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Similar Topics:accessories, shoes, spring 2008, Styles 2008

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