Dolce Vita is expanding its retail footprint once again with the opening of its first-ever mall store in the U.S.

Located inside the Aventura Mall in Miami, Fla., the 802-sq.-ft. store officially opened its doors in November and marks the footwear brand’s debut in Florida. The new shop offers Dolce Vita’s full range of footwear and accessories.

Designed by Aine Naughton, the company noted that the new Aventura store reflects Dolce Vita’s “less is more” approach, with architecture that features organic curves, neutral tones, and layered textures.

“We’re excited to introduce our brand to a vibrant new community in one of the region’s most iconic destinations,” Kerry Norlin, president of Dolce Vita, told FN. “The Aventura store is a natural extension of our retail identity, creating a luxe, curated experience tailored to South Florida’s energy and lifestyle.”

The Steve Madden-owned label added that this opening is a key milestone in Dolce Vita’s national expansion. Last year, the brand unveiled its first flagship store in New York City. Set on the corner of Broadway and Broome St. in NYC’s SoHo neighborhood, the flagship featured an open, single-level space in hues of brown and cream –  similar to the new Aventura location. The moment marked its second retail location in the U.S. at the time, following Dolce Vita’s first store that opened in Los Angeles’ Melrose Place in 2006.

Other openings have since taken place in Austin, Texas and Washington, D.C., as well as in Quebec, Canada.

This new store comes as parent company Steve Madden raised its full-year outlook last month after reporting sales and earnings for the third quarter of 2024. Revenues in the period were $624.7 million, up 13 percent compared to the same quarter in 2023.

Chairman and chief executive officer Edward Rosenfeld said in a statement in November that accessories and apparel sales, including strong performance in Steve Madden handbags, helped drive the solid results in the quarter. Contributions from the newly acquired Almost Famous brand, which Steve Madden snapped up in October for $52 million, continued to bolster the apparel business.

Rosenfeld also cited “robust top line gains in international markets and direct-to-consumer channels.”

Dolce Vita has launched their most inclusive collection yet. The brand’s new line of tall boots, called “Boots That Fit,” introduces three calf widths: standard, wide, and extra wide sizes.

Dolce Vita has worked to develop and refine the fit sizes through casting calls, research events, and extensive fittings. The company also collaborated with industry leaders and its community to perfect the new sizing options.

To further assist customers in finding their ideal fit, Dolce Vita is offering pre-launch sizing kits, which include a measuring tape and detailed instructions. These kits will be available both online and in-store, free of charge, to help customers measure their calves accurately before purchasing. Additionally, Dolce Vita’s in-store teams have been specially trained to provide personalized assistance with measurements.

Standouts in the collection are boot styles Auggie and Graya, which will be available in all Dolce Vita stores nationwide. Additionally, the bold Raj and Glory boot will be available in select locations in the new width sizes. What’s more, Dolce Vita has extended its shoe sizes, offering 6 to 13.

Dolce Vita joins Naturalizer, Vince Camuto, Good American and more brands that offer inclusive sizing.

Dolce Vita Gyra Extra Wide Calf Boots

$250 Buy Now at dolce Vita

Dolce Vita Ariana Wide Calf Boots

$250 Buy Now at dolce Vita

Dolce Vita Auggie Boots

$250 Buy Now at dolce Vita

This month, Dolce Vita and Nordstrom are teaming up for an exclusive partnership as part of the retailer’s “Make Room for Shoes” campaign.

The pearl-focused collection, starting at $70, will be available in 93 of Nordstrom’s stores, as well as online, throughout the month of June. The product mix curated for “Make Room For Shoes” features 12 prominent styles, including the brands signature pieces: the Kanika feel and Rodni flat.

Other standouts include Meeza mule, seen in mesh and pearls, the Lucca sandal and Cadel pearl ballet flats. The line features core colorways such as black, white and blush and gold.

“We added pearl details to our seasonal assortments with the intention of offering a style that can be worn for special occasions and beyond,” Monique Rivera, Dolce Vita’s VP of design, said.

She added, “Pearls are classic but also not too precious or flash. They’re a neutral tone that can be worn with everything, from a gorgeous satin gown to a crochet summer dress and even a moto jacket or oversized denim.”

Nordstrom’s Make Room for Shoes campaign — which began at the start of the year with On followed by Sam Edelman, Birkenstock, and most recently, Larroudé — puts an emphasis on its footwear heritage.

According to Nordstrom’s executive vice president and general merchandise manager for shoes Tacey Powers, Make Room for Shoes will come to life through monthly partnerships with some of the industry’s best footwear brands and will feature a curated selection of new styles, exclusives, dedicated visual displays and shopping experiences. The year-long project will live in all Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com, Powers noted.

Dolce Vita Jemmy Imitation Pearl Slide Sandals

$135 Buy Now at nordstrom

Dolce Vita Kanika Pointed Toe Pumps

$135 Buy Now at nordstrom

Dolce Vita Meeza Imitation Pearl Sandals

$135 Buy Now at nordstrom

Dolce Vita Cadel Mary Jane Flats

$115 Buy Now at nordstrom

Dolce Vita Lucca Imitation Pearl Flip Flops

$70 Buy Now at nordstrom

Dolce Vita is calling upon its social media followers to share feedback on its newest shoes.

Following the release of its expanded wide-calf boots in October, the footwear label took to Instagram to share a casting call for customers to try shoes on in-person at its showroom. The initiative aims to improve the fit and structure of Dolce Vita’s wide-calf boots.

Within a Q&A on Instagram Stories on Wednesday, the brand further clarified that the project aims to include the community that “doesn’t fit in our standard ‘wide calf’ sizing.”

Though its RSVP link for the showroom appointments is now closed, Dolce Vita has emphasized on social media that customers are invited to partake in its online wide-calf footwear survey to continue providing feedback. The survey, which is now live, asks customers questions related to their current wide-calf shoe styles, including brands they currently buy from, what their favorite shoe shapes are, improvements Dolce Vita can make within its shopping experience and more.

Dolce Vita’s wide-calf shoe casting follows the release of its expanded wide-calf boots range online this fall. The line includes an array of knee-high styles with angled, block and stiletto heels, crafted with neutral uppers in hues of black, brown and beige for added versatility.

In addition to its new wide-calf boots, Dole Vita’s fall 2023 collection also includes an array of lug-soled heeled, Western and heeled booties, low-top sneakers and pointed-toe mules in similarly warm colors, as well as hues of cream, silver and gold.

About the Author:

Aaron Royce is the Digital Editor for Footwear News, where he writes stories on trending news, celebrity style, collaborations and in-depth profile interviews. Prior to joining Footwear News, Aaron wrote and interned for publications including PAPER, Grazia and the Daily Front Row. He currently holds a B.S. in mass communications from Virginia Commonwealth University.

10 Wide-Calf Boot Options For Fall

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Dolce Vita is dreaming of summer romance, thanks to For Love & Lemons.

The contemporary shoe brand has joined forces with the popular womenswear label to launch a co-branded line, now available on its website. Their romantic line features a wide array of sleek summer shoes across five styles, emphasizing whimsical dressing and the power of flowers as warmer days begin — also seen in its accompanying campaign, where a model wears styles while posing in a garden, watering the lawn and eating pasta.

“We’ve been dreaming of collaborating with For Love & Lemons for a while now,” Kerry Norlin, President of Dolce Vita, exclusively told FN. “Being able to bring our customers a collection that will empower them, make them feel confident, and spark joy – we knew this was something we had to explore.”

The duo’s $100-$150 range spans shoes that can be easily dressed up or down. The line prominently features two styles of heeled lace-up sandals — the daisy-accented Daizy and the rosette-trimmed Rosie — in hues of matte red, black, ivory, lilac and yellow.

A similarly sleek take to open-toed dressing can be seen in the black thong-strapped Daphne slip-on heels and the fuchsia Dahlia sandals — each featuring straps whimsically trimmed with minuscule flowers. The variety is complete with the sweet satin Lilly ballet flats, featuring a round-toed base with thin upper straps lined in delicate rosettes.

“We envisioned delicate little steppers gently tapping your lover’s foot whilst sharing a plate of pasta in a little Italian restaurant, pretty heels dancing under the stars on cobblestone streets, ballet slippers resting gently on the passenger side dashboard as you cruise through the countryside for a weekend getaway,” For Love and Lemons founders Laura Hall and Gillian Rose Kern shared in a statement.

“Everything we envisioned has come true thanks to our lovely friends at Dolce Vita. Here’s to more dreamy strolls on warm summer nights.”

As for the future, the pair’s collaboration will continue with new colorways in August. Norlin also shared that Dolce’s slate of collaborations — which follows the brand’s opening of its New York City flagship boutique — will also grow, as well.

“We’ve got something in the works for Spring 2024,” Norlin teased, “so you’ll need to stay tuned!”

Dolce Vita is taking its next step forward into retail in a big way. The affordable shoe brand has opened its first flagship store in New York City, as of April 29. The moment marks its second retail location in the U.S., following Dolce Vita’s first store that opened in Los Angeles’ Melrose Place in 2006.

The brand’s new location features a range of contemporary influences. Set on the corner of Broadway and Broome St. in New York’s SoHo neighborhood, the new Dolce Vita flagship includes an open, single-level space in hues of brown and cream, inspired by SoHo’s own minimalism. Emphasizing this are the space’s pale wood floors, iron beams and exposed brick walls, crafted by the brand with architect Aine Naughton.

“Everyone who knows, knows our flagship is situated in one of the best areas to shop in NYC, both for locals & tourists,” Kerry Norlin, Dolce Vita’s president, said in an exclusive interview with Footwear News.“We knew after opening Melrose, Soho was the way to go.”

Indeed, with its curved cream island displays, terra-cotta vases and long mirrors, the space’s geometric accents reference Dolce Vita’s contemporary nature while remaining open and relaxed. Plush cushions and chairs finish the space, aiming to inspire customers to socialize and further immerse themselves with the brand’s new range of sneakers, sandals, heels and handbags — which are favored by stars like Zaya Wade.

The New York boutique’s opening stems from Dolce Vita’s upward trajectory in its direct-to-consumer and wholesale businesses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Norlin, this and the drive to return to normalcy post-pandemic made April the right time for Dolce Vita to set retail roots in New York City.

“Now that everyone is out in the world again, we want our retail stores to connect our customer,” Norlin said, “To the product they know and love, to be able to be a part of the experience they’ve familiarized themselves with on social media and really join our community as they are welcomed into our stores.”

Dolce Vita‘s new SoHo store is now open at 489 Broadway in New York City.

Kristin Cavallari gave her fans a view of her shoe closet ahead of a photoshoot for her new cookbook, “True Comfort.”

Cavallari went smart-casual in a Reformation baby blue floral dress with a squared neckline. The bodice has a lacy hem with a lettuce edge, giving the dress a princess-like vibe. The dress itself is smattered with a white floral print and stopped at the mid-thigh. The lacy detailing is a key element to what makes this look so good as the material is simple and airy, adding interest to any ensemble in the most simple of ways.

Cavallari bumped up the shine with a dainty gold bracelet, necklace, rings, and earrings all from her Uncommon James brand. The blue pops against the star’s skin, creating a lovely contrast.

Giving the former “The Hills” star’s look a sharp finish was a pair of Western boots. The tanned boots featured brown suede uppers, pointed toes and curved shafts, the style was instantly reminiscent of cowgirl and cowboy-esque pairs that have been trending in recent months.

However, giving the pair a contemporary spin was a calf-high silhouette — plus a set of 2-inch heels, making them ideal for easy movement (but maybe not horseback riding).

Western boots have expanded in popularity in recent months, due to a return to nostalgic style and their comfort factor. Silhouettes with pointed or steel-tipped toes, as well as the pair’s angular soles, embroidered uppers, and Cuban heels, have become especially popular — as seen in new styles from brands Anine Bing, Jeffrey Campbell and Isabel Marant. Aside from Cavallari, stars including Gwen Stefani, Emily Ratajkowski, and Jennifer Lopez have also worn DSquared2, Zara, and Ralph Lauren Western boots in recent weeks.

Shop these cowboy boots.

To Buy: Ariat Heritage Western R Bootie, $160. 

To Buy: Steve Madden West Brown Leather Boot, $190. 

To Buy: Coconuts By Matisse Women’s Gaucho Boot, $50. 

See Cavallari’s style through the years.

Style lovers can always count on Kristin Cavallari to don effortlessly chic outfits no matter the occasion. The television personality, fashion entrepreneur and author is known for her classic California style that is perfectly modern without being deliriously trendy. So there’s little surprise that Cavallari hit it out of the park with a springy Easter look on Sunday.

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A post shared by Kristin Cavallari (@kristincavallari)

For the holiday, the 35-year-old wore an effortless mid-length yellow silk dress by The SEI with a fitted bust and daringly thin straps. The springy dress featured an open back with side cutouts, adding interest to the otherwise standard silk dress silhouette. For shoes, Cavallari wore white open-toe mules by Dolce Vita with a high block heel and a wide PVC strap across the toes, which seems to be one of her favorite sandal silhouettes this season. The star accessorized with drop statement earrings from her Uncommon James jewelry brand and a delightfully bulky gold watch. On Instagram, Cavallari called the look her “Sunday best.”

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A post shared by Kristin Cavallari (@kristincavallari)

The star is currently in the Bahamas on vacation with Justin Anderson and other friends, with Cavallari posting pictures on the beach in bikinis and body chains. Her Easter night, however, ended in an unexpected and unfortunate trip to the emergency room. Cavallari shared on her Instagram Story that one of her vacation pals accidentally stepped on a broken wine glass during their low-key Easter celebration, landing him with several stitches on the bottom of his foot. Cavallari posted a video of the two dancing to Madonna on the beach just hours after the hospital visit, so the incident doesn’t appear to be slowing the vacation down.

Cavallari—who began her career starring in reality TV shows like “Laguna Beach,” “The Hills,” and “Very Cavallari”—has evolved into a trend-setting style star over the years, gravitating toward California-cozy looks, monochromatic styling, and simple dress silhouettes with eye-catching details. Before launching Uncommon James, she was a footwear collaborat with Chinese Laundry.

Put on a pair of white mule sandals and add a touch of sophistication to your looks.

To Buy: Bottega Veneta Stretch Leather Mules, $790. 

To Buy: Senso Maisy Mule Sandals, $144. 

To Buy: Vince Hanna Leather Block-Heel Mules, $325.

See more of Cavallari’s style through the years.

Steve Madden and Dolce Vita are launching their own respective peer-to-peer resale marketplaces with the help of recommerce and circular tech leader Recurate.

In a move to curb the “millions of tons of clothing and shoes are incinerated or sent to landfills each year,” Steve Madden Ltd. Is now offering its customer’s a way to re-home some of their worn items under the Steve Madden Re-Booted and Dolce Vita Re:Vita resale marketplaces.

According to Steve Madden, customers can now submit their own product photos, descriptions, and select a recommended price for their items, which will then be authenticated and approved by the respective brands to appear on the resale page.

When the item sells, users receive a prepaid shipping label to send it to its next home, said the brand. Once the buyer verifies its condition, the seller will be reimbursed with store credit.

“Steve Madden and Dolce Vita are thrilled to enter the resale market with Recurate as our partner,” Gregg Meyer, chief sustainability officer at Steven Madden, told FN. “Through Steve Madden’s Re-Booted and Dolce Vita’s Re:Vita, we want to make it incredibly easy for customers to buy and sell preloved products so that they stay out of landfills and in the closets of people who love them. It’s all in an effort to make the items we create last as long as possible –an effort that we hope galvanizes the industry as a whole.”

“Footwear is one of the fastest growing sectors of resale and we could not be more excited to partner with both Steve Madden and Dolce Vita as two of our first footwear brands,” added Adam Siegel, co-founder and CEO of Recurate. “At Recurate we aim to make resale easy for brands and consumers across all sectors and price points. Steve Madden and Dolce Vita are two iconic brands taking a huge step toward circularity and we are proud to be working with them to bring peer-to-peer resale to their customers.”

Steve Madden Re-Booted launches today, Jan. 10 while Dolce Vita’s Re:Vita will follow on Feb. 22.

This news comes as Steve Madden Ltd reported its biggest quarter ever in November that surpassed its pre-pandemic performance. For the third quarter, the New York-based footwear company reported revenue increased 52.4% to $528.7 year-over-year and increased 5% compared with 2019. Net income was $66.6 million, or $0.82 per diluted share, up 22% from 2019.

Hey ya’ll, if you haven’t been living under a rock for the past few weeks, you already know that Alabama Rush TikTok videos have suddenly taken over everyone’s For You Pages.

People of all ages, whether they’ve been in a sorority or not, seemingly can’t look away from this chaotic cast of characters as they fill their feeds.

For context, the University of Alabama is in the middle of its sorority recruitment and its potential new members (PNMs) are giving a play-by-play of the process on TikTok. And at the forefront of these videos are displays of their OOTDs (Outfit of the Day).

@nicolehinson2

#rushtok #bamarush #ootd

♬ original sound – Nicole Hinson

It’s the pure innocence and Southern twang that sucked me in right from the gate. These girls are vying for bids to join one of Alabama’s 24 sorority houses and they’re dressing for the part.

They’re giving pageantry, they’re giving drama, they’re giving camp and they’re giving a statement earring as they break down every aspect of their outfits — down to their jewelry they borrowed from their meemaw.

Here’s how a typical TikTok goes:

“Hey ya’ll, here’s another OOTD for philanthropy round. My dress is from LoveShackFancy, my necklace: Kendra Scott. Hair from god, earrings from Shein. My shoes: Dolce Vita.”

Half of these PMNs do not know where most of their clothing and accessories are from, which is the best part of all.

Based on my personal algorithm, Dolce Vita is the unofficial shoe of Bama Rush. Seemingly every girl has the brand’s $120 braided block heel sandal and it’s nearly always purchased at Dillard’s.

Other go-tos shoes are flatforms espadrille from Steve Madden, Vince Camuto sandals and Marc Fisher wedges.

This campus is overflowing with fast fashion ensembles from off-price retailers, Amazon and contemporary women’s brands. The girls also seem to love a local boutique, which I’m here for.

So for the brands looking to see where their target demographic is, head to TikTok. Roll Tide!