For the Love of Friulane

Where to get your hands on these iconic Italian velvet slippers.

I saw an Instagram Reel the other day of a creator vouching that the Spaniards are ~ always ~ the ones ahead of the trends. She walked into a store in Madrid, which has become very well known thanks to a visit made by Kelly Rutherford, with walls filled from floor to ceiling with a colorful array of velvet slippers. However, Spain isn’t the one ahead of the velvet shoe trend, because our beloved Italy invented them in the first place.

These velvet slippers, called friulane, are what all the guys and gals wear in Milano to embrace a radical chic & sciura look, or in Venezia to adopt a slow, canal lifestyle. I fell victim to this look, and my friulane collection has grown ever since. Yet, their popularity has reached beyond the northern and southern corners of Milano and the Floating City.

These velvet slippers may all look the same at first glance. But make no mistake: Different quality, toe point shapes, and patterns make brands shine and others sink.

Enjoy my go-to top brands below for an authentic friulane experience.

1. Vibi Venezia

Photo: Vibi Venezia

Sisters Viola and Vera are behind the Venetian-born brand Vibi Venezia and are my most beloved friulane creators. The styles are classic — perfectly rounded shoes with sturdy stitched soles and simple colors. Not to mention, the Arrivabene’s are Venetian royalty, so they know a thing or two about these flats. Even Katie Holmes is a wearer of Vibi.

2. Viani Milano

Photo: Viani Milano

Despite the name, Viani Milano works with artisans from Friuli Venezia Giulia, where the velvet slipper was initially born. Viani Milano plays around with vibrant mixed colors and trendy fabrics (think mesh, textured velvet, and sherpa). Most of the styles have a pointed toe, creating a shoe that is a bit more modern and refined.

They recently collaborated with NYC influencer & style consultant

Lilly Sisto

, which drove an increase in friulane wearers in the States.

3. Sciuscià

Photo: Sciuscià

Sciuscià offers funky and quirky friulane styles. The brand's patterns are on par with the animal print trend that started last year (although, does animal print ever really go out of style?) and mohair. Select one of these prints to add personality to any monochromatic look. Made 100% in Friuli Giulia Venezia, the brand was born to preserve the Italian artisanal heritage. 

4. Piedàterre Venezia

Photo: Piedàterre Venezia

Another classic, Piedàterre Venezia is an easy choice and has been a go-to among Venetians since 1952. The silhouettes are simple and classic, offering sizes for the entire family. Shop in person at their two flagship stores in San Paolo and Piazza San Marco and select amongst the zillion colors.

5. Folkloore

Photo: Folkloore

Mila Serena di Lapigio, founder of Folkloore, based in Milan, has created a destination for discovering traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage around the globe. In Italy, she collaborates with craftsmen and women in northern Italy to create elegant friulane with a vibrant soul. The satin collection is to die for, but sizes run out quickly.

Are you a friulane fanatic like me?

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By Gabriela Rose