An Interview With Maggio

Heels, oh wonderful heels … it’s been a while but this week I’m featuring footwear in the form of Italian stiletto brand, MAGGIO. Inspired by Greece, made in Italy, worn by women worldwide with a passion for high heels. I caught up with founder and designer Marianna to find out more about her stiletto passion …. Hi Marianna!

Hello! I’m Marianna.

Age 36

I will wear high heels everywhere and always. I can’t concentrate and be feminine in flats😊

My favourite colour is Fuchsia and the blue of Greece.

I only drink something bubbly!

Married to Bobby Gogios and mother of baby girl born September 2020.

Moved from Athens to Denmark at a young age.

What inspired the setting up of your luxury heel brand “Maggio”?

I studied commerce management specializing in sales and sales management and went on to work in the travel industry in sales and marketing. This was followed by working as a Team Leader in the sales team at a software company and in 2019 I realized my dream of becoming a shoe designer and Maggio was born.

I have always dreamt of having my own fashion brand, particularly a stiletto brand. I was so fascinated by the craftmanship involved that I used to run around at my parent’s friend’s shoe-factory fascinated and curious. I was always looking at all the shoes and dreaming that one day I would create my own shoe brand for women that want to stand out and feel empowered enough to show their inner goddess. Maggio is affordable luxury inspired by Greece handmade in Italy.

For me when a pair of heels are made it’s amazing to see all the personal touches and passion that goes into the shoes. It’s fascinating to see all the pieces that are put together to become a special pair of beautiful heels.

I’m interested in the origins of brand names – so how did you come up with “Maggio”? Were there other names you considered?

Well, I was at a lovely beach on a Greek Island with my little notebook writing names down and sort of play with the combination of letters of my first name and family name. Suddenly I came up with Maggio and thought it sounded good. It was short and easy to remember. Yes I considered writing my full name but it’s so long and hard to spell 😊

I also considerer BYMK but that was too close to another brand.

Your aim is to have every woman feel feminine and powerful as soon as they wear heels by Maggio. What style/colour heels are most popular amongst your customers?

It’s actually a good but difficult question because in general they have difficult choosing the colours but I would say that the pink Astraea, Green Hemera and Blue Eudora are popular at the moment

Out of all your collection, do you have any favourites?

I love them all but my favourite at the moment is the new Astrea in Pink.

As you are based in Denmark, are your products available to purchase overseas?

Yes we ship worldwide

When designing heels to add to your collection, do you take into account your own tastes, your customer base, requests, traditional styles, current trends or bits of all those?

In general, I’m mainly focused on my vision of each shoe. Everything else comes second. However, I do have a vision board where I pin different fabrics, accessories and clipping from fashion magazines to see the trends in Europe. I get my inspiration from Greece, especially the colours that are so unique and that is something you remember.

How long on average to make a pair of heels from scratch?

It takes 30 different components to produce a high heel. That is why it takes time and is very complex to design and produce a high heeled shoe. It takes around 3 months for Maggio shoes to be made passing through a lot of people and collaborators.

A couple of hypothetical questions now! Firstly, if you could go anywhere in the world for inspiration to create a new collection, where would you go and why?

I would go to Greece to sit by the sea (my favourite place) The colours and its beauty is something unique and something you will not find anywhere in the world.

Secondly, which famous lady would you pick to be the “Face” Of Maggio and why?

I would pick Gal Gadot- she is feminine, has natural beauty and is a true power woman.

She participated at Miss Universe, studied law and was in the army and has both beauty and brains. I just love her in Wonder Woman.

Growing up, did you always want to be a shoe designer or did your career aspirations lie elsewhere?

Yes, I was so fascinated with the craftsmanship and to see the transformation on have women feel and look when the wear the right pair of heels. But it took me some time to gather the courage to follow my dream.

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

I’m all about colour and it is important for me that the look is feminine and preferably glamorous. I love dresses and slim fit pants. Always with a pair of high heels, of course.

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites? (Apart from your own!)

I really like yoox.com as my favourite shop online. There are a variety of brands that gives inspiration and the service is great.

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

On my wish list next when it comes to clothes, I want colorful summer dress both casual and party to dress up (hopefully in Greece) with my Maggio stilettos.

Boots or Shoes?

High heels always. I think it’s so feminine that the ankles and the lower legs are showing. It gives a sexy look and your leg looks taller – especially when wearing a skirt or a dress.