Be A Designer, Gallarate. Shoes for your brand.
Shoes from your brand.
Loafers, trainers, ankle boots and sandals bearing your brand name. We’ll support you every step of the way – from the design stage through to choosing the right footwear manufacturer, right through to the sample and production stages.
12 years in the Made in Italy supply chainOver 200 people supported in launching their brandTrustpilot 4.2/5, every review is 5 stars
In brief.
Be A Designer is a design studio based in Gallarate (Varese) which has been supporting emerging designers and brands for 12 years. For footwear, it acts as both a design studio and an intermediary: it works with you to develop designs, materials and details; finds the right manufacturer for the type of shoe and the quantities required; and oversees the sample and production processes. Footwear requires specific lasts, leathers and manufacturing processes: for this reason, costs and minimum order quantities are set out in the quotation once the model and materials have been chosen.
Service details Shoes by brand
- Who
- Be A Designer, Gallarate (VA)
- What
- Development of the range and selection of the shoe manufacturer
- Models
- Loafers, trainers, ankle boots, sandals, depending on the design
- Minimums
- Subject to a quotation, depending on the model and the shoe manufacturer
- Customisation
- Materials, colours, brand, packaging
- Who it's for
- Fashion brands launching a footwear range and new brands
A shoe is a project in its own right.
Shoes aren’t made in clothing workshops: you need lasts, leather and specialised machinery. The value lies in finding the right shoe factory for that particular model and keeping a close eye on the process.
Model development
Design, shape, materials, soles and details chosen in collaboration with the design department, in line with your brand’s positioning.
Choosing a shoe manufacturer
Every type of shoe has its own specialists: let’s find the one that suits the model and the quantities.
Samples and production
The sample is tested and adjusted before the order is placed; we then monitor production and quality checks.
A range of shoes or an accessory for the collection.
Some brands want a proper footwear range, whilst others want a style to complement their collection. In this first call, we’ll work out where to start.
Shoe range
More styles, a range of sizes and a clear positioning: a project to be developed through strategy and sample collections.
A model for the collection
A pair of shoes to complete your clothing or handbag collection, in the same style as the brand.
In both cases, we start with the design and materials: if you don’t have them, the design department will develop them with you.
The right shoe factory for every type of shoe.
Our shoes are manufactured in specialist shoe factories, selected on a project-by-project basis depending on the model and quantities involved. We always tell you where they are made and do not label anything as ‘Made in Italy’ if it isn’t.
Be A Designer doesn’t just handle production. We only undertake pure contract manufacturing for VAT-registered individuals and established companies. Those starting from scratch go through the full programme: it’s the safest way to avoid spending money on production before knowing what to sell, to whom and at what price.
The garments are manufactured near Gallarate; for the shoes, we choose the shoe factory best suited to the design.
From idea to product, in six stages.
The Be A Designer programme, tailored to shoes. If you already have a design, we’ll start with the stage you need.
Strategy
Who are you selling to, at what price, and which models are you selling?
Drawing
The brand’s designs, materials, soles and details.
Shoe factory
We are looking for the right manufacturer for this model.
Sample
The first pair to try on and adjust.
Production
Sizes, materials and packaging, subject to checks.
Launch
Content, e-commerce and distribution.
Why Be A Designer and not just any manufacturer.
| Generic manufacturer | Be A Designer | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | A catalogue of familiar designs. | Your brand and a bespoke model. |
| Manufacturer | You’re trying to sort it out on your own, without knowing who does what. | The shoe manufacturer best suited to the design and quantities required. |
| Check | Have a look at the shoes when they arrive. | Sample tested and corrected prior to production. |
| Transparency | You don’t always know where it’s made. | We’ll tell you where it’s made before you set off. |
| After | Get the shoes; the rest is up to you. | Content, e-commerce and launch – all handled by the same team. |
How much does a shoe range cost?
For shoes, the cost depends on the model, shape, leather, sole and quantity, and varies considerably from one shoe manufacturer to another. For this reason, it is specified in the quotation once the design has been finalised.
| Item | Approximate cost | What drives it |
|---|---|---|
| Model development | subject to a quotation | Design, form and materials |
| Sample | subject to a quotation | Style, leather and finishes |
| Production | subject to a quotation | Model, quantity and size range |
| Packaging | subject to a quotation | Boxes, bags and tags |
During the first call, we’ll give you a rough estimate for your project and explain what factors affect the minimum requirements and timelines.
Frequently asked questions.
Be A Designer supports brands in the development of their footwear ranges, acting as both a design studio and an intermediary: design, materials, selection of the right manufacturer for the model, prototyping and production.
No. The shoes are manufactured in specialist shoe factories, selected on a project-by-project basis depending on the model and quantities. Be A Designer oversees the development process and manages the relationship with the manufacturer.
It depends on the model, shape, leather, sole and quantity: a trainer and a moccasin have very different costs and minimum order quantities. That is why the price is set out in the quotation, once the design has been finalised.
Minimum order quantities depend on the model and the footwear manufacturer and are specified in the quotation. During our first call, we’ll give you a rough estimate for your project.
It depends on the shoe manufacturer you choose. Be A Designer always states where its products are made and does not label items as ‘Made in Italy’ if they are not.
Yes. Brands often start with a design that complements the collection, in the same style, and then expand the range.
What else do we do for brands?
Let’s talk about your shoes.
A free call to discuss the project, the models and the budget. No obligation.
Or write to [email protected]
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