Dolci Firme is owned by Bianca Bucchieri, a purveyor of quality and style, Bianca stocks her tiny stores with the best shoes from major and some unlikely brands.

One of the most fashion forward (and notably my favourite) brands stocked in Dolci Firme is Le Silla. Le Silla is an Italian brand that I noticed on my European tour last year. Italians are known for quality and a certain style, but not usually being fashion forward. Of course there are always exceptions such as the creative director behind Givenchy, Riccardo Tisci. The self-proclaimed struggler, Tisci gave the tired French fashion house a new life. Italians are making waves by stepping away from the sexy and OTT style of yesterday.

I interviewed Bianca this week.

SMH: How long have you owned the store?
BB: The first store opened in South Yarra in 1999.

SMH: What led you to owning a shoe store?
BB: I lived in Florence, Italy for 3 years studying fashion design. My appreciation for good quality and unique designs in shoes began there in the inspiration city (writers note; my favourite Italian city, being an Italian myself, Florence is by far the most gorgeous city).

I moved back to Melbourne from living in Florence and noticed a gap for quality Italian shoes with the huge offer of designs from Italian shoe stores. Fashion and particularly footwear was so boring in Melbourne, except of course the stores with international designer brands.

In 1996, I started to design my own "made in italy" Bianca Buccheri range and sell to various fashion boutiques in Australia.
Opening my own store naturally progressed from there so I could explore more avenues and options with favourite shoe designers and more Bianca Buccheri styles.

SMH: How long have you loved shoes? And what is your first memory of  your shoe collection/obsession beginning?
BB: Mum was always splurging on Italian shoes as I was growing up so I was happy to play dress ups from an early age. My first trip to Italy was when I was nine years old and I still remember buying gorgeous navy ballet shoes. My first birthday gift from my Italian husband after 3 months that we first met was a pair of divine Sergio Rossi shoes. Italians are very fussy and careful about their shoes. It is a staple item on any Italians list each season.

SMH: What is the strategy behind the brands stocked at Dolci Firme?
BB: Offering labels that I feel represent beautiful, unique Italian designs that are not available any where else in Melbourne. Shoes are so important to a woman’s outfit. I feel that they are a form of expression and that is what I try to offer in the stores. Products of expression for women of different ages, careers and desires.

My Bianca Buccheri label offers affordable quality shoes without the designer tags. They range from $230 upwards and include flats right through to sexy platforms or stiletto heels.
These are exclusive to Dolci Firme.

SMH: What are your favourite brands/labels?
BB: Alessandro Dell Acqua, Missoni, Givenchy, Vicini and Le Silla create a feminine, sexy and edgy collection for the store.

SMH: What do you think of the proliferation of copies in high street stores?
BB: Unfortunately, that is the world of fashion. It is the quality that counts!!! Try walking around in fake leather shoes for a whole day and compare with all leather well made Italian shoes......you definitely notice the difference!

SMH: What are your picks for this season?

These heels by my label Bianca Bucchieri.

These gorgeous lace up boots by Alessandro Dell-Aqua

These everyday boots by my label Bianca Bucchieri



Flat boots in a gorgeous rustic colour - Daniel Claude


These party heels by Missoni


Check out the rest of their collection here.

SMH: Lastly, what does Dolci Firme mean?
BB: Dolci Firme means "sweet labels" just like entering a sweet store for a child!

Visit Dolci Firme at one of its two locations:

299 Toorak Road
South Yarra 3141, Vic

317 Little Collins Street
Melbourne 3000, Vic
PH: 03 9671 4600