Meet Andrea Carrano Jr.
Andrea Carrano Junior grew up in the heart of Milan, Italy, surrounded by the luxury and prestige of his father's successful shoe empire. As a young boy, he would accompany his father on trips to shoe factories throughout Tuscany and southern Italy, learning the art of shoemaking and the importance of quality and elegance in every pair. He was not just taught how to craft the perfect shoe but how to pour his heart and soul into every creation.
— His father instilled in him a deep love and appreciation for the rich history of Italian leather goods and the tradition of craftsmanship that has been passed down for generations —
However, as his father's health began to decline, the empire started to crumble under the management of other family members who were more interested in a quick cash grab than in preserving the company's legacy. Left with nothing but the knowledge and passion his father instilled in him, Carrano Junior hit the streets of New York City, determined to make a name for himself and honor his father's dream of creating a lasting legacy for him and his sisters. He put himself through NYU while sleeping in lofts and couches, through the generosity of his friends, and had to humble himself to ask for help to make ends meet; he also used his charm and knowledge his father left him about shoes to sell high luxury shoes at 19 years old.
After college, he landed work at a digital marketing agency, where he then started his own products and mastered e-commerce. The pandemic hit just as he was beginning to make a name for himself, forcing him to shut down his one store and go 100% online. But Carrano Junior didn't let that defeat him.
— Instead, he poured all his energy into reviving his father's legacy and restoring the once-great Andrea Carrano brand. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was willing to do whatever it took —
Using all of the knowledge and experience he had gained over the years, Carrano Junior began to make a name for himself in the world of shoe design, selling online and attracting the attention of major retailers like Nordstrom. His ultimate goal was to bring the Andrea Carrano name back to the heights of success it once enjoyed in the 80s by opening stores in famous locations like 5th avenue in NYC, Galleria in Houston, Bal Harbour in Miami, and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. He also wants to modernize the brand by using digital technology to market and distribute directly to the consumer while still maintaining old-school quality and craftsmanship.
His father's legacy as his guide and the determination of a true underdog, Carrano Junior, battled through the challenges and obstacles that came his way. He was not afraid to take risks, and his passion and drive fueled him every step of the way.
— Today, Andrea Carrano shoes are still handmade with love in Naples, Italy, from locally sourced leather —
They are now marketed and distributed directly to the consumer by modern standards, as spearheaded by Carrano Junior. The Andrea Carrano name has once again become synonymous with quality and style, and Carrano Junior is well on his way to becoming one of the most successful shoe designers in the world.
But more than just a successful business, the Andrea Carrano brand is a tribute to the love and dedication of a father who instilled in his son the importance of quality, elegance, and affordability for all. It is a heartfelt story of triumph, perseverance, and a legacy that will live on for generations.
— The story of Andrea Carrano is not just about shoes, it's about the rich history of Italian fashion and the power of love and determination to overcome any obstacle —