Joe Famolare and the Platform Shoe – Part II
Joe Famolare and the Platform ShoePart II.
The Capezio and Bandolino Years
Capezio was founded in 1887 by Salvatore Capezio and still exists today as a tristed source and household name for dance shoes, later on fashion shoes, and now competitive ice skates. During Joe’s tenure he designed shoes for the Bolshoi Ballet and many others. Other highlights were designing shoes for the legendary Twyla Tharp’s Dance company.
His designs and selections also most notably appeared in the original Broadway Production of West Side story. The “Dance Oxford” created by Joe especially for West Side Story is still in use on the stage to this very day.
In my opinion, heading for the theater not only gave him an understanding of what was required in active shoes but gave him a lot of inspiration on how to be savvy, unconventional marketer and promoter of his product. One instance later found him skating on a float in a Thanksgiving Day parade to promote his shoes!
He left Capezio in 1965 over irreconcilable differences. Capezio was heading more and more into putting fashion before function, and wanting to break into the fashion market more while eliminating some comfort features in shoes, and Joe wanted to concentrate a little more on function.
His next stop along the way, was in 1965, as an executive for Marx and Newman. He was in charge of their popular division, Bandolino shoes that were sold at Neiman Marcus and elsewhere . He not only was executive vice president but designed while he was there. I am not sure exactly which models he designed, but they all were at least selected by Joe even if he didn’t design every single model during his tenure there. The company started to take a turn when Mr. Newman left the business, and as the company got more political, Joe decided that it was time to leave.
In 1969, Joe formed Famolare shoes…and the rest, as they say, is history.
Tomorrow: Part Three…Joe “Gets There”.
1970s, famolare shoes | Comments (4)
4 Responses to “Joe Famolare and the Platform Shoe – Part II”
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For more than two centuries, Capezio /Ballet Makers has been supporting the dance world with more than just dancewear and shoes. Applauded for its leadership in the dance community and its role in cultivating new audiences for the artform, the company will be named the corporate honoree for the 2001 Joyce Award on January 17.
I bought some great bandolino patent shoes at Macy’s in Phoenix Arizona in February 2010 brought them home to Canada, i have worn them 2 times and the bottom sole wore off. I have to spend 30.00 to have new soles put on. I am really surprised. I love the shoes or i would not bother with the new soles. I am retired and really would like a refund. Thank you kindly
Hi Sandra,
I would contact the Macy’s first if you have your original receipt and explain the situation, either on the phone or with the help of a friend who lives near one in the states.I am not sure how successful you will be considering the elapsed time, but its worth a try. Also, Bandolino is owned by the Jones Apparel Group at the present time. Bandolino.com is defunct, and has been replaced with shoewoo.com. Customer service is (800) 279-0959. There is also a number for Jones Apparel corporate offices: (212) 642-3860
Website: http://www.jonesapparel.com The corporate office may not handle such matters, so call them as a last resort and be brief. Ask to be transferred to the department that deals with customer satisfaction or product rather than launch into a long story for the receptionist.
Good luck. Also, make sure you are using the correct shoe for the correct activity (ie not using ballet flats for hiking). Bandolino in general makes a decent shoe, but things can happen.
Let me know what happens.
i love the feel of leather dance shoes compared to synthetic fabrics.*`.