Inside Roveda, Chanel’s Secret Italian Atelier
The French maison makes its footwear in Italy where master shoemakers blend decades-old craftsmanship with Chanel's uncompromising vision.
Tucked away in Parabiago, just outside Milan, lies Roveda—a shoemaking atelier with a nearly 75-year history of craftsmanship. Founded in 1955, Roveda has quietly become one of the most vital players in luxury fashion, producing shoes for the house of Chanel.
What sets Roveda apart is not just its legacy but also its mastery of traditional techniques in a world increasingly driven by machines. In the factory, artisans shape leather by hand, sew soles with centuries-old methods, and obsess over every detail—from the arch of a pump to the curve of a slingback strap. Each Chanel shoe is the result of 150 meticulous steps, many of which are invisible to the eye but crucial to the feel and fit. “The foot changes up to 5 per cent in one day,” says Nadia Minini, managing director for Roveda, and each step is necessary for a perfect fit throughout the day.
While Roveda rarely seeks the spotlight, its impact is global. Several generations of artisans work at Roveda, owned by Chanel since 2000, and have since taken on a new tradition: gathering to watch the Chanel sfilata (fashion show) together in the on-site auditorium to see their artistry grace the runway. In a fast-paced industry, Roveda remains a stronghold of slow luxury—while styles vary season after season, the ancient gestures of the shoemaker remain.
