Franco Sarto's Italian roots show in Sandal designs this season

By April MacIntyre Apr 30, 2011, 23:26 GMT

One of the leaders in worldwide brands, designer Franco Sarto, started out at age 14 working in a shoe factory in his hometown of Dolo, outside Venice, Italy.

This is the time of year the heavy boots and closed shoes give way to more revealing foot fashions, and strappy sandals, along with the perfect nude pump or heel, are major players.

One of the leaders in worldwide shoe brands, designer Franco Sarto, started out at age 14 working in a shoe factory in his hometown of Dolo, outside Venice, Italy.

"Crest"

Sarto brings a variety of stylish platforms, slides, espadrilles, pumps and sandals to the retail market.  He has released his collection of shoes for Spring/Summer 2011, and it is no surprise that classic Greco-Roman shapes and slave girl-styles infuse his collection, as his collection offers something for every woman at a reasonable price.

Franco Sarto

Woven leather criss-crosses the foot in several flattering shapes, and his newest flat sandal, my favorite is the "Gia," a chic, flat sandal with a toe-loop and crossed leather top that hugs the foot in the right places.

"GIA" photo by April MacIntyre ©M&C

Sarto, who started out as a cobbler in a factory, still hand sketches many of his designs. He learned how to work with shoes at an early age, to make them, and then started considering fashion more and more in the actual design.

"Leila"

By his early twenties, Sarto knew shoes and fashion were to be his life, so he moved to Stra - the center of shoe design for all of Italy. He quickly partnered with another designer and opened up a design studio. In 1990, he launched his namesake line.  Today his brand is known worldwide.

"Naomi"

The Franco Sarto Summer 2011 collection offers a variety of stylish and comfortable styles for both day and night.

"Janice"