Barollo brand ambassador for a day
Barollo Italy is a brand that I have grown to adore throughout the past year. I first met the designer and founder, Darren Smith, at LA Fashion Week Presented by Art Hearts Fashion in March of 2022. Smith’s story is a unique one; he didn’t grow up daydreaming about designing shoes or working in fashion. Through what seems as though it was a deliberate and pre-destined act of fate, Smith happened upon a booth at a horse show where a merchant was creating custom riding boots. Feeling an almost spiritual draw to the booth, he continually went back to watch the crafter at work. It was in this moment that a deep inspiration struck Smith and shook him to the core. He found his calling.
From here, Smith began tirelessly researching the art of shoemaking. He knew he wanted to create something unique, luxurious, and above all, of the highest quality for his clients. On a global scale, Italy produces shoes to the highest standard and they’ve been a pioneer of the must-have accessories for centuries on end. Upon finding a factory in the heart of Italy’s shoe manufacturing hub, Smith got to work with an incredible team who knew all the ins and outs of making the - literally - perfect pair of shoes. After months of crafting, shoes were created and Smith had a collection to be presented to the world. Barollo shoes have been seen on A-list clientele including Angelina Jolie.
Fast forward to over half a year later from our initial introduction, Smith excitedly shares about Adolfo Sanchez’s upcoming showcase for his Amour collection at which he will be pairing the ensembles with Barollo shoes. The show is set to be held at a beautiful venue downtown and will not be a traditional runway show. As it turns out, Smith is unable to travel to LA for the show. He asks if I’d like to attend as the brand ambassador, and of course, without missing a beat, I enthusiastically say I would love to.
“Through what seems as thought it was a deliberate and pre-destined act of fate, Smith happened upon a booth at a horse show where a merchant was creating custom riding boots...He found his calling.”
As I’d never been a brand ambassador before, this was uncharted territory, so planning a meticulous strategy was absolutely necessary. My primary focuses included ensuring the brand reputation was upheld to the highest standard while sharing about it with others, generating content for social media, entertaining VIP guests, and handling PR-facing responsibilities.
Next, I stopped by Maison Privée where I was graciously outfitted for the event. Obviously, I wore a stunning pair of Barollo Italy heels (the Barollo Dream Stilettos in the color Sangue with a 110mm heel, to be exact). The gorgeous shoes were paired with an ADIBA dress (ADIBA is an incredible brand that utilizes ethical manufacturing – not to mention it’s woman-owned by an Egyptian Marketing graduate named Sylvana Sidra). Strategy and outfit ready, it was time to get some rest and then head to the event the following day.
The most stunning of views was offered upon arrival at the venue, the Kurve on Wilshire. Everyone was preparing for the show at the penthouse suite where a busy ambiance ensued with hair and makeup artists getting to work, assistants and interns getting pieces ready for the show, and photographers capturing behind-the-scenes footage. From the space, one could see the sprawling city below (which appeared all the more ethereal and majestic at sunset).
The premise of the show was quite innovative. Rather than a show where the models either posed like statues the entire time or a traditional runway show, it was a hybrid of the two concepts. There were plenty of opportunities to snap quality photos as the models held prolonged poses, yet there was still a makeshift runway of sorts that the models graced while twirling and flitting around to show off the versatility and beauty of the pieces.
Once the show ended, everyone stepped outside where models posed for more photos and attendees networked. I, of course, showed off my Barollo shoes and spoke with others about the brand while creating content for social media. With the stunning gem-toned hues of the shoes, the soft and delicate fabrics of the couture designs, and the sun setting in the distance, it seems that without even trying, the true spirit of Amour was captured.
Looking back on the experience, I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to represent and work with a brand of such quality and prestige. I have the deepest spirit of gratitude and I walk away with a much better understanding of fashion show production; all the hard work that goes into making everything happen, how to overcome the inevitable little obstacles, and how no matter what, things seem to always work out in ways better than expected. I’ve also learned what it really means to walk like you mean it.