meet the designer: claudia ciuti

Meet Claudia Ciuti. The latest Italian shoe designer carried at The Shoe Hive.

How did you get started in the fashion shoe business?

I was born on the second floor of my father’s factory. I grew up playing between shoe cases and colorful leather cuts, surrounded by fabulous shoe samples kept in order on lighted glass shelves. No wonder I dreamt of being a designer! Having a father in the shoe business was a huge help, and having a husband who came from the same heritage was the greatest inspiration.

How long have you been designing shoes?

It feels like yesterday even with every new shoe I sketch but it has now been more than 15 years!

What has been your proudest designer/brand/business moment?

Receiving the honor of Voted Best Italian designer of the year! It was a great celebration, lots of friends, the greatest Italian shoe makers were there and I was very proud!

Which type of shoe would you say is best to wear to the office and then out for cocktails with friends?

It really depends on the living Fashion moment. These days, I would say a pointy pump in a great fun color!

Where do you go or what do you do for inspiration?

Well, inspiration comes from my travels in Europe and the people I meet, looking at the interesting people in the streets of New York and paying attention to small details always!

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Elizabeth Todd

owner | The Hive | The Shoe Hive

https://theshoehive.com

info@theshoehive.com

703.548.7105

I spent the first part of my career as a copy-writer who helped elected officials brag about their support for entrepreneurs. Then I decided to get off the printed page and do it myself. The Shoe Hive made a splash on the fashion scene in Washington, and was named the region’s best shoe store in its first year. Fourteen years later, I have tripled the store’s size and also opened a sister store, The Hive. At The Hive, we offer clothing lines that are sophisticated and approachable like Rag & Bone, Tibi, Raquel Allegra, Ulla Johnson and Veronica Beard. We have tried to fill our racks with clothing you will want to wear all the time, elevated basics that are worth the investment.

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Heard the buzz? The Shoe Hive & The Hive are a pair of luxury boutiques in Old Town Alexandria. Featuring both big name designers like Rag & Bone and Stuart Weitzman and smaller brands like AGL and L'Agence, our unique selection and impeccable service are what set us apart.

www.theshoehive.com

The Shoe Hive                         The Hive
127 S. Fairfax Street               301 Cameron Street
Alexandria, VA 22314              Alexandria, VA 22314

703.548.7105                          703.548.7110