Patricia Bonaldi, the visionary founder and creative director behind PatBO, has long captivated the fashion world with her intricately embellished ready-to-wear and swimwear, each piece suffused with the vibrant spirit of her native Brazil. But at New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025, Bonaldi unveiled a bold new chapter for her brand: the debut of PatBO's first official shoe collection—a move that promises to reshape the label’s lifestyle offering and global identity. With footwear previously relegated to runway showpieces or special occasions, this launch marks a pivotal moment, fusing PatBO's hallmark artisanal craft with a fresh sense of movement and joy.
The Missing Piece: Why Footwear, Why Now?
For years, PatBO has been synonymous with dazzling embroidery, sumptuous textures, and a celebration of Brazilian femininity. Footwear, however, remained conspicuously absent—a gap Bonaldi herself described as a “missing piece” in the brand’s expression. “I wanted to create shoes that are as joyful as my clothes,” Bonaldi told WWD, underscoring the impetus behind this expansion.
This strategic move is more than a mere product launch; it is a deliberate evolution toward a comprehensive lifestyle label. The inclusion of a dedicated shoe line signals Bonaldi’s ambition to offer her clientele a complete sartorial experience, one in which every element—from dress to sandal—speaks the same language of exuberance, craft, and empowerment. In a landscape where brands vie for global relevance, PatBO’s footwear launch is a testament to the power of thoughtful diversification.
Brazilian DNA: Craftsmanship at the Heart
What sets PatBO’s footwear apart is not simply its aesthetic appeal, but its authentic connection to Bonaldi’s roots. Each shoe is crafted in Brazil, embodying the designer’s commitment to artisanal skills and local craftsmanship. Bonaldi’s process is deeply collaborative, working hand-in-hand with Brazilian artisans who bring her vision to life through meticulous handiwork.
The collection is a masterclass in texture and embellishment—bold crystal accents, hand-beaded motifs, braided straps, and woven details abound. The shapes are fluid, echoing the movement and dynamism found in PatBO’s celebrated apparel. Bonaldi’s philosophy is clear: “Our DNA is in the details—hand-embroidery, embellishments, and texture.” This shoe line is no exception, serving as a tactile extension of the brand’s ethos.
Collection Highlights: A Kaleidoscope of Color and Craft
PatBO’s debut footwear collection is a joyful riot of color and texture, designed to be statement-making yet eminently wearable. The assortment is both expansive and discerning, featuring:
- Crystal-embellished heeled sandals that shimmer with every step
- Chunky platforms that marry comfort with bold design
- Flats adorned with hand-made details such as beading, weaving, and braided accents
The palette is unabashedly tropical—think bright yellows, electric pinks, turquoise, and mixed metallics—each hue chosen to evoke the energy and vibrancy of Brazil. Bonaldi’s intent is clear: to design shoes that are “as joyful as her clothes,” offering a sense of celebration that transcends mere utility.
In an interview, Bonaldi emphasized that she wanted her shoes to be instantly recognizable as PatBO creations, even without a visible logo. This speaks volumes about her commitment to a distinct aesthetic identity—one rooted not in branding, but in the unmistakable language of craft and color.
From Runway to Reality: The NYFW Debut and Beyond
The unveiling of PatBO’s footwear was orchestrated with characteristic flair at New York Fashion Week, where the shoes were seamlessly integrated into the brand’s Spring/Summer 2025 ready-to-wear presentation. Styled with a variety of looks, the shoes demonstrated remarkable versatility, transitioning effortlessly from dramatic evening ensembles to breezy daytime attire.
This runway debut was more than a showcase; it was a strategic assertion of the shoes’ place within the PatBO universe. Rather than relegating footwear to the periphery, Bonaldi placed it center stage, emphasizing its role as both a functional accessory and a statement of identity. Each pair reflected the artful synergy between apparel and footwear, reinforcing the brand’s holistic vision.
Creative Process: Artisanship and Identity
At the core of PatBO’s new footwear line is a reverence for detail and a belief in the transformative power of craft. Bonaldi’s approach is methodical yet inspired, beginning with sketches and mood boards that translate the exuberance of Brazilian culture into wearable art. Her collaboration with skilled artisans in Brazil ensures that each shoe is not merely manufactured, but lovingly created.
Bonaldi’s desire for instant recognition—“I wanted people to look at the shoes and immediately know they are PatBO, even if there’s no logo”—is a bold challenge in a crowded market. Yet, by anchoring her designs in distinctive techniques and materials, she has achieved a sense of authenticity that resonates far beyond superficial branding. The result is a collection that feels both deeply personal and universally appealing.
Distribution and the Road Ahead: Toward Lifestyle Domination
Following the NYFW debut, PatBO’s footwear will be available for preorder on the brand’s website and at select retail partners—a calculated move to ensure accessibility while maintaining an aura of exclusivity. Bonaldi is clear about her ambitions: she wants shoes to become a core part of PatBO’s ongoing collections, expanding the label’s impact as a global lifestyle brand.
This transition from runway to retail is fraught with challenges, particularly for brands rooted in niche craft traditions. But PatBO’s strategic rollout—leveraging the momentum of NYFW and the allure of limited-edition preorders—positions the brand for both immediate buzz and sustained commercial success. If Bonaldi’s vision is realized, PatBO shoes could well become the new standard-bearers for artisanal luxury in the footwear space.
Empowerment Through Style: Bonaldi’s Vision for Women
Underlying the technical prowess and aesthetic innovation of PatBO’s footwear debut is a profound philosophy of empowerment. Bonaldi draws inspiration from the “expressive women of Brazil and around the world” who seek fashion that is both bold and joyful. Her stated goal is for women to feel “empowered, feminine, and celebratory” in her designs—a sentiment that permeates every aspect of the new collection.
This ethos is particularly resonant in a global moment where fashion is increasingly seen as a vehicle for self-expression and agency. PatBO’s shoes are not mere accessories; they are declarations of individuality, crafted for women who refuse to blend into the background. In this sense, the footwear launch is as much a cultural statement as a business initiative.
Conclusion: Redefining the Footwear Landscape
With the launch of its first official shoe collection, PatBO has entered the designer footwear space with a singular vision—one that marries Brazilian artistry with cosmopolitan sophistication. Patricia Bonaldi’s vibrant, embellished shoes are more than just extensions of her celebrated apparel; they are catalysts for a broader conversation about craft, identity, and the future of luxury fashion.
As the shoes make their way from the NYFW runway to the wardrobes of expressive women worldwide, Bonaldi’s gamble appears prescient. In a market saturated with sameness, PatBO’s footwear stands out as a beacon of joy, craftsmanship, and empowerment. If this debut is any indication, the brand’s journey from beachwear showpieces to global lifestyle leader has only just begun.
