Ricci No shoes: unique and suitable for business.
Today I have a treat. It’s an entry written by a guest blogger, Yin Yee from Singapore. She’s been a Lucitebox customer for years. A message I received from Yin Yee via Facebook inspired me to ask her to write about shoes. She was telling me about the joy of having a day off to run errands and visit the shoe shop. Did somebody say “shopping?” Did somebody say, “shoes?” I’m all ears (…er…feets!)
I was immediately intrigued (and slightly jealous) because Yin Yee is fortunate enough to have custom made shoes designed by an artist who is passionate about his craft, turning out reasonably priced, comfortable shoes. (It’s all in the arch, I’m told.)
Unique, little shops that sell carefully edited goods and handmade items seem like a significant business model for our time. I, for one, would love to move towards having less mass-produced “disposable” fashion, yet, Target, “I can’t quit you!” Anywho… I asked Yin Yee to tell me more about her quest for perfect shoes. She did. Without further ado, here’s Yin Yee’s report from abroad!
Gino is My Shoe Guy by Yin Yee Chan
Gino, owner of Ricci No
Women understand that shoes perform a function far beyond protecting our feet. Shoes tell the world who we are – 18th century European Queens wore paper–thin slippers while servants wore wooden clogs (sabots). Shoes also reflect our state of mind. We are “well-heeled” or “down on our heels”. Nancy Sinatra’s These Boots Were Made for Walking is the ultimate feminine battle cry. Cinderella knows that if the shoe fits, Prince Charming is close behind. Shoes are at once seductive and erotic. The ancient Chinese considered the embroidered bootie that enclosed a woman’s “3-inch lotus” to be an erotic work of art–even though the look required crippling foot binding. Centuries before Sex and the City, the sexual undertones of shoes were implicit. Victorians considered corset-like, high-button shoes the penultimate of seduction. Lovers slowly unbuttoned shoes that emphasized a delicately turned, coquettish ankle. With the right shoes, opportunities for seduction abound.
The price of a shoe is seldom an accurate indicator of comfort. But, comfort and style need not be mutually exclusive. I had been searching for shoes that combine looks and comfort for decades. My search finally came to an end when I found Ricci No, a charming little shoe shop owned by Gino and his partner. Gino started his shoe shop in the ’70s and over the years, had ventured into department stores. Success in this area, however, was limited as the malls preferred more conventional and commercial designs. Today Gino enjoys a group of loyal regular customers who love and appreciate his designs.
Rhinestone Embellished Ricco No shoes.
Pay a visit to Gino’s shop and you will find cutting-edge designs that are mainstream enough to wear everyday. What’s more, his shoes are utterly comfortable and reasonably priced! Most of his customers are regulars. New customers, like me, are introduced by his regulars. Gino likes to design with an eye for whimsy and fun. Although each shoe starts off as a somewhat basic looking design, he will tweak shoes to better suit each customer based on her personality and preferences. This sandal, for instance, was plain but because I like bling and flamboyance, he added a huge crystal to each toe.
Little touches to suit the client's personality
Similarly, the hand painting on this mule was color coded and drawn to what Gino believed would suit me.
Hand painted designs on slides
Ricci No--the place for shoes in Singapore
Like Gino, I believe that uniqueness and personalization is the way to go for the future. “Customers are more confident now and they like what they wear to reflect who and what they are. No woman wants to be seen wearing the same thing as another woman on the street,” Gino said.
I say, “Hooray!” Power to the consumer. The world is never more dull than when women all want to wear the same things. Let’s agree to be willing to lead with our hearts, even if this means being a little less conventional. What could be better than beautifully made shoes that are both unique and comfortable? One key to being true to one’s self is to let your personality shine with a very special pair shoes.
Sparkling bling by Ricci No slides.
Interior photo of shoes available at Ricci No
Thanks, Yin Yee! I love the two tone oxfords in the first photo–very Maud Frizon looking!
Do you have an interesting story to tell? I’d like to showcase it on Holly Gab in a feature I’m calling Around Town. I’d love to hear what’s going on in your area; be it a favorite store (maybe even your own store), a favorite restaurant, or any event that seems special to your town or city. (Lion’s Club Lady’s Auxiliary Corn Roast, anyone?) The tone of this blog is generally conversational, so don’t worry, I’ll edit it to fit. Please drop me a line if you’re interested and would like to participate as a guest blogger on Holly Gab. I’d be glad to have you gab with me and my readers.
