It’s not every emerging footwear company that lands in the pages of Vogue just a month after its debut. Yet, Lili Curia stands as a bona fide sensation of 2025. During London Fashion Week, the Vogue staff consistently spotted fashionable attendees of runway shows and gatherings sporting chic footwear. Notably, these shoes became a key element in the ensembles of prominent figures such as Princess Julia, Keira Knightley, Sidney Lima, and Suki Waterhouse. And they were all donning Lili Curia – a fresh shoe brand that rapidly gained recognition.
Who created Lili Curia?
“Who exactly is Lily? Where did she emerge from, and why haven’t we encountered her work previously?” These were the recurring questions voiced by those who observed Lili Curia shoes adorning the streets of London. It turns out, Lily exists solely as a fictional persona. “She represents an alter ego,” explains Chili Palmer, the brand’s originator. “The designation ‘Curia’ stems from the word curiosity, also alluding to curation—a lifestyle conceived as an art of assembling. We amass ideas, inspiration, and raw materials, fashioning shoes into distinct artifacts. Furthermore, ‘Lili’ originates from Lilith, a mythical figure recognized as an emblem of autonomy and rebellion.”
The history of the Lili Curia shoe brand
Chili Palmer is a designer of the third generation situated in London. Her educational path included the esteemed Arsutoria school based in Milan, where she acquired comprehensive mastery of the skills of manufacturing shoes and handbags. “It’s the very same academy where my father also attended during the 1970s,” she recounts. “The expertise conveyed across generations influences the supreme quality characterizing our Lili Curia footwear. It hinges on honoring craftsmanship, guaranteeing precision in the cut, and maintaining harmony between artisanal labor and state-of-the-art technology.”
A modern take on classic shoes
Lili Curia’s designs exemplify a revitalized perspective on time-honored footwear. Take, as examples, the elevated lace-up Isadora Boots or the Victoria Mules, distinguished by a comma-shaped heel. Every pair exudes distinctive personality, flair, and carefully considered design. These shoes transcend the purpose of mere runway display; they beckon to be worn daily. Consequently, the Lili Curia label has emerged as the latest darling among London’s trendsetting “it-girls” and fashion journalists.
Regardless of its cutting-edge aesthetic, the brand maintains profound connections to precedent. “While conceiving our initial lineup, we were influenced by our inherent tastes alongside historical archives,” explains Palmer, who collaborates alongside Florentine designer Raquel Segui. “Within our studio, we maintain an entire room dedicated to vintage shoes, serving as a source of inspiration. We meticulously gather nuances, contours, shades – similar to those who accumulate narratives.”
How Lili Curia is worn in London
Anna Caffolla, an editor at Vogue, expresses that her favored selection consists of black Isadora Boots. “They convey robustness in parallel to refinement, almost as if conceived for a Victorian woman traversing the Yorkshire heaths,” she articulates. “I donned them during the Royal Opera House premiere alongside a velvet dress created by Hai, as well as casually paired with pistachio Cawley shorts and a plain white T-shirt at a local pub. Lili Curia shoes embody a blend of resilience and gentleness, historical resonance fused with modern assurance.”
Why Lili Curia is becoming a cult shoe brand
Lili Curia has swiftly evolved into a front-runner amongst creative individuals. Artists, musicians, performers, and fashion experts endorse it. Among these is Parisian artist Tali Lennox, who headlined the marque’s opening promotional effort. “We appreciate that those with similar style affinities are discovering Lili Curia and feeling drawn to it,” Palmer comments.
Another explanation for the widespread discussion about Lili Curia lies in its equitable pricing structure. In spite of superior quality, hand-crafted construction, and carefully considered design attributes, the price spectrum continues to be measured – ranging from $350 to $580. This footwear exhibits features aligned with the luxury echelon, remaining simultaneously reasonably accessible. Therefore, Lili Curia is regarded as a leading revelation among up-and-coming shoe companies.
Currently, Lili Curia functions as a brand defining a refreshed benchmark for British fashion. Its works radiate elegance, self-assurance, and genuineness. Increasingly visible throughout London, Paris, and Milan, Lili Curia footwear is swiftly solidifying its status as an exceptionally thrilling fashion discovery of the current year. Chic, captivating, and comfortable, these shoes validate that aesthetics and craftsmanship can integrate within routine existence.
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Based on material from vogue.co.uk
