Italian Shoes Mean Big Business

A carved mermaid from the bow of a ship, sea captain's table, crystal chandeliers and unique jewelry by local artists are just some of the treasures found at Surfaces. 

The Atlantic Avenue business has become known for its eclectic mix of merchandise but also for the rare  Cordani shoes. 

"We really try to be customer driver," owner Lisa Ciccia of West Newbury said. "People wanted more vintage so we brought in more eclectic, one-of-a-kind pieces. But people also come for the shoes" 

The line, started by Ciccia's brother Michael, is now world-renowned. He often stocks new models at Surfaces to gage interest before he sells them to the over 200 stores and internet sites that carry them.

 "They have a large following," Michael, of North Andover, said. "They are big with nurses, teachers and moms, people who walk a lot." 

But these are not your average fashion-less clogs. Ciccia's shoes are in rich colors and subtle leathers paired with practical designs which have made the shoes favorites among professionals constantly on the move.

Cordani, named after Ciccia's mother's family, began nine years ago from Michael and his wife Allyson's Beacon Hill apartment. "My wife is a shoe-aholic," Ciccia said. "And I wanted to do something that was a part of Italy." 

From there, the couple launched the Cordani shoe company, an almost immediate success. "We used to go to Italy to see my family and my wife would come back with shoes," Ciccia said. "Soon, people at her office and our  friends were giving us money to bring  shoes back. We thought there was something there." 

Striking deals with tanneries and factories across Europe, Ciccia sends his designs to the workers who transform his sketches into works of art. "The Italian factories are out of Italian  homes," Ciccia said. "One (factory) is a guy who has chickens and pigs all over the place and he makes the shoes when he's not farming."

 The handcrafted elegance of the shoes come with a price tag - the shoes start at $180. "They are for people who want style and comfort," Ciccia said. The shoes are now on major Web sites such as Zappos and in stores such as Nordstroms and Anthropologie. Eventually, Ciccia hopes to expand and maybe even set up a factory in the United States.

 With his summer line now out, Ciccia expects the espadrille, made in a factory in Spain and a comfortable yet graceful ballet slipper to be popular this season. 

"They are chic and boho," Ciccia said. "People like to buy things with a story."

 Meanwhile, Lisa Ciccia is planning on expanding on the shoes this summer. She has partnered with cousin Mary Beth McBride, owner of Sweetwater and Company in Beverly and Rockport. McBride will be bringing her beach antiques to Surfaces along with a gift line and small decorative pieces.  Ciccia is also hoping to bring more clothing into her boutique as well. 

"It's zany but I think people get it," Ciccia said of her store. "I  like making people happy and if they find something that does that, then that's what it's all about."