REAL TALK:
EDOARDO CAOVILLA

What makes you most proud to be Italian?

“For me, Italy means belonging. It is a country full of history, beauty, culture and things to show and tell to the whole world. The cuisine, art, natural beauty and people are all one of a kind. I’m proud to say that we are a passionate and resilient country, and this difficult time has made me more convinced of that.”

What’s your favourite Italian word or phrase and why?

“There is a phrase by Italo Calvino, an Italian writer of the second half of the 20th century, that I find really contemporary. He says, "take life lightly – that lightness is not superficiality, but gliding over things from above; not having boulders on your heart". In a moment like the one we are currently living where we must not become overwhelmed by discouragement, I think it is important to project oneself positively towards the future.”

René Caovilla is the second oldest luxury shoe label in the world. What moment in history has made you the most sentimental or amazed?

“I think it is less about the individual moments and more about the day-to-day life, passion and hard work. The values in Caovilla's DNA are the reason we are one of the most long-lived brands in the world.”

What are you most proud of so far?

“Being able to carry on the values of the brand that my grandfather founded and my father cultivated over the years. It is an ongoing challenge that makes me prouder and prouder every day.”

How have you kept your wellbeing intact over recent months?

“By spending quality time with the family. The most beautiful thing these days – and something very new to me – is the privilege of enjoying more time with my wife and our four children. We have lunch and dinner together every day, listen to music and talk about everything. The simplest things are the most precious.”

What evokes your curiosity right now?

“At this moment it’s everything about the outside world. It’s something that we have been taking for granted for a long time and now it’s time to rediscover it, starting from the small things.”

What’s your biggest fear in life?

“I fight my biggest fear, which is the health of my family, with my faith.”

If life was a song, what would the title be?

“Unpredictable. Recent happenings are proof of that.”

What is the best advice your father has given you?

“Always look to the future without forgetting the past. It is from the past that you learn the most important lessons.”