INTERVIEWS - MARCH 21

International Women's Day 2021

It's International Women's Day. A day to celebrate all of the inspiring, empowered women we know and love.

Mi Piaci arose from a shared desire to empower women and embrace freedom of expression. For over 18 years we are still doing what we love - creating footwear for women, by women.

Our Director & Head Of Design: Lou Anselmi, has been leading with this ethos from the very beginning. A person that we all admire at Mi Piaci for more reasons than one, so we thought today was the perfect opportunity to introduce the woman behind the brand.

Louise Anselmi

Why is Mi Piaci a predominantly female-led business?

L: I think the footwear industry is increasingly becoming dominated by women anyway. Women in my experience, manage one of the biggest barriers to growth and success, ego, so much better than many men. Lack of ego, due to priorities, life experience and ability to multi-task, enable women to perform so many of the areas of footwear design and manufacture in a more pragmatic and effective manner. Our own business is dominated by women and our hiring decisions are not gender-based but in the majority of instances, women better meet the criteria, not only in interviews but in their roles and deliver exceptional outcomes for our business.

Who is a woman that you admire?

L: A woman I admire especially at the moment is a dear friend who's husband is battling Motor Neuron disease. She remains the emotional rock of their family, supporting their kids, remaining positive and carrying on with life as best she can under the circumstances life has dealt them. This underlying strength and determination under the most difficult circumstances is something I absolutely admire.

What does style mean to you?

L: Style is an outward expression of an inward sense of self. Putting together a look is a creative outlet, a non-verbal way of expressing who you are to people, and for me something I feel inspired by on a daily basis.

How would you define your style?

L: My style is ultimately pragmatic and has to be wearable for a long day in the office or going out. Gone are the days of enduring a piece of clothing or look, just to make an impression, but be totally uncomfortable. I veer towards a more androgynous look, simple shapes and neutral colours but I have definitely been trying to move away from black as the basis of my wardrobe, and I feel confident to take a risk and try something new.

Where do you look for inspiration?

L: For inspiration, I look a lot at Instagram…….there is no one muse I look at although I love Tilda Swinton and Cate Blanchett’s red carpet choices. There are so many stylish people out there, I think the key is to be confident and dress for your self, not for an idea of how others see you.

What is a piece of wisdom that you hold dear?

L: Some wisdom I hold dear is “always be curious and kind”. Curiosity means you are always looking for ideas, for newness and for inspiration, and to be kind means showing empathy and care for a person, separating the person from the behaviour, at heart, most people are good and respond well to kindness.