Ivana Grossi - Luxury Custom Footwear - About

About Ivana Grossi

As an expression of individuality, I design for myself first and foremost.
I’m a woman who makes her own rules.

About Ivana Danilatou

Ivana Danilatou, the founder and designer of Ivana Grossi Handmade Shoes, began her journey in the fashion world as a model at the age of 14, but her passion for shoe design has been a lifelong pursuit. From a young age, Ivana was captivated by the art of creating shoes, often sketching her own designs. Upon moving to Greece, she found herself in need of the perfect sandals for the warm summers in Paros. When the shoes made by a local shoemaker failed to meet her expectations, Ivana decided to take matters into her own hands and create them herself.

“As an expression of individuality, I design for myself first and foremost.
I’m a woman who makes her own rules.”

What began as a single shoe design course quickly evolved into a daily commitment to mastering the art of handmade footwear. Through dedicated study and practice, Ivana gained a deep understanding of shoe construction and honed her skills in the intricate handcrafting process. Initially, she crafted shoes for herself, her husband, and close friends. It wasn’t until her mentor recognized her talent and encouraged her to create her first collection that Ivana Grossi Handmade Shoes was born.

Ivana's passion for shoemaking seems almost destined, rooted in her heritage. Her grandfather hailed from Puglia, the “heel” of Italy's boot, a region renowned for its rich tradition of Italian shoemaking. Before founding her brand, Ivana pursued a diverse career path. In Serbia, she studied law and enjoyed a successful career as a fashion model, working with prestigious designers such as Dior and Sergio Rossi. She also hosted her own television show.

After marrying a Greek and relocating to Greece, where she now resides with her husband and two children, Ivana fully immersed herself in the study of shoemaking and design. In 2019, she launched Ivana Grossi Handmade Shoes, bringing her vision of unique, handcrafted footwear to life.