Miami Beach, FL – November 7, 2019 – Matthew Chevallard launched his exclusive new line of Italian-made footwear and accessories, Blu Scarpa at The Webster Miami Beach. Founded in 2019, Blu Scarpa is the resurgence of Matthew Chevallard’s passion for footwear since his departure as Founder and Creative Director from Del Toro Shoes in 2017. After a stint at Pharrell’s BBC Icecream, Matthew maintained his stance on producing high quality products for the discerning consumer. Blu Scarpa’s official release will include two types of Men’s shoes, handcrafted socks, and a baseball cap.

You can shop Blu Scarpa products at The Webster Miami Beach and the Blu Scarpa pop-up shop at the Office art gallery, located above OTL in the Miami Design District. Read the full Q&A below.

By Marissa Scarpulla.

WRE: You were known for being the creative director of Del Toro Shoes. After departing from that business venture, how is your new brand Blu Scarpa different?

MC: Blu Scarpa is very different but also shares similarities to Del Toro. The main difference is that it’s an ultra curated approach to footwear and accessories. Specifically, through a vantage point of blue, Blu Scarpa sets to serve as a uniform for the modern discerning customer. The sneaker and loafer combo is offered as a solution for everyday wear. The offer being setup and based around these two models gives the Blu Scarpa consumer full versatility. Blu Scarpa is similar to Del Toro in two ways. First, it’s handmade in Italy and second it serves similarly as a platform for my vision. With that said, Del Toro was my vision in my early twenties. I was eager and looking to offer as many options to people in an undeserved footwear market especially for men. Blu Scarpa is my vision in my thirties. I’m bringing a more simplistic, curated, and mature approach to footwear and the brand concept.

WRE: What made you want to get back into the fashion industry?

MC: I never left the fashion industry. I’ve actually been doing a variety of work in the interim since my departure from Del Toro. I’ve been helping with artistic direction at Pharrell’s BBC Icecream, spearheading Kygo and Palm Tree Crew’s merchandise and direction, all the while developing footwear programs for a variety of contemporary brands. Fashion, and particularly shoes, will never disappear from my day-to-day involvement. However, having my own brand was something I wasn’t sure I would want again. But as they say, taking a couple steps backwards to take a larger step forward certainly applied. Within two years, I was patiently crafting the constructs of Blu Scarpa drawing on my experience and relationships in the industry. I am extremely excited to have my own platform again, which I have to admit I missed greatly.

WRE: How did you come up with the name Blu Scarpa? What does it mean?

MC: Blu Scarpa means blue shoe. It signifies a uniform concept. Blue is the new black and there’s just simply not enough BLU out there.

WRE: You’re an Italian American. How does your heritage influence your design? 

MC: My Italian American heritage greatly influences my design. I would describe it as a fusion of Italian heritage and elegance mixed with Americana style and innovation. Drawing on the legacy of Italian craftsmanship, I proudly infuse my American upbringing into my products.

WRE: How do you define your style?

MC: I would define my style as traditional and preppy, yet eclectic and diverse. It’s pretty Blu though in few words.

Blu Scarpa is my vision in my thirties. I’m bringing a more simplistic, curated, and mature approach to footwear and the brand concept.

Matthew Chevallard

WRE: In 2017, we interviewed you at the Del Toro Shoes store in Wynwood. Do you have any plans to open another store or stick to selling B2B and online? 

MC: Yes, I now am proud to call the Miami Design District my new home. My gallery the Office MIA, will host the Blu Scarpa pop-up. Who knows, maybe down the road a Blu Scarpa flagship in the Miami Design District will happen sooner than later. Other than that we will be working closely with The Webster as our retail partner.

WRE: Blu Scarpa’s release includes two types of mens shoes, handcrafted socks, and a baseball cap. Do you have any plans to extend your collection to apparel? What about a women’s collection? 

MC: No we won’t be getting into apparel anytime soon, but we will be launching a women’s line very soon.

WRE: What’s next for you? 

MC: I’m blessed to do what I love! I’m looking to spread the good vibes of Blu Scarpa throughout.