Founders Frank and Earnesta grew up six miles from one another in
Cannara and Assis, Italy but didn't meet until after immigrating 8000
miles to the United States, both in pursuit of the American Dream. They
ended up in Philadelphia where a local priest put them together. (It
was a common occurrence to introduce immigrants from the same region
for similar dialects and customs etc).
Frank became a pattern and sample maker for a high-grade shoe company,
and Earnesta a skilled seamstress in a fine dress factory. They
saved their money, and in 1920 with $500.00 started making shoes in their
living room. It wasn't long before they opened a small factory, making
the finest hand made women's shoes in a production process.
Sbicca Shoes grew steadily from 1920 reaching over 200 employees in
the early 30s. On November 19, 1935 Frank and Earnesta along with
their oldest son Arthur, were granted patent rights. The patented
cement process revolutionized how shoes were made and the Sbicca family
received royalties for 17 years until the pattern expired.
The family and the business migrated to California during WW II, and
incorporated in Los Angeles in 1943.
The California environment and lifestyle generated new design ideas
and constructions. Sbicca continued to produce closed footwear, but
quickly added sandals into their product mix. As the new West Coast
business grew, the name became Sbicca Californians.
In the 70s Sbicca once again revolutionized the shoe business with
their "molded unit bottoms." Having purchased extensive
equipment from Italy, the platform sandals, clogs and boots were introduced. Our
creations liberated traditional medias and helped define the essence
of that "funky" era.
With three generations involved, the Sbicca business continues to run
with family pride. One of the few domestic manufactures remaining
in production (less than 2% shoes consumed are made in the USA). Our
main label is now Sbicca Hand Made in California.
These unique designs continue to be copied worldwide; however. our exacting
details and ultimate comfort are hard to duplicate. In order to
capitalize on the strong demand for our styling (given our production
capabilities) Sbicca has now launched its own import division.
Our offshore labels will bring California lifestyle and design to a
new level under Sbicca of California and Shoes "N" Stuff.
Arthur Sbicca, CEO 1920
Dominic Sbicca, President, 1949
Sean Sbicca, Production Manager, 1976
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