Cool Hunting

Originally designed for performers in Italy's piazzas, the family-run label Anniel Sport has been producing extremely pliant ballet and gymnastics shoes in streamlined silhouettes since 1976.

The rubber-soled shoes gained popularity in Japan, setting off the idea of using them as streetwear and spawning even more styles and colors. Today, the collection consists of shoes and handbags in saturated jewel tones and buttery-soft Italian leather.

While still more or less under the mainstream radar, the brand exhibits at smaller tradeshows such as Bread & Butter in Berlin, Pure London and Salon Premiere Classe in Paris and sells at independent boutiques like Pico in Copenhagen and Kiss Polly in Genoa, Italy, building slowly on their cult status.

Shoe styles span diminutive lace-up flats to fringe moccasins to knee-high boots, all with a distinctively effortless aesthetic. The recently added collection of bags has a similar feel, keeping the quality of the craftsmanship as the focal point.