Our Story

Four generations, one family, and a single obsession: the perfect handmade Italian sandal. From a small workshop in Naples to Palm Beach, Florida, this is the story of Il Sandalo.

Our History

In 1975, after years of experience in footwear retail, Luciano Tesorone founded what would become Il Sandalo, a family business built on one belief: sandals should be handmade, luxurious, and made to last.


The brand grew up among some of the world's most glamorous destinations. In 1995, the family opened a boutique in Porto Rotondo, Sardinia, followed by a presence in Antibes on the French Riviera.

In 1999, that same spirit crossed the Atlantic with a store in Palm Beach, Florida. Today, the Palm Beach workshop is run by Fabio Tesorone, together with his wife Jessica, leads the U.S. side of the business.

"The sandals call out, 'Show me off wherever you go!'" says Jessica, who heads the U.S. operation with her husband.

"The Capri is my favorite-it's what Jacqueline Kennedy used to wear, and the design hasn't changed since then. You can dress them up. You can dress them down." Or you can dress them in your own way, thanks to an in-house cobbler who creates a custom pair (choose flat or wedge heel, from nearly 100 styles, and embellishments like coral cabochons, gem-encrusted scahorses, or dangling charms) within the hour.

Sandals have become a way of life for the Tesorones, down to the youngest bambini. "Our son, Francesco, is only five, but when he's in the store, he'll say, "Would you like to try on some of these beautiful sandals?' or 'They match your shirt.' He's heard his father say that a million times," says Jessica. The family could use the help, given that the company has expanded recently, with outposts in Southampton and Nantucket; Nei-man Marcus begins carrying the line at the beginning of the new ycar. Jessica's secret to running a burgeoning business that spans two countries, in addition to raising a young family?

"Lots of espresso." -ALEXANDRA MACK