Bruno Magli

Free Advertising from a Murder Case

Bruno Magli will forever be known as the brand connected to O.J. Simpson during his famous court case in 1995. As proved by footprints found at the crime scene, Nicole Brown Simpson's killer wore a pair of size 12 Bruno Magli shoes. Simpson claimed they weren't his, stating that he'd never worn Bruno Magli shoes in his life. When photographic evidence proved otherwise, a brand of shoes previously known only to the wealthy came into the public eye.

While you'd expect the makers of the shoes in question to be horrified by their connection to such a high profile murder case, the opposite proved to be true. The brand's exposure in the media around the time of the trial helped increase sales–-much to the delight of company president, Peter Gruetrerich.

"It has pushed an awareness of the product and the name," commented Gruerterich at the time. "Certainly, it makes it easier for the person who was before not as familiarized with the product."

O.J. Simpson was acquitted of the murder charges and is only now starting to make a return to TV, such was the stigma attached to the case. For Bruno Magli shoes, however, the notoriety did the world of good. The case has helped the company become a household name.

A Short History of Bruno Magli

Bruno Magli was one of three Italian brothers who came from a family of shoemakers based in Bologna.

The brothers started making shoes in a basement workroom in 1936. They never dreamed that the brand would become famous all over the world. Their first factory was built in 1947, with another following in 1969. The company has traded steadily ever since. They now have a network of franchises worldwide, all still selling the famous, high-quality leather shoes.

While the company initially concentrated on their men's line, they now also manufacture women's shoes and other leather goods such as handbags and wallets.

This Season's Collections

Blue is the color of this season's Bruno Magli shoe collection. The homepage of the website carries a picture of a fabulous blue and cream slingback court, paired with a blue leather shoulder bag.

Blue and cream appear throughout the collection, in both shoes and handbags. Magli has also gone big on bronze, with metallics appearing in both shoes and accessories.

The look is ultra-modern. Magli's fond of bright colors and unusual materials and shapes. Check out their perspex-heeled slides and gorgeous, gold-sequined mules.

For men, the classic leather slip-ons are joined with a range of modern thong sandals and canvas casuals. There's even a great pair of white brogues and some electric blue loafers which match the shades used in the women's collection.

Where to Buy

Unfortunately, there's no online store at the Bruno Magli website. You will find a store locator there which will allow you to track down the stockist nearest to you.

If there isn't a dedicated store in your town, you'll also find Bruno Magli in most top-end department stores, online at stores such as Zappos, or even at eBay.