KALENA'S a family run business, was founded by an ambitious Italian named Carmine and his young bride Isa. The newlyweds headed to Italy in 1967 which was to be their first buying trip, which incidentally doubled as their Honeymoon. All women love shoes, and KALENA'S wants to make them happy by offering the most unique shoe shopping experience. Exclusive fashion forward designs, large selections, combined with warm personalized service makes KALENA'S Vancouver's ultimate Italian specialty shoe store. There is something for every taste ranging from trendy platforms, to fun, functional sandals to special occasion shoes, flats, heels, wedges, and ballerina's, they are all in store. Sizes available 35 - 41.We import our handbags direct from Italy which enables us to offer ultimate Italian luxury at the right price. If you carry one of KALENA’S designer Italian leather handbags not only will you be following the latest fashion but setting the trend as well. Shoulder, cross body, totes, messengers, boxy, clutches and evening bags for women and man bags or murses for men are all available in store.more...See more text
In 1967, a young couple set out to Italy for an unusual honeymoon: a shoe buying expedition! Newlyweds Carmine and Isa D’Onofrio decided to combine business with pleasure back in their native country.
“My parents quit their jobs and went on a two-month holiday to buy shoes,” says their daughter Veralena Casellato, who now runs Kalena’s Shoes & Accessories, an iconic footwear emporium on Commercial Drive. “My parents met in Canada but they both emmigrated from Italy. They went back to buy shoes because my mother complained that she could not find good quality leather shoes here.”
When they returned from their honeymoon, Isa and Carmine founded Kalena’s ,named after Veralena’s father’s home town in in the Molise region. The couple was determined to introduce Vancouver women to classically elegant, impeccably constructed Italian shoes. “That is still what we sell today,” explains Veralena. The European footwear shop was an instant success; it seems Vancouverites were ready for stylish, well-made and comfortable Italian shoes for men and women.
Growing up, Veralena admits she lived the dream of many a young girl – she got to dress up in gorgeous shoes every day. “It was like magic to be in the store when I was young," she recalls. "I always wore the most beautiful shoes to school.” When she got older, Veralena accompanied her father on buying trips to Italy. "He taught me how to look for high-quality craftsmanship,” she says.
For those who dream of strolling across a Venetian piazza in a stylish pair of strappy sandals, admiring the made-in-Italy footwear at Kalena’s is perhaps the next best thing. Situated in the Little Italy ‘hood, this family-owned boutique has been bringing fine Italian shoes and accessories to Vancouverites since 1967. The neighbourhood shop carries Euro-style sandals for men, women and children. The impeccably crafted designs don’t come cheap (prices start at $125.00) but the shoes will last for years and are a true investment.