Milena Maksimović can sing the well-known musical hit “Shoes Against Love” to herself. In her life, the opposite is true of shoes. She fell in love with shoes and passes on her enthusiasm to customers of the three boutiques proudly named after the famous Baldinini footwear brand. She has been representing the Italian manufacturer for almost a quarter of a century and is constantly trying to enrich the business with interesting news.
What enchanted you about the Baldinini brand?
First, there was a love of shoes, then with the coincidence of well-arranged events, the Baldinini CZ company was launched. We developed together, Baldinini in the world and I in the Czech market. We followed each other carefully, with a wide range of models and a desire to accept the requirements of individual countries and their representatives. That was the magic.
Next year, you will celebrate 25 years since introducing the Baldinini brand to our country. What has life with this brand given you and what did it possibly take back?
Baldinini gave me the theme of my working life. In addition to the love of shoes and design, a number of important things had to be arranged in order for the company to succeed and survive for almost a quarter of a century. And that took all my free time and relaxation. But then came the period of Covid. And that, strangely enough, calmed me down. The world stopped and changed, and the tension and a great deal of responsibility for keeping up with the world dropped from my shoulders.
With the recovery of society after the pandemic, new challenges certainly presented themselves.
A lot has changed since the Covid pandemic. The financial damage suffered by shoe manufacturers suddenly changed the range of models and materials. The parent company experienced a change of owners and style. It was a big challenge for me to strike a balance between client requirements and available models. And so they added a selection of new brands to the store, such as CESARE CASADEI, managed by someone who had spent 30 years in Baldinini, POLLINI and many other brands, certified by my own experience.
And where can we find your stores?
Our Baldinini flagship store has been at 3 Havířská for 24 years. In 2019, we went into premises in Slovanský dům which was already known as a shoe store, and since 2020 we have been present at Premium Outlet Prague Airport in Tuchoměřice.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
I have a Master of Architecture degree, so with that education and taste, the answer is clear: design. To this were added two important things, wearability and quality.
Is it possible to relax in your work?
There is no other option. I draw energy from what I like – from Nature at the beginning of spring, from being carried away by a view of the water level, as well as by good food, quality wine and Champagne. And I also like to think about what to do next. One idea is already beginning to take shape. I’m planning my own brand. You will learn more about it soon.
A stay at the luxurious Portuguese hotel –The Oitavos – is not only enjoyed by golfing fans all year round. It is also a popular destination for horse riding enthusiasts and those who want to experience 5-star service and scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Nature in its purest form, these are the Jizera Mountains, which are among the most unspoilt in our country. A place of rest and a base for adventurous expeditions in the mountain landscape are to be found in their midst. Welcome to Královka!