There’s an art to making the everyday feel extraordinary, and Lilly Sisto has long been a master of the form. With a playful eye and an instinct for styling that speaks in moodboards and memory, Sisto’s approach to fashion has captivated a digital generation hungry for both whimsy and wearability. Now, she steps fully into her designer era with the second capsule collection for Viani Milano, launches June 16th.

The collaboration, a follow-up to the duo’s first sell-out capsule (which vanished in just eight minutes), channels the freedom, romance, and tactile joy of summer. “Every detail, from the fabrics to the silhouettes, was created with the season in mind,” Sisto explains. “In summer, people often gravitate toward simpler outfits, so I wanted each shoe to serve as a statement piece, something that adds instant interest and elevation.” This capsule, dubbed Round Two, not only builds on their past success but also reflects Sisto’s creative evolution. From moodboards and color tests to launch strategy, she was intimately involved in every step. “Designing is one of my favorite parts of being a creator. It allows me to express myself in such a tangible way, and I love sharing that with my community,” she says.

Each pair tells a story, bearing the names of Sisto’s favorite European escapes: Patmos, Puglia, St. Tropez, Capri, and Lake Como. From striped Mary Janes embroidered with seascape motifs to a crochet slipper perfected over several design rounds, the collection is as transportive as it is wearable. “The collection is all about the essence of summer, feeling free, adventurous, and transportive,” she says. “These shoes are made to take you from the office to the beach to cobblestone streets to local markets. They’re comfortable, durable, and meant to live in.”

Sisto, whose roots in creative direction and styling are evident in every visual element, approaches design with intuition and intimacy. This collection marks her eighth design collaboration in total so far, and she is aiming to launch more later this year as well to further strengthen her presence as a creative director. “My process always starts with my own wardrobe,” she says. “I look at pieces I reach for often, take inspiration photos while traveling, and consider the season and what my audience will want to wear. It’s a mix of personal style, mood, and practicality.”

Her signature blend of practicality and poetry finds a natural counterpart in Viani Milano, the artisan-led footwear brand founded by Sofia Lombardi. “Working with Sofia has been such a joy, and we’re both drawn to unexpected combinations and share a love for craftsmanship and storytelling through design,” Sisto reflects. Lombardi, too, emphasized the synergy: “Lilly and I share a passion for unexpected color pairings that just work, thoughtful craftsmanship, and fashion that’s as practical as it is beautiful.”

Every shoe is hand-stitched in Italy, crafted using traditional techniques that date back generations, a detail Sisto doesn’t take lightly. “There’s so much care, charm, and history woven into every pair. That authenticity is what makes these shoes feel truly timeless.”

One standout? A striking red flat with a sculptural silhouette and rich hue, a bold punctuation mark to any summer look. Another? A gingham Mary Jane that’s equal parts nostalgic and new. “These are the shoes I want to wear all summer long: with dresses, beachwear, travel looks, pieces that make packing easier and outfits feel special,” she notes.

As her artistic identity continues to unfold, layered, feminine, unfussy, and rooted in personal narrative. Sisto is rewriting what it means to be a tastemaker in 2025. She blurs the lines between muse and maker, not just showcasing a lifestyle, but actively shaping it. “Patience is something I’ve learned from this process,” she adds. “Great craftsmanship takes time, and it’s worth it. Quality is non-negotiable for me.”

With Viani Milano, she’s found a home for that ethos and a canvas for storytelling through designing  that’s only just beginning.

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