There is a thread that unites Texas and Veneto, combining stars and stripes with Italian design, trainers, and entrepreneurial dreams. It is the story of Autry, a brand born in the United States in the 1980s and reborn in 2019 thanks to the vision of a group of entrepreneurs from the Veneto region.
Founded in Dallas in 1982, Autry was a sneaker brand known mainly in the US. The turning point came in 2019, when Marco and Roberto Doro, together with a group of Italian entrepreneurs, decided to relaunch it. The new headquarters were established in a 17th-century villa in Dolo, near Venice, and a project took shape that transformed Autry into a brand entirely designed and developed in Italy, with a strong and recognisable identity.
Silent luxury, comfort and the American flag
Autry’s success stems from the combination of vintage design, fine materials, and a sober yet distinctive style. The trainers appeal to those seeking discreet elegance, perfect for everyday wear. The historical logo and the American flag serve as a tribute to the origins, but everything else speaks the language of contemporary Italian fashion.
Under the leadership of current CEO Roberta Benaglia, an experienced manager in the fashion industry, Autry embraces the philosophy of Made in Italy, characterised by meticulous production, high-quality materials, and a strong attention to detail.
From Antonio Banderas to Harrods: the international rise
To strengthen the brand’s image, Autry has chosen testimonials from the world of cinema, such as Antonio Banderas, Kevin Costner, and Katie Holmes, who have been featured in campaigns that have enhanced its international presence.
The numbers tell a story of meteoric rise: from €3 million to €114 million in turnover in just five years, producing over 2 million pairs of trainers annually, with a presence in the world’s most prestigious stores – from Harrods to Galeries Lafayette – and a team of around 70 employees.
And the future? The goal is ambitious: to reach €300 million in revenues by 2029 and become an Italian unicorn with a stock market listing. In the meantime, the first single-brand shops are opening in Italy and Europe to strengthen the direct relationship with customers.
An Italian soul with an American heart
Behind every pair of Autry shoes is a very specific philosophy. In the villa in Dolo, designers and technicians collaborate to create models that seamlessly blend aesthetics and functionality. The result? Trainers that tell the story of a past era but meet today’s needs with the comfort of a high-end product.
Beloved in the fashion world, Autry shoes are often seen at fashion weeks and have gained the attention of stylists and buyers for their versatility and understated elegance. Despite their global success, the company has maintained a lean structure and a strong connection to the Italian craft industry, also focusing on sustainability.
After all, it is precisely this mix of authenticity, care and entrepreneurial vision that makes Autry an extraordinarily successful Made in Italy story.
A winning model of Made in Italy
Autry proves that rediscovering a brand with fresh eyes can take you a long way. With roots in the Veneto region, global ambition and a well-defined value proposition, today it represents one of the most interesting projects on the Italian lifestyle scene.
Learn more about Veneto’s Made in Italy excellence.