Since they became friends 11 years ago Natalia Barbieri and Jennifer Portman dreamt of starting their own business in shoe design. The idea was no more than just a dream until 2006 when the two packed in their high-flying careers - in investment banking and marketing respectively - and produced their first sample range.

Two years on and the luxury designs of Bionda Castana are being sold throughout the UK and the USA and they have just been named winners of Vogue Italia's Who is On Next competion. We caught up with Natalia Barbieri (pictured right) to talk shoes, business and more shoes.

What made you decide to design shoes in particular?
The reason we design shoes is because we love the way that they accentuate the foot. Shoe's don't just cover the feet! The beauty of a high heeled shoe is how it transforms a look and how it changes peoples personalities and attitudes. We design shoes to evoke feelings of the type of woman we all yearn to be - strong and desirable.

Has it been a difficult industry to break?
Somewhat, yes. Especially as we are luxury brand and the footwear industry is just so competitive at the moment. It all comes down to branding, putting the name out there and getting a core customer who keeps coming back and understands what you do.

Programmes like Sex and the City have exposed women's love affair with the shoe so what is it that women love about them so much?
It has to be because no matter what size you are, your shoes will always fit. Bloating doesn't happen in your toes! High heels change the mindset of a woman in an instant. By slipping a pair on they become confident, feel slender, independent and vivacious.

So what's your ultimate shoe?
The ultimate shoe does not need to be eccentric. For us it is one that embodies Italian quality, innovative design, is sophisticated and elegant, comfortable to wear and more importantly, we want shoes to be a collective piece - one that you wear season after season.