HERITAGE: The Story Behind The Rose
An Interview with Jennifer Stucko: The Creative Vision Behind Prota Fiori
At Prota Fiori, the blend of sustainability, heritage, and femininity comes to life in every shoe. Today, we’re sitting down with our founder, Jennifer Stucko, to explore the deeper meaning behind the brand’s iconic rose symbol and how it ties into the broader mission of crafting shoes made in Italy. Jennifer shares her inspirations and vision for creating a brand that embodies elegance, romance, and sustainability.
Q: Jennifer, the rose is at the heart of Prota Fiori’s logo and identity. Can you share what the rose symbolizes for you and the brand?
Jennifer Stucko: The rose holds a special place in my heart and within the brand. It’s a symbol of rebirth and renewal, two themes that are deeply tied to Prota Fiori’s commitment to sustainability. My inspiration comes from old photographs of my Italian ancestors, where roses frequently appeared as symbols of beauty and grace. There’s something timeless and powerful about the rose, especially in how it represents femininity.
For Prota Fiori, each shoe is named after a rose, a nod to the intricate beauty and individuality of each design. You’ll even find a delicate rose design on the outsole of every pair of our shoes. It’s a small detail, but it’s one that serves as a reminder of the balance between beauty, strength, and renewal—qualities that reflect both the wearer and the essence of our brand. And if you open our shoeboxes, you’ll see roses as well, connecting the symbolism to every step of the Prota Fiori experience.
Q: Why are roses, particularly white ones, so meaningful to you personally?
White roses have always been my favorite because they represent purity and new beginnings. When I think of white roses, I think of fresh starts, and that’s very much in line with what we’re doing at Prota Fiori—redefining luxury footwear with sustainability at its core. Roses are also incredibly romantic, which is something I wanted to infuse into the brand’s DNA. They’re timeless, just like the Italian craftsmanship we celebrate, and they remind me of the love, care, and artistry that goes into every pair of shoes we create.
By focusing on sustainability, we’re not only honoring the planet but also the centuries-old traditions of Italian shoemaking. White roses reflect the purity of that purpose—to create comfortable shoes for women that marry elegance with responsibility.
Q: How does the symbolism of the rose connect to Prota Fiori’s approach to sustainability?
The rose is a beautiful metaphor for what we strive to achieve at Prota Fiori. Just as a rose signifies renewal, our sustainability efforts are about breathing new life into Italian craftsmanship, ensuring these traditions evolve without harming the environment. Every choice we make is rooted in our mission to protect the planet. We use eco-conscious materials like biologic silk and apple skin, and we work with artisans in Italy who uphold these traditions of meticulous craftsmanship.
Sustainability isn’t just about the materials, though—it’s about respecting the entire process, from production to the cultural legacies tied to shoemaking. I often say that sustainability includes not only what we use but also the traditions that have been passed down through generations. By supporting those traditions, we honor the artisans, their stories, and their legacies, which are as integral to Prota Fiori as our focus on environmental responsibility.
Q: What do you hope people feel when they wear Prota Fiori shoes?
My hope is that when women wear our shoes, they feel connected to something much larger than just fashion. I want them to feel a sense of elegance and romance, paired with a deep awareness of the choices they’re making. Wearing Prota Fiori is more than just putting on shoes made in Italy — it’s about stepping into a story that celebrates both craftsmanship and sustainability.
I want every woman to feel empowered, knowing she’s wearing shoes that were thoughtfully created—shoes that not only look beautiful but are made with the highest respect for the planet and the artisans who crafted them. It’s about feeling good, both inside and out, knowing you’ve chosen a brand that embraces a vision.