Diego Binetti

Since introducing his clothing line, Binetti, this year, the former design director of Jill Stuart has gotten good response from buyers and editors alike. His cheeky, romantic clothes and accessories have found their way into glossies like W, and onto the racks at boutiques in New York, Los Angeles and department stores in Japan.

Binetti's love for women's clothes is a genetic trait. Born to Italian parents in Buenos Aires, the designer grew up watching his mother, who worked for a bridal house, making "dresses and gowns for the ladies to go to galas." He also learned the trade from his uncle, a tailor. Binetti's family later moved to Florida, where he studied at the International Fine Arts College in Miami.

In 1995 Binetti moved to Milan to "see my culture," as he says. There he attended the Instituto Artistico Dell' Abbigliamento Maragoni and also worked as a stylist on photo shoots. After two years in Italy, Binetti came to New York,

Binetti has plans to expand his empire of cute, branching out to the men's and children's clothing markets and creating a lifestyle brand.

But before he delights men and kids, there's one more thing Binetti needs to take care of: women's shoes.