Starting a shoe design line.. Input on Italian manufacturers

[shoedesigner]

I'm shifting my career from finance to fashion (specifically women's shoe and accessories design).. I have already drafted a preliminary business plan and am looking for any info anyone has about the requirements/barriers Italian shoe manufacturers might have when it comes to taking on start-up brands. My plan is to finalize my sketches and produce my first prototype shoes by Sept 2012.. Are the barriers of entry as stringent as I've heard at these factories? Are materials hard to source? Do certain factories specialize in certain types of women's shoes (i.e. specialized in pumps, sandals etc) or would they be capable of making whatever design they get? Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[albenda]

I'm also looking for a contract manufacturer. Do let me know if you had any luck.