How to Be a Luxury Footwear Designer

Every discerning shoe collector has invariably possessed—or at least, coveted—a pair of Salvatore Ferragamo shoes, a testament to the brand’s iconic status throughout the decades. Since its inception in 1927, the Italian luxury fashion house has remained at the forefront of the industry while continuing to strengthen its core footwear business. In keeping with its commitment to innovative and creative design, Salvatore Ferragamo has recently announced the appointment of Paul Andrew as the first-ever design director of women’s footwear.

A leading talent of his generation, Andrew cultivated his craft alongside fashion giants before launching his eponymous footwear line in 2013 to critical and commercial success, establishing him as a rising force in the industry. A favorite of well-heeled women and stylish celebrities, Andrew’s namesake collection offers a refined aesthetic using the finest materials and craftsmanship, ingenuity to maximize comfort and performance, and a passionate approach to the modern shoe silhouette.

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In 2014, he distinguished himself further by winning the coveted CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, the first footwear designer to receive the top honor. Most recently, Andrew was awarded the Designer of the Year honor at the Footwear News Achievement Awards. Believing that “luxury cannot exist without comfort” and committed to marrying exceptional fit and quality with beautiful design, Andrew’s own vision strongly echoes that of Salvatore Ferragamo, making him an ideal addition to a company that is steeped in heritage while constantly being one step ahead of the fashion future.

In an official statement, Ferruccio Ferragamo, president of Salvatore Ferragamo S.p.A., said, “We have a proud history of nurturing design talent and we believe that Paul’s credo very much matches the spirit at the heart of our house. Shaping many of today’s stylistic and aesthetic codes in footwear, the brand’s pioneering spirit has resulted in iconic inventions that represent landmarks in women's fashion, including the cork wedge and the stiletto heel. Together with Paul, we look forward to continuing our celebration of women and outstanding design, and writing a new chapter in our history.”

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Upon his appointment, Andrew said, “I look forward to bringing a new perspective to the company in line with the demands of today’s marketplace, marrying the power of its heritage and industrial force with high design and the latest innovations in material and make.”

Salvatore Ferragamo’s pre-fall 2017-2018 women’s footwear collection is Paul Andrew’s first as design director. Taking to heart Ferragamo’s lifelong obsession with craftsmanship, innovation, and fit, Andrew delivers a collection where high-tech meets high-craft, harnessing state-of-the-art technology and the savoir faire of Italy’s finest artisans. Timeless Ferragamo icons and design gestures have been reimagined, from the signature black and gold and a “column heel” from the late ’30s to a reconceived ‘f ’ wedge. And is that an update we spy on the beloved bow on pumps and ballet flats?

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For his introductory collection, Andrew shares, “My concept for the collection was simply to highlight the fundamentals that made Salvatore such a profound and groundbreaking presence in his field and to express those values through designs that are relevant to a new generation of strong, discerning women.”

The pre-fall 2017-2018 women’s footwear collection will be available to purchase both in stores and online at ferragamo.com from May 2017. Greenbelt 4, Newport Mall, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, and Solaire Resort & Casino; follow @ssilifeph on Instagram for more information.