Luxury shoe designer Paul Andrew has gained accolades for his unique creations
Shoe designer Paul Andrew has gained recognition for his creations and hopes to enter the global market, writes Vivian Chen
PAUL ANDREW
OCCUPATION
Shoe designer
DEFINING MOMENT
CFDA is one of the most amazing things that has happened to me. Also, I recently dressed Lupita Nyong’o at the Golden Globe Awards. My shoes were named best shoes on the red carpet by Women’s Wear Daily. That was a great achievement too.
WORDS OF ADVICE
I would say to any young designers they should really spend some time working with other designers. I’ve learned so much during that time.
Although Paul Andrew's eponymous shoe brand is only two years old, he's no stranger to the trade of fashion. Having been in the business for more than 15 years and going strong, Andrew worked alongside design maestros, such as Alexander McQueen, Calvin Klein and Donna Karan, before striking out on his own.
Andrew's signature single-sole stilettos are now counting A-listers such as Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o, Olivia Munn and Elizabeth Banks as fans. Celebrity fan base aside, Andrew's designs have earned critics' approval. Just last year, Andrew took home the top prize at the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America/Vogue Fashion Fund, winning a cash award of US$300,000, and support from mentor Tory Burch. Other competitive candidates included up-and-coming ready-to-wear designer Wes Gordon and handbag designer Brett Heyman of Edie Parker.
"Winning [the CFDA Award] has really catapulted my business in a way that I have never anticipated," Andrew says. "It has been an incredibly humbling process for such established names in fashion, such as Anna Wintour and Diane von Furstenberg, to choose me. I have been so fortunate along the way."
Born in London, Andrew grew up in a family of artisans - his father was an upholsterer to the Queen at Windsor Castle. Early influences introduced the young Andrew to the world of design and craftsmanship.
"It was incredible to grow up in this environment where there were always magnificent fabrics and antique furniture surrounding us," the 36-year-old designer says.
