While both Salvatore Ferragamo and Paul Andrew are staying mum about whether they are joining forces, the designer would certainly be a strong fit for the legendary Italian company.
WWD first reported this week that Andrew could be soon named as Ferragamo’s first-ever creative director of shoes, citing industry sources.
Here’s why we think the move would be a good one:
–Andrew has deep experience with a diverse array of ready-to-wear and accessories brands: There’s no shoe designer who’s been able to juggle more gigs than Andrew. He spent more than a decade working at Donna Karan and other brands such as Calvin Klein and Narcisco Rodriguez before launching his namesake company. He still has design roles at a host of major brands, and Andrew has learned how to partner with powerful, highly-visible people. The Ferragamo clan is heavily involved in their business, and Andrew would understand how to honor the company’s rich history. The designer would arrive at Ferragamo during a time of transition at the company, which recently brought in new CEO Eraldo Poletto. Ferragamo’s creative director Massimiliano Giornetti also has exited the company and there is no indication a replacement will be named anytime soon, so Andrew would be front and center as creative director of shoes.
Watch on FN
–He understands the importance of balancing trend-driven looks with more classic designs: Much of Andrew’s own collection is centered around elegant, classic designs that go beyond the trends of the season. Ferragamo has always been best known for its tried-and-true silhouettes, such as its Varina flats. So their design sensibilities are clearly similar. But Andrew — who recently launched men’s shoes — isn’t afraid to design showstoppers either, and that’s a good thing as Ferragamo continues to push the envelope on design in all aspects of its business. The fashion house has been getting more celebrity attention of late. For example, Blake Lively wore Ferragamo’s strappy sandals to Cannes.
–The designer is a strong networker and respected by the fashion industry’s biggest names: Andrew has quickly built his fashion fan base in every corner of the industry and has racked up a number of major awards over the past few years. He won the CFDA’s Swarovski Award for Accessory Design earlier this summer and also was honored with an ACE Award just this month. Andrew also took home the coveted CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund prize in 2015. And he won FN’s own launch of the year award in 2013.
