In the ever-evolving world of fashion, it’s refreshing to see iconic names re-emerge with passion and innovation. Paul Andrew, a stalwart of the footwear design universe, is once again gracing the prestigious New York Fashion Week with his undeniable talent and vision.
The seasoned designer is gearing up for an engaging presentation on September 11th, unveiling his novel footwear assortment under his rejuvenated personal label. What makes this event even more enchanting? Andrew has chosen the scenic backdrop of Rockefeller Center’s rink level and the upscale Jupiter restaurant, creating a dazzling ambiance around the majestic Prometheus Fountain, peppered with roller-skaters.
Paul Andrew’s fondness for New York is no secret. “I’m part of the CFDA and I’ve lived in New York my entire adult life,” reminisced Andrew, a sentiment that echoes his deep-seated connection to the city. Reflecting on his early days, he mused, “I moved to New York when I was 20 years old to work with Narciso Rodriguez and basically never left until I got the call from Ferragamo. New York has been so good to me on a business level and all of my friends and great connections are there – it just feels like the right place to restart my fashion week journey.”
Post his stint as creative director at Salvatore Ferragamo, Andrew rekindled his label with a fresh perspective. Leveraging his Ferragamo experience, he now leads his brand with newfound wisdom. He confessed, “The experience at Ferragamo taught me so much on so many levels. One of the foremost learnings was the importance of freedom and having my own voice. This new chapter for me is really about this freedom of expression for myself and going at my own pace, and that feels great.”
Interestingly, Andrew’s newest collection mirrors the subtle shifts in consumer appetites. Whereas initial designs championed post-pandemic vibrancy, the current range embodies “quiet luxury,” showcasing timeless elegance. A sophisticated palette of black, white, bright red, and beige adorns the collection, characterized by lower heels, silver accents, and metal zips – the latter destined to become the brand’s hallmark.
In tandem with his New York Fashion Week show, Andrew is unveiling a fresh campaign, notably featuring Swiss model Veronika Kunz, captured by the talented Alessio Bolzoni. This is the first time a model’s face will be seen in his campaigns. Fashion aficionados can soon spot this campaign splashed across New York streets and digital platforms.
As he looks to the future, Andrew envisions deepening customer engagements through in-store events and a sustained presence at New York Fashion Week. Observing the shifting sands of the industry, he noted, “Today, it’s about social media, influencers, celebrities, and red carpets. I think that this is an experience to introduce all of these new people that I didn’t necessarily know before into the brand and get them excited about it.”
Read more: Ferragamo Fall/Winter 2023 campaign unveils a new age renaissance