Elegant, empowering and elevated
The master of luxurious modern footwear, make Francesco Russo your go-to for shoes that look as incredible as they make you feel
Francesco Russo has some heavyweight credentials as a shoe designer. This is the man who, during his tenure as Shoe Design Director at Yves Saint Laurent, created the now iconic Tribute shoe, and who spent five years as Creative Director at Sergio Rossi, not to mention his stints at Costume National, Miu Miu and Dior. Which explains why his eponymous label is so irresistible. The Italian designer struck out on his own in 2013, opening an atelier in Paris that has been the label’s home ever since. He deals in undiluted luxury; his shoes are expertly crafted with couture-grade expertise and meticulous attention to detail, as well as a sophisticated-meets-statement-making style that’s hard to resist.
Russo’s passion for shoes and their power to transform dates back to his childhood and his memories of watching his mother and sister getting dressed. “As soon as they wore heels,” he recalls, “they turned into magnificent creatures.” He has a knack for conjuring powerful shapes, undeniably feminine shoes that strike that elusive balance between sexy and strong. Yes, he also creates the occasional pair of elegant flats, but high heels are his stock-in-trade. And because his shoes are designed to make women feel confident rather than slow them down, each cut and fit is patiently tweaked to ensure that, no matter how high they tower, they remain comfortable.
The FW18 collection is packed with pieces that have timeless, enduring appeal; classic, sophisticated shapes that you’ll want to wear again and again for seasons to come. Thanks to the label’s knack for quietly injecting personality and individuality into its shoes, though, they’re elevated far beyond humble staples to become desirable fashion pieces. Take the boots; in muted takes on zebra and tiger print, they’re streamlined and fierce with a decidedly modern sensibility. There are the stiletto pumps, with their sweeping architectural silhouette, a contemporary take on a style perennial. And the kitten heels with their swirling edges and transparent inserts, irresistibly chic and far from conservative. Whichever pair you choose, they’re sure to slip effortlessly into the day-to-day rotation of your closet, empowering and elevating you as soon as you step into them.
MASTER AT WORK
Step inside the Francesco Russo studio and see the FW18 collection come together…