Renowned and highly-respected French shoemaker Raymond Massaro, who was best known for his work with fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld, has sadly passed away at the age of 90. His influence and impact on the fashion industry are unparalleled, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be remembered and celebrated.
Coming from a rich heritage of shoemakers, Massaro’s family business dates back to 1894. Born in 1929, he dedicated himself to perfecting his craft and creating exquisite footwear reminiscent of the opulent Louis XV era. Through his dedication and passion, Massaro soon established himself as a trailblazer in the shoemaking world.
A pivotal moment in Massaro’s career came with his collaboration with the legendary Coco Chanel. He designed the iconic beige and black slingback shoe for the fashion house, a design that has stood the test of time and remains a classic in the fashion world. Massaro’s creativity extended to innovations such as the elastic-backed ballerina shoe, inspired by cycling shoes and famously worn by style icon Brigitte Bardot.
Collaborating with esteemed designers like Thierry Mugler, John Galliano, Azzedine Alaïa, and Christian Lacroix, Massaro’s creations graced the feet of Hollywood royalty like Elizabeth Taylor and European aristocracy such as The Duchess of Windsor. His Cuban heeled boots, a favorite of Lagerfeld, became a signature style synonymous with elegance and sophistication.
In a strategic move in 2002, Massaro sold his family business to Chanel, further solidifying the luxury brand’s Paraffection group. This collective includes artisan houses specializing in crafting high-quality fashion accessories, adding to Chanel’s prestige and heritage.
The passing of Raymond Massaro marks the end of an era in the fashion world. His extraordinary designs and exceptional artistry will continue to inspire and influence future generations of shoemakers and designers. A memorial service to celebrate Massaro’s life and contributions will be held at Notre-Dame de Lorette church in Paris on Thursday, April 11, at 10:30 a.m.
In honor of Raymond Massaro’s incredible legacy, his timeless creations, and his undeniable impact on the fashion industry, we pay tribute to a true legend whose influence will endure for years to come.
To learn more about Raymond Massaro’s iconic designs and contributions to the fashion world, visit here.
For a closer look at Chanel’s Paraffection group and the artisan houses within it, click here.
