Salvatore Ferragamo’s creative director, Paul Andrew, is set to leave the luxury brand in May 2021 to explore other professional avenues, as stated by the company. This decision comes as part of Ferragamo’s strategic shift towards repositioning itself in the industry, reflecting the company’s ongoing efforts in recent years.
Andrew, renowned for his expertise in footwear, initially joined Ferragamo in 2016, assuming the role of the brand’s first design director for women’s footwear. His talent and vision quickly propelled him to the position of creative director for women’s ready-to-wear collections in 2017, followed by taking over the creative direction of men’s fashion in 2019.
During his tenure at Ferragamo, Andrew added his technical know-how and refined style to the brand, renowned for its timeless and sophisticated image. Notably, his signature high-heels, exquisitely designed for both aesthetics and comfort, became a distinctive element of his creations.
Before joining Ferragamo, Andrew had already established a successful career in the fashion industry, working alongside revered designers such as Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren. In 2013, he even launched his own eponymous brand, which garnered recognition and accolades within the United States.
Like many other luxury brands, Ferragamo faced substantial challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2020 alone, the company reported a net loss of €72 million ($86 million) with a 33.5% decline in turnover. Nevertheless, Ferragamo exhibited signs of recovery in 2019 prior to the devastating impact of the pandemic.
With Paul Andrew’s departure, Ferragamo now has an opportunity to reassess its design strategy and overall image. As the brand ventures into a post-pandemic era and strives to capture the attention of a new generation of consumers, the selection of the new creative director and their influence over the future of this iconic luxury brand will be intriguing to observe.
Useful links:
1. Official Salvatore Ferragamo Website
2. Ferragamo Parts Ways with Creative Director Paul Andrew (Business of Fashion)
