For all the shoeaholics like me, it's very exciting to hear that the creator of some of the most iconic shoes in shoe history launched his own brand!!!
Francesco Russo, Born in the southern Italian region of Puglia in 1974, Russo honed his skills in Milano, first at Costume National, where he worked on the shoes, bags and accessories lines between 1996 and 1998, in what was a pivotal moment for the edgy Italian label, then at Miu Miu, where he served as shoe designer under the creative direction of Fabio Zambernardi between 1998 and 2000.
Talent got him under the spot, and in 2000 Russo relocated Paris, where he still lives, to join the house of YSL, then under huge revamp projects. Working alongside both Tom Ford and Stefano Pilati, Russo contributed to the global success of the brand.
Following an idea of shoes as both architectural object and seduction tools, Russo created a bunch of iconic pieces which turned right away into must have items: the kittenish Cherry Sandals and the exotic Chinese Lacquered Wedge under Tom Ford are just an example of his knack for fashionable desire, but it was the St Germain and Jeanne loafers, Tribute and Tribtoo and finally the graphic and commanding Cage Boots created under Pilati that made YSL a go-to labels for statement footwear.
With his uniquely extreme yet utterly refined taste Russo mixes precise lines, flamboyant invention and sex-appeal into creations that have a deep evocative power. So much so, in fact, that in 2008 he was named creative director at Sergio Rossi, which under his tenure flourished into a fully-fledged global phenomenon. Here, Russo continued along the hi-octane path initiated at YSL, creating intricate and seducing shoes while adding body pieces to the whole image. Cachet, Marmaide, Vague ChiChi are among the memorable items he created, all characterized by the highest level of craft.
Taking a bold leap, in September 2013 Russo went solo, launching his eponymous label.
He chose an unorthodox angle and focused on just a few timeless shapes. By opting for creative rhythms which are more in synch with true invention, Russo now skips the idea of the collection, as well as that of the succession of seasons, to create objects that celebrate beauty, all fully bespoke and, therefore, superbly unique.
Invest in one of the most exciting footwear designers to emerge in a long time.
Text and images via francescorusso.fr, levelshoedistrict, wwd, vogue.com, mytheresa.com
