While wearing open-toe stilettos and gladiator sandals might not sound appealing right now for NYC’s abominable weather, Paul Andrew‘s Fall 2016 collection has us itching for brighter days ahead (in which lug-sole boots aren’t our only footwear option). Here, the emerging designer shares a behind-the-scenes look at his fashion week presentation, in which plenty of shoe porn abounds.
"We worked with Design Within Reach, ABC Carpet & Home and a local artist named Robert Janitz to pull together the presentation space. I also brought a couple black leather chairs from home to tie it all together and make it feel authentically Paul Andrew."
"Seeing the presentation space from all angles is important, as I wanted to make it feel like a truly complete atmosphere. Everything down to the candles burning and the coffee table books on display was thought through by myself and my team."
"Casting for the presentation—I was searching for strong, confident men and women who really embody the collection."
"In my studio, fitting one of our beautiful models in a gladiator-style shoe featuring hand-applied, faceted studs."
"Deborah Lippman and her fantastic team did a very simple nail look for our models. We wanted to keep it clean and casual, so we used Naked from Deborah's line. My dear friend and stylist extraordinaire Micaela Erlanger made the introduction to her team—I was thrilled to work with them this season."
"These shoes were inspired by an ikat scarf I found in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul—we then had them hand-embroidered with gold bullion. With a high heel and an almond toe, I think it feels very modern, sexy and luxurious."
"This is probably my favorite shoe from this season. It features a round toe and my signature triple-dyed suede in Ottoman Red. The heel was hand developed in Italy and the stones are individually applied by a jeweler. It's not an easy shoe to make!"
"Photographing the gorgeous models in our presentation space."
"My studded Sharifa sandal is another one of my favorites from the collection. I drew inspiration from Ottoman Empire armor, so I custom developed faceted studs to adorn these shoes for a modern warrior feel."
"Our presentation space was so light and bright; I wanted to keep it clean and simple with the arcade podium we built and had topped with carrara marble."
"The colors of my Zenadia pump overlooking this gorgeous New York skyline—the views from our space went from the Freedom Tower to the Empire State Building. It was a stunning backdrop for the collection."
