Francesco Russo and Charles de Vilmorin creating shoe collab

By

Godfrey Deeny

Published
Dec 15, 2021

Italian shoemaker Francesco Russo and French designer Charles de Vilmorin have teamed up for an exclusive collaboration.

 
The duo will create a capsule of five shoe styles, which will be available on Francesco Russo’s website and at a selection of wholesales starting April-May 2022.
 
Each pair will incorporate hand-painted images by Charles de Vilmorin, printed on leather. With the end goal of blending the rich graphic imagination of de Vilmorin and the ergonomic zest of Francesco Russo, the most exciting new shoemaker in the boot of Italy.

Russo launched his eponymous label in September 2013, after 20 years designing for brands including Miu Miu, Yves Saint Laurent, Sergio Rossi and Dior.
 
A graduate of La Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne in July 2019, Charles de Vilmorin exploded onto the Paris scene with his phantasmagorical sketches and dramatic debut collection that year. In the wake of that break-out fashion moment, de Vilmorin was appointed creative director of Rochas in February 2021.
 
Their collection will include Russo’s icons from his knee-high boot and loafer to three stiletto styles, captured in an ad campaign shot by de Vilmorin himself. The capsule marks the latest link-up between the pair, since de Vilmorin hand painted over Russo shoes for his Spring 2021 couture show.

 
“Since launching his eponymous line in 2020 I’ve always been amazed by the imaginary of Charles and all his drawings. Seeing my classical silhouette as canvas for his creativity is a great gift,” said Russo in a release.
 
“For this collection, I hand-painted colors and patterns directly onto the shoes, in a way that felt very instinctive. What's especially interesting is the coming together of Francesco Russo's traditional savoir-faire and the instinctive, playful way that I approach design. These pieces are elegant, seductive, creative and colorful,” added de Vilmorin.
 
Pricing will range from 595 euros for stilettos to 1,500 euros for knee-high boots.