Salvatore Ferragamo unveils new design director for women's shoes

Salvatore Ferragamo has named Paul Andrew its new design director of women's footwear.

The Italian fashion and footwear house has hired the British shoe designer with immediate effect, with his debut collection for the brand slated for Pre-Fall 2017/18.

We have a proud history of nurturing design talent and we believe that Paul's credo very much matches the spirit at the heart of our house," said Ferruccio Ferragamo, President of Salvatore Ferragamo. "Together with Paul, we look forward to continuing our celebration of women and outstanding design, and writing a new chapter in our history."

Andrew has risen quickly within the fashion industry since he first founded his eponymous brand in 2013. In 2014 he became the first shoe designer to win the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and has become known for his bold and striking pieces, often mixing simple and graphic structures with flamboyant details. He will maintain his own brand alongside his new responsibilities at Ferragamo.

The New-York based creative called the new post "a great honor," adding: "I look forward to bringing a new perspective to the company in line with the demands of today's marketplace, marrying the power of its heritage and industrial force with high design and the latest innovations in material and make."

Since being founded in 1972, Salvatore Ferragamo has grown into an international luxury brand, although shoes remain at the core of its business.