Mena preview of Paul Andrew’s women’s shoe collection

Fifty One East has celebrated renowned designer Paul Andrew’s first preview show in the Mena region following his successful launch at the New York and Paris fashion shows.The English designer has made his debut in Qatar at the luxury department store in Lagoona Mall with his Autumn/Winter 2017 women’s shoe collection, which “embodies and celebrates simplicity in all forms, taking his inspiration from the sleek minimalism of Constantin Brâncusi”, according to a press statement.When it comes to the red carpet, Andrew’s pieces have been worn by top celebrities and fashion industry power players such as Brie Larson, Olivia Wilde, Anna Kendrick, Amal Clooney and Emmy Rossum. Speaking on his Middle East and Qatar debut, Andrew said: “Following New York and Paris, it is fantastic to come to Qatar for the first time. I have been overwhelmed by the response I received as I presented my collection.  My aim is to ensure that every piece I design creates a desirable effect for women to feel elegant and confident, embracing the ease and simplicity of dressing without losing that feeling of shoes that are unique. “I was truly honoured to present my first collection in the region at a distinguished fashion department store such as Fifty One East, whose commitment to quality and style is a true testament to their mandate of being Qatar’s leading retailer of premium products.”Andrew’s collection is characterised by a “range of sleek, architectural silhouettes and the lineup is punctuated by a juxtaposition of various shapes and textures”, including combinations of suede and polished calf, silk velvet with metallic gold specchio and hand-painted python with vertically stacked cuoio heels, the statement explains.Much like the work of Brâncusi, the Romanian sculptor, painter and photographer who is considered a pioneer of modernism and one of the most influential sculptors of the 20th century, there is “an ease and simplicity to Andrew’s designs, which rely on pure, elegant forms and modernist details rather than glitzy embellishments alone to create visual impact”. Among the “more striking options” on display are asymmetric leather booties on gold mirrored block heels, marbleised patent leather stiletto pumps and caged sandals that appear to be cast in pure gold, and sling-backs finished with a rounded, crystal-embellished heel. Subdued styles range from black leather to kitten heels and pointed toe slippers in every colour of suede.