Simona Rusk

Founder & Creative Director 

I created this collection as a tribute to my mother, who passed away unexpectedly. She was the most beautiful person I knew and we shared a love of interior design and art - and a passion for shoes.

I don’t have a background in design; I studied mathematics of finance at university and enjoyed a career in banking, consulting and journalism. However, my own serious illness made me pause and reflect on what I wanted to do. And the answer was simple: to try and create the most beautiful shoes I could in the hope that the women wearing them would feel beautiful and confident. I wanted the shoes to feel precious and unique - like a special heirloom.

I have used my name for the brand because it represents the love and care I have put into making them. My first step was to learn to make shoes by hand, so that I could understand how a sketch is translated into a physical, wearable shoe. I love being hands-on throughout the design process and every element has been sketched, draped or sculpted before it is passed onto the exceptional artisans I work with.

The shoes are made in Italy because it was important to me to not only reflect my Italian heritage, but that every element of the shoe should feel luxurious and of the highest quality. I have sourced each component from manufacturing partners who have built reputations with established luxury brands.

I grew up in the vibrant and colourful city of Johannesburg in South Africa. I have tried to inject that colour and vibrancy into the collection in the rich fabrics and bright colourways I have used. I also wanted to reflect my affection for my adopted home in Britain by showcasing the textiles manufactured in the UK.

There is nothing that makes me happier than the moment a woman tries on a pair of my shoes and I see that glint in her eye and the smile that says it is love at first sight.

With love,

Simona