Ahad Bin Haider’s stunning embellished shoe design came out tops during René Caovilla’s first ever Middle Eastern shoe design competition. Inspired by the luxury Italian shoe brand’s beloved “Cleo” model, the talented Emirati designer’s piece, featuring a tie-up satin heel, nude lace and sparkly Swarovski crystals, was selected by popular vote during the high-profile competition. Merging Bin Haider’s refined aesthetic with the brand’s jewelled shoes ethos, the eveningwear pump has a timeless appeal.
Bin Haidar explained she worked with the brand’s “dream shoes” theme and was inspired by jewels around the feet to create a piece every classy woman would love to be seen in. “A beauty that shines and inspired by the most glamorous elements that could catch the eye,” she described.
As the winner thanks to her Signora Chic heels, she will be meeting with René Caovilla’s Creative Director, Edoardo Caovilla, in February to discuss the product development process. Plus, the co-founder of local abaya label Illustrella will later be travelling to Venice to oversee the production of the first pairs of her design. Expected to hit shops later this year, the shoe will be exclusively available in select boutiques around the region for six months.
Bin Haider was up against three other finalists, Buthaina Fahad, Dalia Darwish and Suhaila Al Shaali, during the competition that was held in partnership with Tea Before Noon. The design process for the finalists began with an intensive workshop, which was hosted by a Venetian shoe artisan. And once the participants were familiarised with the brand’s history, ethos, vision and techniques, they started working on designs inspired by René Caovilla
The competition aimed to highlight the talents of strong, independent local women and incorporate it into the brand that’s known for its precious, hand-made shoes that feature the finesse of Italian craftsmanship.
