Rene Caovilla, born in 1938 along the Riviera del Brenta in Fiesso D’Artico (VE), Italy, is an Italian fashion designer.^[1]

Biography

Edoardo Caovilla, father of Rene Fernando, was a student of Luigi Voltan, the first shoemaker in Riviera del Brenta. Edoardo favored high-end fashion that combined craftsmanship with couture. His wife would hand-embroider shoes in a small room with four other people, which has been preserved in the Caovilla factory.^[1]

In 1950, Rene Caovilla studied design in Paris and London before returning home to work with his father. In the early 1960s he took over the family business from his father and met his wife Paola at a shoe fair. Paola’s family was also in the footwear business, and she became responsible for public relations and the Caovilla handbag line. Rene focused on the high-end of the market with opulent evening shoes known for their elegant detailing and high quality.^[2]

In the 1970s, Rene began working with Valentino Garavani , and in the 1980s collaborated with Christian Dior and Chanel. Working alongside Karl Lagerfeld in 2000, he decided to create jeweled shoes.

On 10 September 2007, Harrods hired a live Egyptian cobra to protect the shoe counter, guarding a pair of haute couture ruby, sapphire, and diamond-encrusted sandals designed by Caovilla.^[3]

Celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Kim Kardashian, and Rihanna have been seen wearing Rene Caovilla shoes.

References