Interviews
Amina Muaddi – Building A Kingdom Of Shoes Step By Step
Jemima Hunter
December 9, 2021
Meet Amina Muaddi, the American born designer and entrepreneur who has been building a kingdom of shoes with her business that have A list celebrities waiting in line to try out the collection.
The glamourous entrepreneur spent time between Romania, Italy and Jordan growing up so began to learn what was in demand for the fashionistas of the globe. With a passion for developing designs, Muaddi studied in Milan at the European Institute of Design and later began styling several times for GQ US and L’Uomo Vogue.
‘During university I would save all my money to buy shoes. They are an emotional purchase and have the power to uplift a woman’s mood and confidence. Unlike clothes they look like a sculpture, even when they are not worn.’
The designer soon decided that shoe designing was the match to her creative expressions and embarked on a mission to learn the basics of the skill in the Riviera del Brenta, one of the most well-known shoe making districts in Italy.
‘So that’s how I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. After working with fashion magazines for a while I realised that I should not put my dreams on hold and I decided to start my first shoe company.’
Whilst in the Metropolitan City of Venice, Muaddi started the operations of her start-up with elite craftsmen and suppliers, spending hours creating all fifty components of her shoe designs.
‘There is no right time, sometimes things work out sometimes they don’t. But you have to be brave and start, take the first step and then be ready for the adventure.’
In 2013, Muaddi with business partner, Irina Curutz, co-founded ‘Oscar Tiye’, her first shoe company that included classical designs with a modern twist. After the launch of the brand, the entrepreneur collaborated with Alexandre Vauthier to introduce his new shoe line, after relocated to Paris.
A flawless reputation struck in 2019, when Muaddi was asked by Rihanna to create footwear designs for the celebrity’s iconic fashion brand ‘Fenty.’ With commission from the singer, Muaddi launched the shoe line last year and began making a name for herself in the industry.
After gaining experience with her previous company and understanding the ropes, the entrepreneur decided to take the leap and launch her own brand ‘Amina Muaddi’, that she produces in Italy. The brands appeal consists of empowering women and making them feel confident in their look.
‘All I wanted was, regardless of your shape or form, that the shoes would look good on you.’
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