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Vanessa NoelAmerican luxury shoe designer, hotelier, gallerist and philanthropist
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Biography of Vanessa Noel
- Architectural Inspiration and Artistry
- Achievements and Collaborations
- Recognition and Celebrity Endorsements
- Growth and Expansion
- Hotel Ventures and Philanthropy
Biography of Vanessa Noel
Vanessa Noel is an American designer of luxury footwear, hotelier, gallerist, and philanthropist. She considers her shoes to be sensual objects of art, designed as both architectural solutions and elegant complements to a woman's foot. Born and raised in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Vanessa grew up in a close friendship with Grace Kelly through her mother. She attended Agnes Irwin School in Rosemont, Pennsylvania, and later Cornell University, where she earned a degree in Fine Arts and Architecture. After her studies, Noel moved to New York City and launched her own footwear line in 1987.
Architectural Inspiration and Artistry
Early in her career, Vanessa gained recognition for her ability to draw inspiration from the world of architecture. Her footwear was considered true works of art, exhibited at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and the Rheinisches Landesmuseum in Bonn, Germany. Her designs have become a permanent part of the collection at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts. Vanessa Noel is the sole designer of her brand, and she frequently travels to Italy to work in her factories and collaborate with Italian tanners to create exclusive materials, such as 24-karat gold-covered alligator skin and glow-in-the-dark python.
Achievements and Collaborations
In 2004, Vanessa introduced her iconic alligator stretch boots, which gained fame when actress Kim Cattrall wore them in the film 'Sex and the City.' This led to Noel receiving exclusive rights to produce such footwear. She has a passion for practicality and handcrafted work, traveling worldwide to source unique materials for her collections and learn from master craftsmen, including those in India's Kashmir region. Vanessa advocates for free trade and organic production, using environmentally friendly materials that meet luxury standards. All of her footwear is handmade in Milan, Italy.
Recognition and Celebrity Endorsements
Vanessa Noel's footwear has been featured in various media outlets and worn by celebrities. Her designs have graced the feet of women on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show,' 'The Martha Stewart Show,' and in music videos for Janet Jackson and Mary J. Blige. Models have walked the runway in Noel's footwear for fashion designers Nicole Miller, Rebecca Moses, Chadwick Bell, Keith Lissner, Ralph Lauren, and Ralph Rucci. Vanessa has created a cult following for her shoe brand, with celebrities and style influencers being among its admirers. Even Princess Michael of Kent chose to wear Noel's shoes to the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011.
Growth and Expansion
The story of the 'Vanessa Noel' brand began in October 1987, when Vanessa opened her first boutique across the street from Imelda Marcos' former mansion. The label quickly became successful, and in 1999, Vanessa was invited to join the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) with recommendation letters from Carolina Herrera, Carolina Rhea, and CFDA's then-director Fern Mallis. Vanessa presented her couture wedding collection in 1990, which was sold in her boutique as well as in upscale department stores such as Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.
In 1994, Vanessa opened her second boutique in Nantucket, Massachusetts, a place where she spent her summers during childhood. In 1998, she designed a collection inspired by gardening for C. Z. Guest, which was sold in limited quantities at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus under the name 'CZ by Vanessa Noel.' In October 2004, Vanessa opened her flagship boutique on East 64th Street in New York City, covering nearly 190 square meters.
Hotel Ventures and Philanthropy
In addition to her fashion endeavors, Vanessa Noel became the first American designer to open her own hotel, the 'Vanessa Noel Hotel,' in 2002. Her second boutique hotel, called 'Vanessa Noel Hotel Green,' places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, featuring organic linen bedding, cardboard furniture designed by Frank Gehry, hemp bath linens, non-toxic milk paint, Ayurvedic products, and more.
In 2010, Noel joined the board of the non-profit organization 'Oceana' and regularly leads fundraising campaigns for the organization. She also created a special footwear collection called 'Oceana,' which was auctioned off by 'Charitybuzz.'
