In the rarefied world of fashion footwear, Nina Christen has carved out a reputation as one of the industry’s most sought-after designers. With a career trajectory that reads like a who’s who of luxury fashion houses, Christen has left her mark on some of the most coveted shoes of the past decade.
From the elegance of The Row to the avant-garde creations at Loewe, Christen’s designs have graced the feet of fashion’s elite. Her journey through the upper echelons of fashion began at Saint Laurent, where she honed her craft under the tutelage of industry titans. It was at Celine, under the direction of Phoebe Philo, that Christen’s talent for creating shoes that women truly desire began to shine. This ability to marry practicality with high fashion would become a hallmark of Christen’s work.
Her tenure at Bottega Veneta saw her elevate the brand’s footwear offerings to new heights. Under Daniel Lee’s creative direction, Christen’s designs became instant classics, with styles like the Lido sandal and the Puddle boot dominating social media. At Loewe, Christen’s creativity flourished in collaboration with Jonathan Anderson’s vision. Her balloon pumps, quite literally made with balloons, exemplify her ability to push the boundaries of footwear design.
“The cutting-edge technology and material development meant that I could do extremely complex things with leather in a month that would usually take me a year,” she says.
Now, Christen is poised to step into the spotlight with her own brand. While details remain under wraps, industry insiders speculate that her eponymous line will showcase the technical expertise and innovative spirit that have defined her career thus far. Christen’s approach is both methodical and intuitive. “Sometimes I just write down a shoe, as though a formula, without even needing to draw it,” she reveals, offering a glimpse into her creative process.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Christen brings with her a wealth of experience and an understanding of what makes a shoe not just fashionable, but desirable. “The most important thing is that relationship with your main collaborator,” she says, emphasizing the importance of human connections in the creative process.
Nina Christen’s quiet confidence and technical mastery have set her apart. As she steps out from behind the curtain of established fashion houses to present her own vision, the fashion world waits with bated breath. If her past work is any indication, Christen’s brand promises to deliver footwear that is not only beautiful but also considered and crafted.
