Brian Atwood

Since launching his own label in 2001, Brian Atwood has beguiled the fashion industry with his indelible shoe designs. A champion of both modernity and drop-dead glamour, Atwood brings his impeccable creations alive with an added jolt of raw sex appeal. This unique sensibility is informed by the designer’s authentic American roots as well as by a European sophistication he has nurtured for the last two decades.

The Chicago born Atwood studied art and architecture at Southern Illinois University before heading to New York where he attended the renowned fashion college, F.I.T. Upon graduation he embarked on a 7 year modeling career that took him to the runways of Europe. While in Milan, he pursued several fashion companies for design jobs and was eventually discovered by Gianni Versace. Atwood, the first American ever hired by the great Italian designer, began his career at Versus. Quickly proving himself, he was soon promoted within the company to head designer of Versace accessories.

While working with Versace’s skilled artisans and high-quality factories for 9 years, Atwood fine-tuned his technical abilities and began conceiving of his own label. In 2001, he debuted the very first Brian Atwood collection. A heady mix of come-hither heels and magnetic style made his entrée immediately successful. Atwood gained notoriety not only for his exceptionally crafted footwear but also for his inventive manner of presenting them, including a memorable peep-show locale and once using back-bending contortionists as shoe models.

Atwood’s profile continued its steady rise, boosted by the loyal support of fashion industry insiders and Hollywood celebrities. In 2003 his talent was recognized when he won the CFDA Swarovsky Perry Ellis Award for best Accessory Design. The global accolades eventually led to his appointment in 2007 as Creative Director of the Swiss luxury firm Bally. Currently Brian is designing for his eponymous collection while also drafting plans for contemporary collections, accessories and more.

A key aspect to the Brian Atwood allure is the label’s exclusivity. It is a niche brand of supreme technical quality that is entirely Made in Italy. Atwood runs the business in an old-school manner, overseeing every design drawn, material selected, and construction detail. Consciously avoiding overexposure and mass production, Atwood has positioned his label as a luxury boutique venture run with rigorous personal involvement.

Brian’s operation is dedicated to the craft of luxury. His designs, materials, product and messaging are punching well above their weight - garnering global recognition from and a devoted following of die hard fans. All of this has been executed in the same quiet, laid-back manner in which Atwood himself operates. Without over promotion, the Atwood brand is still for many women a serendipitous discovery, offering that exceedingly happy moment when the perfect, special shoe is unearthed, worn and worshiped for a lifetime.