Nicholas Kirkwood is a British footwear designer known for his innovative and architectural designs. He has been named Accessories Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards twice, in 2010 and 2013.
Kirkwood launched his eponymous label in 2005 after graduating from Cordwainers College in London. He quickly gained attention for his avant-garde and sculptural shoes, often featuring unusual materials and construction techniques. For example, Kirkwood has used shaved stingray, laser-cut mirrored leather, and rubberized suede in his designs.
Shoe designer Nicholas Kirkwood attends the Summer Exhibition Preview Party at the Royal Academy of Arts on June 3, 2015, in London, England (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN)
Kirkwood’s designs are known for their bold femininity and unique combination of materials and construction.
He is a true innovator in the footwear industry, and his shoes are coveted by fashionistas worldwide. Celebrity fans include Sarah Paulson, Camilla Belle, Keira Knightley, Kate Bosworth, and Rita Ora.
Stepping Out in Style: Celebrities Who Love Nicholas Kirkwood
Nicholas Kirkwood’s innovative designs have captivated numerous celebrities, leading to memorable fashion moments. Here are some standout appearances:
Sarah Paulson’s Retro Glamour in Nicholas Kirkwood ‘Leda’ Pumps
- Event: FX’s “Feud: Bette and Joan” Premiere
- Outfit: Sarah Paulson exuded vintage charm in a black-and-white Valentino gingham dress.
- Footwear: She complemented her ensemble with black suede Nicholas Kirkwood “Leda” pumps, featuring pointed toes and ankle straps.
- More Details: Sarah Paulson’s timeless Valentino dress and Nicholas Kirkwood pumps
Elizabeth Olsen’s Chic Appearance in Nicholas Kirkwood ‘Leda’ Pumps
- Event: 70th Cannes Film Festival “Wind River” Photocall
- Outfit: Elizabeth Olsen wore a black-and-gold Marc Jacobs turtleneck mini dress with puff sleeves.
- Footwear: She paired her dress with black suede Nicholas Kirkwood “Leda” pumps, known for their pointed toes and lace-up back design.
- More Details: Elizabeth Olsen at Cannes Film Festival in Nicholas Kirkwood ‘Leda’ pumps
Nina Dobrev’s Autumn Elegance with Nicholas Kirkwood ‘Nola’ Pumps
- Event: “Only the Brave” Los Angeles Premiere
- Outfit: Nina Dobrev embraced fall fashion in a leaf-print jacquard dress from Zac Posen’s Fall 2017 collection.
- Footwear: She echoed the plum tones of her dress with Nicholas Kirkwood “Nola” pumps.
- More Details: Nina Dobrev in leaf-print dress and Nicholas Kirkwood ‘Nola’ pumps
Miranda Kerr’s Met Gala Appearance in Nicholas Kirkwood Lace-Up Sandals
- Event: “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” Costume Institute Gala
- Outfit: Miranda Kerr dazzled in a white embroidered strapless dress by Marchesa with a draped silk tulle overlay.
- Footwear: She completed her ethereal look with Nicholas Kirkwood ivory lace platform sandals.
- More Details: Celebrities love Nicholas Kirkwood’s lace-up lace platform sandals
Sarah Jessica Parker’s Bold Statement with Nicholas Kirkwood Appliqué Pumps
- Event: Diane von Furstenberg Spring/Summer 2013 Fashion Show
- Outfit: Sarah Jessica Parker attended the show in a vibrant ensemble, highlighted by her choice of footwear.
- Footwear: She wore Nicholas Kirkwood appliqué pointed pumps from the Spring 2013 collection, featuring wavy gold accents and a striking yellow hue.
- More Details: Sarah Jessica Parker’s gold-accented yellow Nicholas Kirkwood pumps steal the DVF show
These moments underscore Nicholas Kirkwood’s influence in the fashion world. His designs have become a go-to choice for celebrities seeking to make a statement.
He has collaborated with several high-profile designers, including Erdem, Roksanda, and Peter Pilotto. His shoes have also been featured on the runways of major fashion houses such as Rodarte and Lanvin.
In addition to his work on his label, Kirkwood has also designed shoes for other brands, including Jimmy Choo and Topshop. He has also won several awards for his work, including the prestigious Alta Roma/Vogue Italia accessories design award in 2007.
In February 2023, British luxury footwear designer Nicholas Kirkwood announced the closure of his eponymous label after 18 years. He cited the brand’s completion of its journey and expressed his new focus on developing sustainable footwear manufacturing.
Nicholas Kirkwood: A Closer Look at the British Footwear Designer
| Who owns Nicholas Kirkwood? | In 2013, LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton SE (LVMH) purchased a majority stake in Nicholas Kirkwood for an undisclosed amount. In 2020, LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton SE (LVMH) sold its majority stake in Nicholas Kirkwood back to the brand's founder, Nicholas Kirkwood himself. This came after several years of financial losses for the brand. |
|---|---|
| Full Name: | Nicholas Matthew Schneidau Kirkwood |
| Born: | July 10, 1980, in Münster, Germany |
| Where are Nicholas Kirkwood shoes made? | Nicholas Kirkwood shoes are handcrafted in a small factory in Veneto, Italy |
| How do Nicholas Kirkwood shoes run? | All Nicholas Kirkwood shoes are in Italian sizing. |
| Where is Nicholas Kirkwood from? | The son of a British army colonel, he was born in Germany and traveled around a lot before settling in London. |
| What happened to Nicholas Kirkwood? | In February 2023, Nicholas Kirkwood announced the closure of his brand after 18 years. He stated that the brand had achieved its goals, and he would now concentrate on sustainable footwear manufacturing. |
From red carpet events to fashion week appearances, Nicholas Kirkwood’s designs have consistently made bold statements. Among his standout creations, the Void ankle boots perfectly capture his futuristic aesthetic and architectural flair.
Nicholas Kirkwood Void Two-Tone PVC Ankle Boots: On-Trend Shoes with a Bold Cutout Block Heel
Nicholas Kirkwood opened his Spring ’19 presentation with American actress and activist Rose McGowan holding up a version of these ‘Void’ ankle boots.
Black leather and vinyl 105 Void PVC ankle boots from Nicholas Kirkwood
Imbued with the designer’s signature sense of modernity and architectural construction, they’ve been crafted in Italy from clear PVC. They are set on graphic geometric Perspex heels with mirrored interior cutouts.
Made from leather, these boots have a square block heel, a front zip fastening, and a transparent construction
The black stripes along the front and back create a sleek two-tone effect. They hit high on the calf and are silhouetted with rubberized zips at the front and back.
On-trend clear PVC ankle boots featuring a bold cutout block heel for an eye-catching look
Before wearing these on-trend clear PVC ankle boots, ensure you know how to prevent foot sweat!
Nicholas Kirkwood Void Two-Tone PVC Ankle Boots, $1,195