When it comes to luxury French footwear, Pierre Hardy is in a league of his own. The Paris-based designer is famous for his luxury men’s sneakers and women’s footwear.
Celebrities who have worn Pierre Hardy shoes include Margot Robbie, Sarah Paulson, Kristen Wiig, Kim Kardashian, Miranda Kerr, Solange Knowles, and Kate Beckinsale.
Before launching his eponymous brand, Hardy oversaw the creation of one of Hermes’ most iconic designs, the ‘Oran’ sandals, and has links to Balenciaga.
Pierre Hardy is a French fashion designer who specializes in luxury footwear (Credit: Lev Radin / Shutterstock)
While ‘Pierre Hardy’ is a name that not everyone will recognize, you can guarantee you’ve seen shoes designed or inspired by the Parisian. If you’re a fan of luxury sneakers and elevated basics, you’ll find an instant affinity with Pierre Hardy.
We’re exploring everything you need to know about Pierre Hardy, his eponymous footwear brand, and where you can purchase his shoes.
From Art Teacher to Fashion Icon: Pierre Hardy’s Unexpected Journey
While other Parisian designers studied fashion design or began their careers in French ateliers, Pierre Hardy started as a teacher specializing in plastic arts.
Posing with Sofia Vassilieva and Abigail Breslin, actress Cameron Diaz wore an Alexander McQueen asymmetrical zip dress with blue suede Pierre Hardy peep-toe heels at the 2009 Teen Choice Awards at Gibson Amphitheatre on August 9, 2009, in Universal City, California (Credit: Everett Collection / Shutterstock)
Hardy studied at Ecole Duperre in Paris before becoming a magazine illustrator, including Vogue Hommes and Vanity Fair Italia. At the end of the ‘80s, Hardy began working at Christian Dior styling shoes before switching to Hermes.
It was at this iconic French fashion house that Pierre Hardy would make his name. In 1997, he designed the ‘Oran’ sandals that continue to be one of Hermes’ best-selling styles.
Singer-songwriter Alexa Ray Joel shows off her feet in Pierre Hardy luxury shoes (Credit: Shutterstock / Lev Radin)
Hardy also designed the ‘Quick’ trainers, the first designer trainers made using leather from a luxury brand. He also designed jewelry as part of his portfolio at Hermes.
Hermes to Balenciaga: Unveiling the Pedigree of Pierre Hardy’s Luxury Label
Pierre Hardy launched his eponymous brand in 1999, selling over 5,000 pairs of shoes within the first year.
Barneys New York and Neiman Marcus stocked Pierre Hardy’s shoes at its launch. Over time, the brand evolved to offer accessories and footwear for both men and women.
The classic Hermès Oran sandals were created by luxury shoe designer Pierre Hardy in 1997 (Credit: Hermès)
As a luxury brand, Pierre Hardy sold a minority stake to Hermes in 2016, cementing its status as a high-end designer brand. While developing his brand, Pierre Hardy also managed Balenciaga’s women’s footwear portfolio from 2001 to 2012.
Crafted in Italy, Worn by Stars: The Allure of Pierre Hardy Footwear
If you want to invest in luxury shoes, Pierre Hardy is one brand you want to check out. While they’re not as recognizable as Balenciaga or Hermes shoes, you can expect the same luxury quality from this brand.
Pierre Hardy shoes are almost all exclusively made in Italy using the same manufacturers as several other luxury French brands. The brand describes its manufacturing as “an integral part of its identity.”
Kate Bosworth in a Chanel Haute Couture Fall 1992 dress and Pierre Hardy shoes arrives at “Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy” – Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 5, 2008, in New York City (Credit: Everett Collection / Shutterstock)
When shopping for Pierre Hardy shoes, remember that the shoes are made with French sizing. Reviews online differ as to whether the shoes run true to size. While some reviews state that the shoes run a full size bigger, others suggest you should size up half a size.
Pierre Hardy shoes are found on the brand’s website and from most popular luxury retailers, including Farfetch and Bergdorf Goodman.
Celebrity Style: Stars Who Rock Pierre Hardy Shoes
Pierre Hardy’s bold, architectural footwear designs have made him a go-to for fashion-forward celebrities. From red carpets to casual street style, here are some standout moments featuring Pierre Hardy shoes:
Margot Robbie Stuns in Pierre Hardy Sandals
- Event: “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” Press Tour
- Outfit: Margot Robbie embraced minimalist elegance with a white maxi dress.
- Footwear: She finished the look with Pierre Hardy sandals, adding a sculptural edge.
- More Details: Margot Robbie elevates summer style in Pierre Hardy
Kristen Wiig in Pierre Hardy Heels at the Oscars
- Event: Academy Awards Red Carpet
- Outfit: Kristen Wiig turned heads in a dramatic red gown by Valentino.
- Footwear: She completed the look with Pierre Hardy heels, showing off her fashion risk-taking.
- More Details: Kristen Wiig’s bold Oscar look with Pierre Hardy shoes
Sarah Paulson Keeps It Quirky with Pierre Hardy
- Event: Charity Gala Appearance
- Outfit: Known for her eclectic style, Sarah Paulson wore a vintage-inspired midi dress.
- Footwear: She chose Pierre Hardy heels with geometric flair.
- More Details: Sarah Paulson’s quirky-chic Pierre Hardy moment
Miranda Kerr Turns Heads in Colorblock Pierre Hardy Sandals
- Event: LA Street Style
- Outfit: Miranda Kerr wore a breezy off-shoulder top with cropped jeans.
- Footwear: Her Pierre Hardy colorblock sandals added a playful pop to the look.
- More Details: Miranda Kerr steps out in playful Pierre Hardy sandals
Kate Beckinsale Shines in Pierre Hardy Heels
- Event: Night Out in Hollywood
- Outfit: Kate Beckinsale opted for an all-black ensemble with a statement clutch.
- Footwear: She added glam with Pierre Hardy heels featuring bold cutouts.
- More Details: Kate Beckinsale’s sleek look with Pierre Hardy shoes
These fashion moments prove that Pierre Hardy designs are a red carpet favorite for celebrities who want to balance elegance with modern edge. In September 2011, Katie Holmes attended the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards in a beautiful pair of Pierre Hardy sandals.
Katie Holmes stuns in an electric blue Calvin Klein gown paired with sleek Pierre Hardy sandals at the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on September 18, 2011 (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
She paired them with an electric blue dress from Calvin Klein and a thin metallic belt.
Katie Holmes highlights her polished pedicure in strappy Pierre Hardy sandals on the red carpet