Rene Caovilla

ABOUT RENE CAOVILLA

Italian shoe designer known for his handcrafted, intricate creations. His brand is third-generation family-owned and his shoes are sought for their quality workmanship as well as couture designs. He's collaborated with major designers including Karl Lagerfeld , Valentino Garavani and Christian Dior .

In 1950, Rene Caovilla went to Paris and London to study design. He returned home and began working with his father, and in the early 1960s he took over the family business.

On 10 September 2007, Harrods hired a live Egyptian cobra to protect the shoe counter, guarding a pair of Caovilla's haute couture ruby, sapphire and diamond encrusted sandals.

He met his wife, Paola, whose family was also in the footwear business at a shoe fair.

Celebrities who've worn his shoes include Lady Gaga , Jennifer Aniston and Heidi Klum .