Written by Allyson Payer
When it comes to shoes, Footwear News is at the pulse of anything and everything that's happening in the industry. So when the publication names the Brand of the Year for its annual Achievement Awards, it's a big deal. This year, the honour goes to Schutz, the Brazilian brand loved by celebrities and style bloggers alike.
The brand, which keeps many of its heels and flats in the less-than-£160 range (boots run slightly higher), develops 4000 to 5000 styles per year, thanks to the fact that it owns its own factory, unlike many of its competitors. Alexandre Birman, who has been CEO of the company since 2011, explained, "We can offer more control with what we can do, and our speed to market is much faster."
Birman, who also has his own namesake high-end line, has made it his mission to increase the fast-fashion brand's presence and expand into the U.S. from its native Brazil, a move that has clearly paid off. Celebrity fans of Schutz include Bella Hadid, Kate Middleton, Alessandra Ambrosio, Taylor Swift, Hailey Baldwin and Jennifer Lawrence.
This Is the #1 Shoe Brand of the Year—and It's Affordable