British heritage label Rayne is looking to a new name to help revive the brand.
The label has tapped Ernesto Esposito to oversee creative direction for Rayne, which had been working with Laurence Dacade for the past several seasons.
Esposito’s first collection for the brand will bow for spring ’17.
“I believe Ernesto is the ideal designer for Rayne [because] he understands better than anyone the DNA of the Rayne brand. And with his considerable artistic talent & skill, he will be able to create a melange of new fresh concepts [and honor] Rayne’s wonderful heritage,” said Nick Rayne, a fourth generation member of the shoemaking family.
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Rayne is excited about the partnership on a personal level as well: “I have known Ernesto as a friend for many years, but this is the first time that we have actually worked together on the same project. So I am sure that this collaboration will be fun and inspiring.”
Esposito has worked with a host of shoe brands over the years, including Stephane Kélian, Via Spiga and Bruno Magli.
In its glory days, Rayne was the go-to brand for the royal family. Queen Elizabeth II has worn the brand many times over the years, and the late Princess Diana also was a fan.
