Charlotte Olympia Dellal studied at Cordwainers, the London college for footwear and accessories design. After graduating, Olympia Dellal launched her London-based shoe brand in January 2008. Charlotte Olympia designs have become synonymous with classic sophistication and meticulous attention to detail. Inspired by old Hollywood glamour, styles such as the Dolly with its signature ‘island’ platform, the distinctive Kitty flats and Perspex Pandora clutch box reflect the brand’s design philosophy. All designs are handcrafted in Italy and each shoe is finished with a signature gold spider’s web on the sole. The brand’s leopard prints and arresting use of colour have won many celebrity clients. The brand continues to expand its product lines to include flats, boots and accessories. Olympia Dellal now develops four seasonal collections a year as well as Encore, a permanent collection of signature silhouettes, Runaway Bride, 9 till 5 and more recently, leather handbags. Charlotte Olympia enjoys a growing international retail presence and the collections are also stocked in some of the world’s most prestigious retailers including Harrods, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Printemps and Beymen.

Portrait by Franco P Tettamanti