orn in Korea and raised in France , Raphael Young ’s creative vision comfortably straddles cultures and aesthetics. After ten years working for French and Italian fashion brands, he became the creative director of his own eponymous label. Though the company is based in Paris, Young spends nearly eight months of the year in Italy, where the workshop and factory are located, lending a cross-European and hands-on luxury to his looks. “Leather is my universe” declares Raphael. He is descended from a family of shoe makers, Young applies an artisanal level of craftsmanship to his footwear that approaches couture. Using a variety of exotic materials from elephant, deer and nappa, he encases the feet in armour that’s hardy yet luxurious. “I was quite a reserved child, a romantic dreamer as you say in English. But I always found an expressive outlet in the process of creating. And as I always had a strong interest in women as they are, in my opinion, the most beautiful and intriguing creatures I have ever encountered. But it was through my family that, without a doubt, I fell into the business and art of shoe-making. It was my Uncle who taught me everything about the true craftsmanship of shoe-making, and it was in his atelier, that I would spend every holiday, learning and working on shoe-shaping and the whole mechanics”. You can have more information and can get in touch with Rphael at the link below.

www.raphaelyoung.com