An international childhood spent between Jordan, Italy, and Romania gave Amina Muaddi the perspective to craft high-fashion shoes with international appeal.
After designing shoes for Rihanna’s Fenty brand, Muaddi has turned her focus to her eponymous brand. In addition, she recently released a fashion collab with rapper A$AP Rocky.
“I love what I do, so it doesn’t feel like a job,” Muaddi says. “Fashion is my life, and it takes all my time.”
Amina Muaddi: work on Fenty reflects a signature style
Muaddi’s recent collaboration with Rihanna’s superstar brand Fenty started by chance. Jahleel Weaver, Fenty’s creative director, first reached out to Muaddi as a fan. Fro there, the collaboration flowed naturally.
“I wanted the shoes to emphasize Fenty’s aesthetic and have Rihanna’s feminine yet edgy vision and style, but do it through my own lens,” says Muaddi.
Amina Muaddi sketches, photo via Fenty
The resulting pieces are elegant, yet daring, and reflect Muaddi’s signature style:
The Fenty Meshy mule, Amina Muaddi, Photo via Fenty
The Fenty Braid sandal, Amina Muaddi, Fenty
PVC pumps with a spartan-style tie-up:
Amina Muaddi draws on her environment for inspiration
“By the time I was nine, I was determined to work in the fashion industry,” Muaddi recalls. “I was constantly reading magazines and asking my mom how I could get a job in fashion.”
Muaddi’s life carried her through many countries, including Jordan and Romania. Eventually, she ended up at the European Institute of Design in Milan, Italy. Today, Muaddi still travels as much as possible. She draws inspiration from the world around her.
“I love to experience new places and cultures – every experience is meaningful. I can be inspired by photography, art, or people near me,” she says. “Anything that captures my eye and provokes an emotion.”
Amina Muaddi started her career out of college working with GQ US and L’Uomo Vogue, focusing on shoes. She has worked with designers such as Alexandre Vauthier, and has two brands – Oscar Tiye and the eponymous Amina Muaddi brand. Muaddi has also designed a variety of bags and jewelry.
Edgy and glamorous: Amina Muaddi collabs with A$AP Rocky
Muaddi’s own eponymous brand reflects the international nature of her life. “Amina Muaddi the Brand is designed in Paris, produced in Italy, with an international heart,” says her site.
Muaddi recently had her first collaboration between her brand with A$AP Rocky.
“I wanted to do it with someone who shares my values on creativity and design,” she tells Vogue. “Rocky doesn’t compromise himself in his work or whatever he does; he’s a perfectionist the same way I am.” Their shared creative prowess resulted in four different styles.
- Rainbow gladiator lace-ups, photo by Pierre-Ange Carlotti
- Semi-formal heels with a bedazzled butterfly bow, photo by Pierre-Ange Carlotti
Check out more of her work on Muaddi’s official website or Instagram.
