Look closely at the shoebox… it is a gem! It is the most sought-after Rayne shoebox because there were only 3 years when all 3 Royal Warrants could be displayed in this way, 1955, 56, & 57. Around 1928, the iconic yellow shoebox was created about the same time the Art Deco logo was designed by Charles Rayne.
Stylish shoes fit for a queen, and Rayne still reigns!
Perhaps you know of Rayne London, the distinguished British shoe company for over 136 years? The regal reign of Rayne has garnered three Royal Warrants from three successive English queens… an extraordinary accomplishment. I would like to introduce you to Nicholas Rayne, the fourth generation of the brilliantly designed, Italian-made shoes of Rayne London. Along with the charm of old-world British aristocracy, Rayne London is renowned for its style, glamour, luxury, and heritage.
An illustrious list of clientele, from several generations of royalty (Princess Diana, Princess Margaret, Princess Anne, The Queen Mother) to leading movie stars (Elizabeth Taylor, Vivien Leigh, Brigitte Bardot), have revered Rayne’s discrete reputation. There is a quiet panache in their “solely” original shoes!
With a penchant for pretty shoes, and I know I am not alone, here is my chat with Nicholas Rayne:
“Good shoes take you to good places!”
The Rayne wedding shoes for Princess Elizabeth’s wedding in 1947.
Rayne designed a very famous wedding shoe. Please tell me more!
Rayne made the shoes for the then Princess Elizabeth’s wedding in 1947, which was such a joy for the nation at the time after all the sadness of the war years, which ended two years previously. These sandals were made in off-white British satin to match Norman Hartnell’s dress. They have wide cuffed ankle-straps fastened in a diamanté buckle on the side, and about a quarter of an inch platform.
“Cinderella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life!”
Rayne has a permanent presence at the V&A Museum in London. What Rayne creation are you most proud of?
If I had to choose only one Rayne creation, from the many thousands over many decades, then I think it would have to be the iconic Wedgwood china heel styles. These were first produced by Rayne in 1958 for only two seasons in collaboration with Wedgwood. The original Wedgwood heels were made of real china, in classic Wedgwood colours. (Can you imagine that, ladies!? And, none of the heels ever broke or fell off the shoes!)
Pink is my signature color. Have you had a client that was fond of pink as well?
We did have one specific long-standing customer who wore hot pink much of the time. So, we made up many pairs of shoes for her over the years in this specific colour. The customer in question was the novelist, the late Dame Barbara Cartland, the step-grandmother of the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
Pink satin shoes from the 50’s.
Did your father, Sir Edward Rayne, share any protocol for shoes?
One should select a shoe that is appropriate for the occasion and also for the length of time that one will be wearing it. My father did the fashion commentary for the BBC at Royal Ascot a couple of days each year for about 15 years from the mid-1970s. He went every day during Royal Ascot, as did the rest of my family. He often, privately (though never publicly on air), pointed out ladies who were wearing shoes that were totally impractical at an outdoor event! In essence, maintain decorum and wear beautiful shoes that go with your outfit and ones you can wear all day in comfort to enjoy the glorious atmosphere and spectacle too.
Are there any faux pas that you know of that ladies may want to be aware of?
Try not to wear stiletto heels anywhere which has wooden flooring!!! You will not be popular with your hosts once you have gone home.
“It is impolite to stare, unless of course, it is a gorgeous pair of shoes!”
Were your parent's sticklers for proper manners?
Both my parents were sticklers for good manners when my brother and I were in company with adults. “Elbows off the table!!” I remember that well as a child. Also “Sit still,” “Don’t interrupt an adult” and ”Don’t point,” etc. I suppose that this has left its imprint on me in later years. I was educated at Harrow School, which was Winston Churchill’s old school. In those days, the school was very strict on manners like standing up when an adult entered the room (I, too, am an advocate for this courtesy, which seems to have disappeared. Shall we bring it back?!). My college at Oxford, “New College,” has a motto which is appropriate here! “Manners Maketh Man.” (Oh, I like that, another MMM!)
How do you decide what the colors and styles are for your creations each year?
My wife, Lulu, coordinates the designs in Italy. She is half Italian, but her English side gives her another perspective too, which adds to styling with a special British twist.
The book, Rayne, Shoes for the Stars, is filled with lovely images and fascinating history. Ohhhh, a pink party is in my future. I cannot wait to wear these dazzling pink patent creations! Now that you have been introduced to Rayne shoes too, come join me!
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