Paul Andrew debuting men's shoes for fall 2016

Paul Andrew has made an impressive name for himself in the competitive world of designer high heels and women's shoes.

In 2013, the designer won the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award, which ultimately gave him the attention and capital he needed to continue his rise to fashion stardom.

For fall 2016, the designer will be unveiling his first men's collection, which will be an extension of his women's line. The offerings, which will be produced in Italy and will range in price from 595 dollars to 1295 dollars.

The four themes of the collection include Sport low-top and high-top sneakers, Rebel chelsea boots and monkstraps, Classic Twist Brogue boots, and Evening slippers and lace-ups.

It might seem a bit surprising that a man so well known for his women's shoes would suddenly add men's, but Andrew is no stranger to world of men's footwear. Prior to starting his own label, he spent several years at Alexander McQueen and Calvin Klein designing men's shoes. To grow the presence of his brand, the designer felt it was only sensible to expand into men's offerings.

Paul Andrew launching men's shoe line this year

“Launching men’s shoes for my own brand was always the plan, it was only a matter of time,” said Andrew to Footwear News. “Finding the right manufacturing partner, and the right season — I just needed all those elements to be aligned so that I felt I was entering the market in a meaningful way.”

The brand hasn't confirmed any retailers for the new men's offerings yes, but they already have an impressive list of retail partners that are easily expected to carry the line. Currently, Paul Andrew shoes are carried in department stores such as Barney's New York, Nordstrom, and Net-a-Porter.

Good things often come to those women's shoe brands that take the dive into the men's category. Take a look at Jimmy Choo, whose brand was boosted by men's sales in 2015. Christian Louboutin is also another luxury shoe label that has found success in doing men's.

The men's shoe market is very competitive as well, and Andrew will have to go up against brands like Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Prada, and Tod's. While men tend to trend more to brand loyalty, Andrew knows a model for success given how much he has accomplished with his women's offerings. He also has a level of clout from fashion lovers who loved his men's designs from his Calvin Klein and Alexander McQueen days.

photo:lifeandtimes.com