Vanessa Noel
Vanessa Noel | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 12, 1961 Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Shoe designer, hotel owner, art gallery proprietor, philanthropist |
| Known for | Shoe design, Vanessa Noel Hotel |
Vanessa Noel (born October 12, 1961) is an American entrepreneur known for her work as a shoe designer, hotel owner, art gallery proprietor, and philanthropist.
Biography
Vanessa Noel’s early life unfolded in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. She was formally introduced to society at the Philadelphia Charity Ball and the International Debutante Ball held in New York City. She earned a degree in Fine Arts and Architecture from Cornell University. Following her graduation, she debuted her initial footwear collection in 1987.
In 2015, Noel participated as a speaker at the Women in the World Annual Summit, joining other prominent individuals to discuss issues surrounding heart disease and gender disparities in healthcare. By 2019, she was serving on the board of Hanover Charities.
Designer
Drawing on her architectural education early on, Noel approached shoe design as "sensual art objects," blending sculptural elements with refined style. Her creations have been acquired by prestigious institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
As the exclusive designer for her brand, Noel frequently travels to Italy, India, and Kashmir to work closely with skilled craftsmen. Her footwear incorporates exotic leathers and furs sourced solely from Italian tanneries, including materials like sable, python, and alligator. Committed to sustainability, she integrates organic and fair trade components into her designs. Each collection is meticulously handmade in Milan and produced in limited quantities.
In 1988, she crafted satin pumps adorned with 177.85 carats of rubies, priced at $15,000. The Vanessa Noel label also encompasses bridal shoes, menswear footwear, cashmere wraps, and various accessories.
Her iconic stretch alligator boots launched in 2004 gained widespread recognition after being worn by Kim Cattrall in the Sex and the City film released in 2008.
In 2015, Noel diversified her product offerings by introducing handbags and unveiling a fragrance called Stiletto presented as a scented candle.
Her footwear has been showcased on Sex And The City, the Oprah program, the Martha Stewart show, NBC News, music videos featuring artists such as Mary J. Blige and Janet Jackson, along with numerous fashion publications. Additionally, her designs have appeared on runways for designers including Nicole Miller, Rebecca Moses, Chadwick Bell, Keith Lissner, Ralph Lauren, and Ralph Rucci during shows in Paris and New York.
Business
Noel inaugurated her fashion brand in October 1987 alongside opening her first boutique located at East 66th Street and Madison Avenue, close to what was once Imelda Marcos' townhouse. By 1990, she had become a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), supported by endorsements from Carolina Herrera, Carolyn Roehm, and CFDA director Fern Mallis.
That same year marked the launch of her couture bridal collection available through her boutique as well as luxury retailers Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. Shortly afterward, she designed footwear for Mariah Carey’s wedding to Tommy Mottola in 1993. The success of her bridal line led Vera Wang to commission Noel for her inaugural bridal shoe collection.
In 1994, Noel expanded by opening a second boutique in Nantucket, Massachusetts—her childhood summer retreat—establishing the first New York-based boutique presence on the island.
By 1998, she developed a limited-edition garden-inspired collection for C. Z. Guest that was retailed at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.
Her growth continued with the October 2004 opening of a flagship boutique on East 64th Street; Noel personally designed this nearly 2,000-square-foot retail space.
Vanessa Noel Hotel
In 2002, Noel distinguished herself as the first American designer to establish ownership of a hotel with the introduction of the Vanessa Noel Hotel, recognized as Nantucket's inaugural boutique hotel. This establishment includes a Vanessa Noel shoe boutique alongside the Café V bar, which serves upscale dishes under the menu named “How to Look Good in Your Shoes.” Subsequently, she launched Nantucket’s exclusive boutique lodging, the Vanessa Noel Hotel Green.
Philanthropy
Hanover Charities
Noel served as chairperson for the Hanover Charities Sugarcane Ball in 2005, 2010, 2012, and 2017, playing a pivotal role in raising a record-breaking $474,360 in 2017 to aid individuals and organizations within Jamaica. Prior to the event, she organizes a Jamaican-inspired fundraiser hosted at her shoe boutique.
Oceana
Since joining Oceana's Council in 2010, Noel has been actively involved in spearheading fundraising initiatives and created a limited edition Oceana shoe that was auctioned to benefit the charity.
Kipton Art Foundation
In 2010, Noel was appointed Vice Council Member of the Kipton Art Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting emerging artists by providing financial grants and promotional opportunities.
Additional philanthropic activities include participation with:
- The Princess Grace Foundation
- Community Research Institute’s "Heart & Soul" Benefit Committee (1990)
- Fashion Center NYC Bid for Kids Designer Committee (1997)
- Vice President of East 64th Street Block Association (2009)
- Fair Fund (2009)
- Bailey’s & Clothes Off Our Backs (2009)
- Philabundance (2011), where she contributed proceeds from sales following a presentation at Brown Brothers Harris Women’s Forum
- Honoree of The Salute To Style Award benefiting Madison Square Boys & Girls Club (2017)
- Creator of a unique jacket for the DIFFA Dallas auction (2017)
TV appearances
Vanessa Noel has been featured on numerous television programs, including:
- Rachael Ray $40 A Day (February 4, 2005)
- The Martha Stewart Show (Dates unspecified and January 2011)
- The Real Housewives of New York (2011, 2015, 2017)
- Oprah: Where Are They Now? (2016)
- Open House (2016)
- CBS News (2016)
Books
Vanessa Noel’s work and influence have been highlighted in various fashion and design publications such as:
- Designers On Instagram: #fashion (2015)
- IMPACT: 50 Years of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (2012)
- Silver Girl (2011)
- American Fashion Travel (2011)
- American Fashion Designers at Home (2010)
- Caribbean Hideaways (2010)
- American Fashion Accessories (2008)
- Hip Hotels (2003)
- Nantucket Nights (2002)
- The Business of Bliss (1999)
External links
- Vanessa Noel Official Website
- Vanessa Noel Hotel Official Site
- Vanessa Noel Hotel Green Official Site