Shoes of the stars
Rayne London conquered England under the spotlights of the most famous theatre stages. From the limelight to service for the Crown sto major fashion houses. Rayne brings to his brand an immeasurable historical legacy that began back in 1885.
1885
The historic brand was founded in bustling London in 1885 by Henry and Mary Rayne. Rayne stepped onto the city's stages, at the feet of the great stars of the spotlight.
1920
After the end of the First World War, Rayne finds an opportunity to expand his market, opening a flagship shop in London's luxury heart, New Bond Street.
1936
Rayne officially enters the good graces of the British Queens as a business serving the British Crown.
1945
The London-based brand makes its film debut with Antony and Cleopatra, the most expensive film ever made. Bespoke shoes are made for Elizabeth Taylor as the beautiful Egyptian queen.
1950's
The fashion world welcomes a new brand. Rayne began collaborating with the great maisons de couture. These included Hardy Amies, Norman Hartnell, John Cavanagh and the renowned designer Roger Vivier.
1959
Rayne changes his look. Oliver Messel, a renowned set designer from the English theatre scene, is hired to bring out the real Rayne stars – the shoes.
1960
Mary Quant, a London designer, designs the first pair of Shirley Temple-style stiletto heels and ankle straps especially for Rayne.
1970
Bill Gibb, a well-known Scottish designer with an unusual and eccentric style, creates a line of shoes for Rayne. At the same time, the London-based brand continued to collaborate with major labels such as Lanvin and Nina Ricci.
1988
Edward Rayne, grandson of founders Henry and Mary and President of the British Fashion Council, is knighted by Queen Elizabeth.
2013
The company is taken over by Nicholas Rayne after almost 25 years of inactivity, thanks to the intervention of the well-known Italian footwear company CDivertiamo. Rayne is reborn under a new style.
2015
The brand's history is told in a book, based on Michael Pick's idea, ``Rayne, Shoes for Stars``.
2019
Rayne's history is now sealed in their style. He retains his title in the service of the British Crown and his creations are exhibited at the V&A in London, the world's most renowned art and design museum.