GWYNN’S: You’ve revolutionized luxury footwear by marrying style and comfort. What was the “aha” moment that made you realize this gap in the market?
RON WHITE: I launched my first store in Toronto with a Visa cash advance while living in a basement apartment. At the time, I carried multiple brands but hadn’t yet started my own collection. My top clients kept asking for a pump they could wear all day—from corporate to cocktail. With my background in biomechanics, I knew I could create a solution. That was the spark that led to my own line.
GWYNN’S: What’s the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned from your journey as a designer and entrepreneur?
RON WHITE: Unlike clothing, shoes must support body weight while flexing with movement. To bring my vision of designer shoes that look stunning and feel incredible to life, we had to reinvent traditional shoemaking. I never imagined that journey would take years—but it led to the world’s first All Day Heels®.
GWYNN’S: How do you hope people feel when they wear a pair of Ron White shoes?
RON WHITE: FANTABULOUS! 😊 My vision? Boots should feel like cashmere on your feet. Shoes should drape like a silk blouse. Luxurious, effortless, and wonderful.
GWYNN’S: Your designs are a perfect blend of fashion and function. What’s the secret to achieving that balance without compromising on either?
RON WHITE: It starts with craftsmanship and the right materials. I use advanced cushioning, flexible outsoles, and custom-developed leathers designed to move with you. Then, I collaborate with master artisans to perfect every silhouette. It's a balancing act, but I refuse to compromise on style or comfort.
GWYNN’S: Do you ever find inspiration in unexpected places—perhaps a piece of art, a city you’ve visited, or a moment in everyday life?
RON WHITE: Constantly! Italy—where my shoes are crafted—offers endless inspiration, from architecture to interiors. Recently, I attended a vintage car show, and the intricate leather stitching in classic seats inspired a detail in my latest espadrille design. Inspiration strikes when you least expect it!
GWYNN’S: When designing, do you picture a specific type of person or lifestyle? How does that influence your creative decisions?
RON WHITE: I always think of “my lady”—someone like my muse, Vanessa Williams—moving effortlessly from jeans to tuxedos. Each season, I strive to create something that emotionally connects with her, something she didn’t even know she needed until she sees it.
GWYNN’S: What’s one shoe style every person should have in their wardrobe, and why?
RON WHITE: Everyone should have a chic pump. The Cindy—my original All Day Heels®—is a timeless, elegant essential. It’s earned me the trademark for creating the world’s first true all-day heel.
GWYNN’S: Designing shoes for Vanessa Williams in The Devil Wears Prada must have been incredible! Can you share a behind-the-scenes story from that collaboration?
RON WHITE: During script read-throughs, the producer, director, and costume designer kept noticing Vanessa’s shoes. By the fourth session, they had to know whose designs she was wearing. Her answer? “My good friend, shoe designer Ron White.” I nearly passed out when I got the call asking me to design the shoes for the lead in The Devil Wears Prada musical. The rest, as they say, is history!
GWYNN’S: If you were designing shoes for a fictional character, who would it be and what would they wear?
RON WHITE: Each season, I transport myself into the world of my leading clients—imagining what they don’t even know they need yet. So rather than designing for a fictional character, I design for real women of the future.
GWYNN’S: How does working with celebrities or productions challenge or elevate your design process?
RON WHITE: It’s a whole different world! Not only do designs have to match wardrobe and scene, but they also need to accommodate moving sets, lightning-fast costume changes, and choreography. Essentially, I’m designing two shoes in one!
GWYNN’S: What advice would you give to someone hesitant about investing in high-end shoes for the first time?
RON WHITE: A handmade shoe is like a luxury car—it carries you all day. When you close a high-end car door, you hear a solid thud, not a clink. The same goes for a well-crafted shoe—you feel the difference the moment you slip it on. That’s the magic worth investing in.
GWYNN’S: What’s the most common footwear mistake you see people make, and how can they avoid it?
RON WHITE: Jamming toes against the front of the shoe! Your toes should never touch the tip—your foot needs space to spread when standing and move naturally when walking. Get professionally measured and invest in shoes that support your stride.
GWYNN’S: If you weren’t designing shoes, what other artistic or creative pursuit would you explore?
RON WHITE: Residential architecture. I love working with construction, textures, colors, and silhouettes—so much like designing footwear!
GWYNN’S: What’s next for Ron White? Can you give us a hint at any upcoming projects or collaborations?
RON WHITE: This season, I’m launching in Australia & New Zealand! It’s a thrilling new chapter, taking the brand to the next level on the global stage. The challenge? Opposite seasons! We’re launching winter while unveiling spring in North America—it’s like being drunk on shoes!
