Design
Where every great shoe begins
Creative Excellence
At RIVAL, design is where inspiration meets intention. Our creative studios — located in New York, Porto, and Padua — bring together a diverse team of designers, trend analysts, and technical specialists who share a common purpose: to translate your brand's vision into footwear that captivates consumers and drives sales.
Every project begins with deep research. Our team analyzes global fashion trends, consumer behavior, market data, and emerging cultural movements to identify opportunities and inform creative direction. This foundation of insight ensures that every design we produce is both commercially relevant and aesthetically compelling.
From there, our designers develop initial concepts through hand sketches and digital renderings, exploring silhouettes, proportions, and details that align with your brand identity and seasonal strategy. Each concept is accompanied by detailed technical specifications — including construction methods, material callouts, and dimensional data — so that nothing is lost in translation as the design moves toward prototyping.
Colorway development is a particular strength. Our color specialists work with advanced tools and physical swatches to develop palettes that resonate with target demographics and retail environments. We create multiple colorway options for each style, enabling our clients to build cohesive collections with market-ready appeal.
Whether you come to us with a fully formed creative brief or a rough idea on a napkin, our design team has the expertise and flexibility to deliver. We work as a true extension of your team, adapting to your processes, timelines, and aesthetic standards.
