Vanessa Noel
   HOME

TheInfoList



OR:

Vanessa Noel (born October 12, 1961) is an American shoe designer, hotelier, gallery owner, and philanthropist.


Biography

Vanessa Noel was born and raised in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Noel was able to make social connections early in life as her mother was friends with Grace Kelly. She was presented at the Philadelphia Charity Ball in
Philadelphia Philadelphia, often called Philly, is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the sixth-largest city in the U.S., the second-largest city in both the Northeast megalopolis and Mid-Atlantic regions after New York City. Sinc ...
, PA, and the International Debutante Ball in
New York New York most commonly refers to: * New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York * New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States New York may also refer to: Film and television * '' ...
, NY. She attended the Agnes Irwin School in Rosemont, PA and
Cornell University Cornell University is a private statutory land-grant research university based in Ithaca, New York. It is a member of the Ivy League. Founded in 1865 by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White, Cornell was founded with the intention to teach an ...
in New York, where she was a member of the sorority
Kappa Kappa Gamma Kappa Kappa Gamma (), also known simply as Kappa or KKG, is a collegiate sorority founded at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois, United States. It has a membership of more than 260,000 women, with 140 collegiate chapters in the United States a ...
and graduated with a degree in Fine Arts and Architecture. After graduation, she moved to New York City and launched her first shoe line in 1987. In 2015, Vanessa Noel spoke at the
Women in the World Women in the World is a live journalism platform founded by Tina Brown to 'discover and amplify the unheard voices of global women on the front lines of change'. Women in the World Annual Summit Women in the World is an annual summit launched ...
Annual Summit along with
Barbra Streisand Barbara Joan "Barbra" Streisand (; born April 24, 1942) is an American singer, actress and director. With a career spanning over six decades, she has achieved success in multiple fields of entertainment, and is among the few performers List ...
, Jennifer Ashton, and Dr. Holly Anderson to discuss heart disease and the gender bias in medicine. She currently serves on the board of Hanover Charities, sits on the council of Oceana, serves on the advisory board of the White Heron Theatre Company, and is the Vice Chairman on the board of
Round Hill Hotel and Villas The historic Round Hill hotel and villa resort near Montego Bay in Hopewell, Hanover, Jamaica opened in 1952. It is located on a peninsula that was originally a sugar plantation and subsequently changed to coconuts and allspice. It has entertain ...
Jamaica.


Career


Designer

Early in her career, Noel was known to draw the inspiration for her shoes from her architectural background, and has said, “I view my shoes as sensual art objects. I create them to be both an individual sculpture and a natural, elegant extension of a woman’s leg.” Her shoes have been considered works of art and were included in exhibits at the
Metropolitan Museum of Art The Metropolitan Museum of Art of New York City, colloquially "the Met", is the largest art museum in the Americas. Its permanent collection contains over two million works, divided among 17 curatorial departments. The main building at 1000 ...
in New York City and the Rheinnisches Landesmuseum in Bonn, Germany. Her designs are also in the permanent collection at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, MA. Noel is the sole designer for her label. She regularly travels to Italy,
India India, officially the Republic of India (Hindi: ), is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most populous country, and the most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the so ...
and
Kashmir Kashmir () is the northernmost geographical region of the Indian subcontinent. Until the mid-19th century, the term "Kashmir" denoted only the Kashmir Valley between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal Range. Today, the term encompas ...
. to work with various artisans. The shoes she produces use products only from Italian tanneries. These tanneries create exotic skins and furs such as sable, python, and alligator. She also supports the organic and free trade industries, using eco-friendly materials.American Fashion Travel: Designers on the Go. 1st ed. New York: Assouline Pub., 2011. Print. Her collections are all handcrafted in
Milan, Italy Milan ( , , Lombard language, Lombard: ; it, Milano ) is a city in northern Italy, capital of Lombardy, and the List of cities in Italy, second-most populous city proper in Italy after Rome. The city proper has a population of about 1.4  ...
, with each style produced in limited editions. In 1988, she designed a pair of satin pumps encrusted with 177.85 carats of rubies, which she sold in her store for $15,000. The Vanessa Noel label also encompasses bridal shoes, men's footwear, cashmere shawls, and other accessories. In 2004, Noel debuted the stretch alligator boots that became her signature. The boots appeared on Kim Cattrall in the '' Sex and the City'' movie in 2008. In 2015, Vanessa Noel launched her first handbag collection and her first fragrance named Stiletto in the form of a scented candle. Vanessa Noel's shoes have appeared in Sex And The City the movie, Oprah, the
Martha Stewart Martha Helen Stewart (, ; born August 3, 1941) is an American retail businesswoman, writer, and television personality. As founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, she gained success through a variety of business ventures, encompassing pub ...
show, NBC News, music videos for
Mary J. Blige Mary Jane Blige ( ; born January 11, 1971) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Often referred to as the " Queen of Hip-Hop Soul" and " Queen of R&B", Blige has won nine Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, four American Music Award ...
and
Janet Jackson Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16, 1966) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. She is noted for her innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows. Her sound and choreog ...
, and many fashion magazines. Her footwear products have also been used in the runway shows of Nicole Miller, Rebecca Moses, Chadwick Bell, Keith Lissner,
Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren, ( ; ; born October 14, 1939) is an American fashion designer, philanthropist, and billionaire businessman, best known for the Ralph Lauren Corporation, a global multibillion-dollar enterprise. He has become well known for his co ...
and Ralph Rucci's shows in both
Paris Paris () is the capital and most populous city of France, with an estimated population of 2,165,423 residents in 2019 in an area of more than 105 km² (41 sq mi), making it the 30th most densely populated city in the world in 2020. S ...
and
New York New York most commonly refers to: * New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York * New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States New York may also refer to: Film and television * '' ...
. Noel has developed a loyal following of socialites, celebrities, and style makers since her launch in 1987, such as
Princess Michael of Kent Princess Michael of Kent (born Baroness Marie-Christine Anna Agnes Hedwig Ida von Reibnitz, 15 January 1945) is a member of the British royal family of German, Austrian, Czech and Hungarian descent. She is married to Prince Michael of Kent, ...
who most recently wore Vanessa Noel pumps to the royal wedding of
Prince William William, Prince of Wales, (William Arthur Philip Louis; born 21 June 1982) is the heir apparent to the British throne. He is the elder son of King Charles III and his first wife Diana, Princess of Wales. Born in London, William was educat ...
and
Kate Middleton Catherine, Princess of Wales, (born Catherine Elizabeth Middleton; 9 January 1982) is a member of the British royal family. She is married to William, Prince of Wales, heir apparent to the British throne, making Catherine the likely next ...
in the spring of 2011,


Business

In October 1987, Noel simultaneously launched her fashion label and her first boutique on East 66th Street and Madison Avenue, across the street from Imelda Marcos'’ old townhouse. Her label was an immediate success and in 1990 she was asked to join the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) with recommendation letters written by Carolina Herrera, Carolyn Roehm and the CFDA director at the time
Fern Mallis Fern Mallis (born March 26, 1948 in Brooklyn, New York) was the executive director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) from 1991–2001, and created 7th on Sixth productions or New York Fashion Week as it is known today. She was ...
. Noel introduced her couture bridal collection in 1990, which was sold in her own boutique as well as
Bergdorf Goodman Bergdorf Goodman Inc. is a luxury department store based on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York. The company was founded in 1899 by Herman Bergdorf and was later owned and managed by Edwin Goodman, and later his son, Andrew Goodman. To ...
and Neiman Marcus. Shortly after the collection's launch, Noel designed a pair of shoes for Mariah Carey's wedding to
Tommy Mottola Thomas Daniel Mottola (born July 14, 1948) is an American music executive, producer and author. Mottola is currently the Chairman of Mottola Media Group and was previously the Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment, parent of the Columb ...
in 1993. Noel's bridal collection was extremely well-received, and Vera Wang asked Noel to do her first collection of bridal shoes as well. In 1994 Noel opened her second boutique in
Nantucket, Massachusetts Nantucket () is an island about south from Cape Cod. Together with the small islands of Tuckernuck and Muskeget, it constitutes the Town and County of Nantucket, a combined county/town government that is part of the U.S. state of Massachuse ...
where she spend childhood summers, and her boutique was the first New York boutique to open a location on Nantucket Island. In 1998 Noel designed a collection for
C.Z. Guest Lucy Douglas "C. Z." Guest ('' née'' Cochrane; February 19, 1920 – November 8, 2003) was an American stage actress, author, columnist, horsewoman, fashion designer, and socialite who achieved a degree of fame as a fashion icon. She was fr ...
, inspired by Guest's love of gardening. The limited-edition CZ by Vanessa Noel collection was sold at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus stores. Noel opened her flagship boutique on East 64th Street in October 2004. She designed the nearly 2,000 square foot space herself.


Vanessa Noel Hotel

In the summer of 2002 Noel became the first American designer to own her own hotel with the launch of the Vanessa Noel Hotel. Also, the first boutique hotel in
Nantucket Nantucket () is an island about south from Cape Cod. Together with the small islands of Tuckernuck and Muskeget, it constitutes the Town and County of Nantucket, a combined county/town government that is part of the U.S. state of Massachuse ...
, the VNH is home to a Vanessa Noel shoe boutique and the Café V bar, where Noel titled the menu “How to Look Good in Your Shoes” and offered high-end wellness food.


Vanessa Noel Hotel Green

Noel opened her second hotel, Nantucket's first, and still only as of 2013, environmentally conscious organic boutique hotel, the Vanessa Noel Hotel Green. The Hotel Green uses organic linen bedding, recycled
Frank Gehry Frank Owen Gehry, , FAIA (; ; born ) is a Canadian-born American architect and designer. A number of his buildings, including his private residence in Santa Monica, California, have become world-renowned attractions. His works are considered ...
-designed cardboard chairs and coffee tables, hemp bath linens, Anna Sova milk paint, eco-friendly cleaning products and
ayurvedic Ayurveda () is an alternative medicine system with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent. The theory and practice of Ayurveda is pseudoscientific. Ayurveda is heavily practiced in India and Nepal, where around 80% of the population rep ...
bath products.


Seven Seas Gallery

Noel also opened the Seven Seas Gallery across the street from her two hotels in 2005. The art gallery opens for two months every year, July and August. Noel describes her gallery as “a cultural anthology depicted through art, literature, photography, fashion, furniture and sculpture.” The Seven Seas immediately became a destination for decorators, and art collectors and Nantucket locals. Vanessa Noel is the sole owner of Vanessa Noel Couture, the Vanessa Noel Hotel, Vanessa Noel Hotel Green, Café V, and the Seven Seas Gallery.


Philanthropy

Hanover Charities In the years 2005, 2010, 2012, and 2017 she chaired the Hanover Charities Sugarcane Ball, a fundraising event that is held annually at Round Hill in Jamaica. In 2017, Vanessa Noel, along with Hanover Charities, helped raise a record amount of $474,360 to assist individuals and institutions in the parish. She also holds a Jamaican-themed fundraising event in her shoe boutique before the Sugarcane Ball to raise money for Hanover Charities. Oceana Noel became an Oceana Council member in 2010 and regularly chairs fundraising events to benefit the organization. Noel also designed a special edition Oceana shoe that was auctioned on
Charitybuzz Charitybuzz is an internet company which raises funds for nonprofit organizations through online charity auctions with celebrities and brands. Auction experiences include music, entertainment, business, politics, sports, art, fashion and othe ...
with proceeds benefiting the organization. Kipton Art Foundation In 2010 she became a Vice Council Member of the Kipton Art Foundation, which works to provide artists with stipends to produce their work and to promote up and coming artists. Other charitable contributions include: * The Princess Grace Foundation * Community Research Institute "Heart & Soul" Benefit Committee Member (1990) * The Fashion Center NYC Bid for Kids Designer Committee Member (1997) * VP of the East 64th Street Block Association (2009) * Fair Fund (2009) * Bailey's & Clothes Off Our Backs (2009) * Philabunndance (2011) Noel donated proceeds from sales following her talk at the Brown Brothers Harris Women's Forum. * Recipient of The Salute To Style Award benefiting the Madison Square Boys & Girl's Club (2017) * Designed a one of a kind jacket for the DIFFA Dallas auction (2017)


TV appearances

Vanessa Noel has appeared on the following television shows: * Rachael Ray $40 A Day (February 4, 2005) *
The Oprah Winfrey Show ''The Oprah Winfrey Show'', often referred to as ''The Oprah Show'' or simply ''Oprah'', is an American daytime broadcast syndication, syndicated talk show that aired nationally for 25 seasons from September 8, 1986, to May 25, 2011, in Chicag ...
, Vanessa Noel endorsed by Oprah Winfrey * The Martha Stewart Show (Date ? & January 2011) *
Plum TV Plum TV was an American Terrestrial television, broadcast television network targeted mostly to affluent viewers in the country. The majority of the programming was locally produced largely in affluent vacation communities, marketed towards the ma ...
(Date ? & July 28, 2010) * The Today Show *
Fox Business Fox Business (officially known as Fox Business Network, or FBN) is an American business news channel and website publication owned by the Fox News Media division of Fox Corporation. The channel broadcasts primarily from studios at 1211 Avenue ...
* Backstage Hollywood * The Real Housewives of New York (2011, 2015, 2017) * Seeking Solutions with Susan (2011) * Oprah: Where Are They Now? (2016) *
The Face The face is a part of the body, the front of the head. Face may also refer to: Film * ''The Magician'' (1958 film) or ''The Face'' * ''The Face'' (1996 film), an American television film * ''Face'' (1997 film), a British crime drama by Antonia ...
(2013) * Open House (2016) *
CBS News CBS News is the news division of the American television and radio service CBS. CBS News television programs include the ''CBS Evening News'', ''CBS Mornings'', news magazine programs '' CBS News Sunday Morning'', '' 60 Minutes'', and '' 48 H ...
(2016)


Books

Vanessa Noel was featured in the following books: * 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)Allon, Janet. "Fancy Footwork." The Business of Bliss: How to Profit from Doing What You Love. New York: Hearst, 1999. 30-34. Print. * Zagat Shopping NYC


References


External links

* Vanessa Noe
My Site
* Vanessa Noel Hote
Home
* Vanessa Noel Hotel Gree
Vanessa Noel Hotel Green
{{DEFAULTSORT:Noel, Vanessa Shoe designers Shoe brands American debutantes American fashion businesspeople American fashion designers American hoteliers Cornell University alumni Debutantes of the International Debutante Ball Living people People from Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania Agnes Irwin School alumni 1961 births