ASH
Italy
ASH is a footwear brand founded in 2000 by French shoe designer Patrick Ithier and Italian entrepreneur Leonello Calvani. It blends French style with Italian heritage design and has grown into ready-to-wear, handbags and accessories.
| Founded | 2000 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Patrick Ithier and Leonello Calvani |
| Origin | French and Italian roots |
| Ready-to-wear launched | 2015, as ASH Studio Paris |
| Points of sale | 600+ points of sale, 200+ brand stores |
| Website | ash.com |
What is ASH?
ASH is a premium footwear brand founded in 2000. According to the brand, its founders are Patrick Ithier, a French shoe designer who serves as founder and creative director, and Leonello Calvani, an Italian entrepreneur. They met and saw a gap in the market for premium footwear.
Products and positioning
The brand says it blends French style with Italian heritage design. Footwear is the core, and the range has widened over time:
- Women's footwear as the original focus, with later men's and kids' lines
- Ready-to-wear, launched in 2015 as ASH Studio Paris
- Handbags and accessories
Distribution
ASH says it sells through more than 600 points of sale and 200 brand stores. This combination of own stores and third-party retailers is typical of a premium footwear label with international reach.
Why it matters
ASH shows how a footwear specialist can extend into apparel and bags while keeping shoes at the centre of the brand.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded ASH?
ASH was founded in 2000 by French shoe designer Patrick Ithier and Italian entrepreneur Leonello Calvani.
What does ASH sell?
ASH sells premium footwear, with men's and kids' lines, ready-to-wear under ASH Studio Paris, handbags and accessories.