Black Suede Studio Opens Shanghai Showroom as the Canadian Brand Looks to Expand Global Footprint
Black Suede Studio is reinforcing its foothold in Asia with the opening of a new showroom in Shanghai, China.
The Montreal-based footwear and accessories brand said this new brick-and-mortar location marks its first standalone physical space – a major milestone in the label’s growth trajectory as it seeks to expand its global retail footprint.
The company noted that the showroom will carry Black Suede Studio’s seasonal footwear inventory and buyers are able to schedule appointments with the brand’s sales team.
Since its founding in 2019, Black Suede Studio’s international customer base has grown exponentially through its online business. Today the brand can be found in over 70 retailers globally, including Neiman Marcus, Ounass, Revolve, Nordstrom, Shopbop, Saks Fifth Avenue, Kith, Harvey Nichols, Galerie Lafayette and Bloomingdale’s.
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After over five years of predominantly selling footwear online and through strategic retailer partnerships, the decision to open a space in Shanghai was the next logical step in widening its reach internationally.
Kris Avakian, founder and owner of Black Suede Studio, said in a statement that he chose this location because Shanghai is a major fashion hub for locals and tourists, and a proven entry point for premiere brands looking to build their presence in the Asian market.
“We recognize how impactful this consumer base is and are excited to bring them a physical touchpoint to experience the Black Suede Studio brand,” Avakian noted.
This opening comes on the heels of several recent category expansions for the brand, including the introduction of belts and jewelry for resort 2025, as well as an entry into bridal through a collaboration with preeminent bridal and special occasion design house Anne Barge, which premiered at Bridal Fashion Week in Oct. 2024 and will be available to shop next month.
In an interview with FN in September, Avakian called these new categories an extension of who the Black Suede Studio customer already wants. “We want these pieces to be things that can be worn day to night with our main shoe line, so just playing with a lot of clean metals and adding in some minor embellishment details,” he noted. “Then we have a bit more intricate and embellished styles that go with our evening and bridal shoes.”
These launches came at the same time as Avakian’s expansion into licensing. The founder said that the new licensing and partnerships division is being operated under Black Suede Studio’s parent company called BSS Creative Groupe.
As the company looks to expand licensing operations globally, additional growth is expected to boost business significantly.
“I really don’t like getting comfortable, so one of my goals for 2024 is really to expand the business,” Avakian said in September. “And this new way of doing business is going to help with that.”
