Essay
The Swiss Confederation has awarded the Grand Prix Design to Walter Steiger (born 1942) for his work as a shoe designer. For over forty years, his prêt-à-porter collections have been enthusiastically acclaimed by the international fashion scene. In 1974, the qualified shoemaker opened his first boutique in Paris on the Rue du Tournon and was soon collaborating closely with renowned fashion designers such as Karl Lagerfeld or Claude Montana, while designing shoes for such brands as Chloé, Kenzo and Alaïa. Walter Steiger's designs continue to be an essential component of the collections of numerous fashion designers. Originally from Geneva, the designer is frequently sought after for his simple, yet elegantly aesthetic style. A glance in the fashion blogs or international trade journals is sufficient to illustrate how topical his designs continue to be. His sons, Paul and Giulio, both joined the company in 2009. Together they have opened the boutique 'Maison Steiger Bottier' on the Avenue Matignon in Paris where bespoke shoes are created that are a synthesis of luxury, superb craftsmanship and exclusivity.