FLORENCE, Italy — Italian fashion house Salvatore Ferragamo has appointed Paul Andrew as its women's footwear design director, effective immediately.

"We are excited to welcome such a dynamic and established talent into the company," said Ferruccio Ferragamo, president of Salvatore Ferragamo, in a statement. "We have a proud history of nurturing design talent and we believe that Paul's credo very much matches the spirit at the heart of our house."

Known for his elegant, uncompromisingly luxurious designs, Andrew founded his eponymous line of women's shoes three years ago. The British designer, who has worked at Calvin Klein and Alexander McQueen, is a rising star in the footwear industry and in 2014, was named the winner of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, the first footwear designer to win the prize.

"It is a great honour to be invited to lead the creative vision for the future of its women's shoe division,” said Andrew. “I look forward to bringing a new perspective to the company in line with the demands of today's marketplace, marrying the power of its heritage and industrial force with high design and the latest innovations in material and make."

Andrew’s first collection for the Italian fashion house will debut next year. In addition to the newly-created role at Ferragamo, Andrew will continue to design for his namesake brand.

The company recently appointed a new chief executive, Eraldo Poletto, an industry veteran credited with doubling the sales at handbag maker Furla in the last five years.