10 Minutes With Designer Andrea Wazen

andrea wazen, london, shoe designer
Following the Lebanese label’s British retail debut at Harrods London, MOJEH sat down with the founder of her eponymous luxury footwear brand Andrea Wazen

The first thing I do when I land in London is… go for a walk. I love strolling through the city, stopping for coffee, visiting markets or going to a musical. I was born in London and have so many memories here with my family. It has an energy that inspires me creatively.

My mornings are anchored by… waking up early, drinking water, making coffee, taking a moment to set my intention for the day, and, if travelling, calling home to check on the kids to make sure everything is running smoothly. I go for a daily walk; I find that movement helps to reset my mind.

When I’m getting ready for the day, my choice of shoes is guided by… how I want to feel. Is it powerful or understated? I then choose the silhouette that matches that energy. If I have back to back meetings, I might choose a ballet flat that makes a statement but remains effortless. In the evening, I gravitate toward something with a high heel. For me, shoes are emotional. I really do choose them based on how I’m feeling that day.

Before I leave the house, my handbag is always stocked up with… sunglasses, lip gloss and a pen. I love sketching out ideas that come to me throughout the day.

At work, I feel most alive creatively when… I’m reviewing samples, adjusting curves and going through swatch cards. The design process is very technical but also intuitive. The moment a design evolves from sketch to physical form never loses its magic.

When I’m feeling overwhelmed… I remind myself why I started. I try to simplify and make one decision at a time. I’ve learned that calm is a discipline. It’s something you choose.

If I’m travelling, I adapt to the local time zone by…avoiding overcomplicating my routine. I always pack clean skincare, supplements and comfortable pieces that allow me to move easily between meetings and flights. Whenever possible, I walk. It’s the best way to connect with a new city.

At the end of a long day, I… dim the lights, light a candle and drink something warm. Everything immediately feels slower; it contrasts the pace of the day. I’m sensitive to atmosphere, so I keep my space neutral and calming with warm lighting and natural materials.

I feel most connected to my family when… I soak up the simplest joys and play, dance or sing to our favourite songs or read a book. They remind me of the purpose behind everything I’m building. When I’m with my family, there are no emails and no calls, I’m there.

My ideal weekend in Beirut would start with… a walk around the neighborhood followed by time with family. In the afternoon, I would visit the flagship store because I love meeting clients and observing how women interact with the space. In the evening, I would have dinner with friends somewhere vibrant and full of energy. Beirut is layered and resilient, much like the women I design for. It has an energy that’s impossible to replicate. Shop now