Pair of Mary Jane shoes designed by Scott Rankins

Scott Rankins (1959-1999) was an African American shoe designer originally from Portland, Oregon. He was one of the earliest modern African American shoe designers. Rankins demonstrated a love for art and creativity as a young child and his mother, Constance Cuie, nurtured this gift by enrolling him in an art school at an early age.

In 1980, Rankins left Portland and moved to New York to work as a design assistant for noted African American designer, Scott Barrie. After working with Barrie, Rankin was awarded a Fulbright Grant and moved to Italy to study at the Domos Academy. While in Italy, he entered and won the Diego Della Valle shoe design contest. By 1992, while still living in Italy, Rankins launched his self-titled shoe line which earned him national and international recognition.

Regarding his design style, Rankins intentionally created luxury shoes with heels no higher than two inches. His designs were elegant, thoughtful, and practical for women on the move. They were affectionally regarded as “wearable art.” Scott Rankins’ shoes have been worn by celebrity performers including: Tina Turner, Janet Jackson, and Angela Bassett.

Shortly after his return to the states from Bologna, Italy, Rankins was diagnosed with AIDS and passed away in 1999 in Melbourne, FL at the age of 40.

A pair of dark grey Mary Jane style shoes designed by Scott Rankins. The shoes are composed of dark gray fabric-covered leather uppers and strap, leather soles, and synthetic sock linings and heel caps. They have two-inch heels, a square toe, and black leather trim at the vamp and strap. The Scott Rankin name and logo is imprinted on both the upper footbeds of the silver interiors and the bottoms. Manufacturing information and the size is printed on the side of each interior and imprinted on the bottom is a plate with [LEATHER / LEDER / CUIR] followed by “MADE / IN / SPAIN”, the shoe size [7 ½] and width [M].