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2 As a woman and an immigrant in a male-led industry, Fabiana Rigamonti, creative director and head of design at Aerosoles, had to be “very intentional” about how she showed up in her career.
“Early in my career, I assumed strong product would speak for itself,” said Rigamonti, who joined Aerosoles in 2022 following stints at Global Brands Group, Highline United and Schwartz & Benjamin. “It doesn’t. What changed everything was learning to tie creativity directly to business: customer, margin, growth. Once I did that, the conversation shifted. I wasn’t asking for validation anymore, I was driving decisions. That shift in positioning was critical. If you don’t define the value of your work, someone else will — and likely incorrectly.”
This way of thinking also influenced how Rigamonti’s definition of success has evolved during her career. “In the beginning — especially building my own brand — success was about proving I could do it,” she noted. “It was survival, recognition, momentum at any cost, the constant search for glitz and glamour. Now, it’s about building something that actually holds up. Product that resonates. Teams that are strong. Decisions that make sense long-term, not just in the moment. I stopped chasing validation and started focusing on impact. Success now is quieter, but much more real.”
Part of that evolution was the result of mentors she’s had over the years, adding that the most valuable mentors were direct in their approach.
“They didn’t overprotect or overexplain. They challenged how I thought and raised my standards,” Rigamonti said. “I may have not liked it in the moment, but it’s what builds character. A great mentor doesn’t make you comfortable — they make you sharper. That’s what actually accelerates growth.”
She added that mentorship is not just top-down anymore. “Some of the most relevant perspectives I get today — especially around new tools and cultural shifts — come from younger team members,” Rigamonti continued. “The best environments are the ones where that exchange goes both ways. In footwear, the best learning doesn’t happen in theory — it happens when your product hits the floor and either works or doesn’t.”
As for advice for young women entering the industry, Rigamonti said that being likable is not a strategy, but being good at what you do is. “Build real skill. Seek out new experiences. That’s what gives you leverage and longevity,” she explained. “Be humble, curious and open-minded. Have a point of view earlier than simply feeling comfortable. Most people wait until they feel ‘ready.’ That moment rarely arrives. You build confidence by using your voice, not waiting for it.”
A version of this article appeared in the June 1 print issue of FN, as part of the “Women Who Rock” special section. On June 3, FN and Two Ten Footwear Foundation honored these women at the annual live event in New York City.
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English (United States) ·