The Golden Goose’s look has sometimes been mocked as “nasty” by social media users and critics, but the shoe’s unique look has attracted many celebrity fans, including Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez and Chris Hemsworth.
“We love things that are well-worn, distressed and full of life,” the company’s website states.
The shoe brand was founded by husband and wife duo Alessandro Gallo and Francesca Rinaldo in 2000. Golden Goose is now owned by private equity firm Permira, which bought it from investment firm Carlyle for €1.3bn (£1.1bn) in 2020.
The shoe maker’s plans to go public come despite a global slowdown in the luxury goods market after years of growth and a surge in demand during the pandemic.
Luxury brand executives complain that rising interest rates are forcing wealthy shoppers to cut spending, while China’s slowing economy is sapping demand for luxury goods in a crucial market for the industry.
Golden Goose’s net revenue was 587 million euros (£500 million) last year, with sales up 18 percent. Announcing the results in March, chief executive Silvio Kampala said: “Consumers are looking to connect with more than just luxury goods. They want businesses that reflect their values and are part of their communities.”
Kampala told Bloomberg that the company will use the proceeds from the IPO to pay down debt and expand into new markets with younger populations, including South America, Africa, the Middle East and India.
He added that the company will also explore selling more personalized shoes.
