Founded in 2019, Ingiliz is the culmination of a family tradition in shoemaking that began in 1976. Guided by Gursel Ingilizov’s deep-rooted expertise in footwear production and the visionary leadership of his son, Remzi Ingilizov, the brand embodies modern femininity, sustainable business practices, and ethical in-house manufacturing at a democratic price point.
“Ingiliz shoes are a canvas for the modern woman, blending soft femininity with an eclectic twist to unlock new dimensions of her personality,” says Remzi Ingilizov, the brand’s CEO.
Your Luxury Africa met with Remzi at the iconic Hotel Martinez in Cannes, just moments after the legendary appearance of Angelina Jolie on the red carpet, wearing Ingiliz’s latest model, Patty, as the perfect finishing touch to her stunning ensemble.
YLA: How and when does the Ingiliz story begin?
Remzi: Though Ingiliz launched as a fashion brand in 2019, our heritage spans over three generations. It began with my grandmother, who specialised in soles and heels at a shoe factory, passing her know-how to my father, Gursel Ingilizov.
He started his career in the same factory, but with the fall of the Soviet regime and the collapse of state-run manufacturing, he opened a small atelier. During the transitional years from socialism to a free-market economy, when imported goods were scarce, he built a reputation by crafting custom shoes for local celebrities, often recreating Western fashion styles that weren’t accessible at the time.
As for me, I’ve been immersed in the family business from a young age. Working through every level of production allowed me to truly understand the processes and eventually take charge of the brand’s growth and international presence.
YLA: In just six years, Ingiliz has grown from a small Bulgarian company into a niche brand with an international presence. What was the strategy behind?
Remzi: In 2020, we fully embraced the digital era by launching a global e-commerce platform and prioritising online visibility. Then we just trusted our products. Our designs –whether bold and extravagant or sleek with pure aesthetic – always convey sophistication. The strong visual identity catches the attention, and once purchased, our “savoir-faire” does the rest, creating rapid loyalty.
YLA: Huge fashion icons like Paris Hilton, Coco Rocha, Jenny Gordienko, and Katy Perry have been spotted wearing your shoes. How did that come about?
Remzi: Like every success story, there was a bit of luck, but also bold decisions and constant evolution. A few years ago, an Italian film costume maker came to our factory to discuss shoe designs for a major production. Since we handle everything in-house, we were able to create unique, artistic, high-quality pieces quickly and cost-effectively.
That’s how our shoes ended up in Game of Thrones, House of Dragon, Star Wars, Men in Black, The Two Popes, Gomorrah, and more. Being worn daily on set, the comfort and craftsmanship spoke for themselves. Celebrities began placing personal orders, and stylists started referencing us.
YLA: What truly makes you different?
Remzi: The extreme level of expertise transmitted through the generations and the product quality, we work only with Italian leather and certified materials. Also, we’ve created an incredibly efficient manufacturing process using the latest technologies in the industry, including several patented machines specially developed to support our unique production methods.
Because we control the entire process and operate from Bulgaria, we’re able to offer true “affordable luxury”, premium craftsmanship at a more accessible price point. Finally, our geographical location is key, facilitating fast international deliveries.
YLA: The Cannes Film Festival is currently underway, and you’ve kicked off the season on a high note. After a 14-year absence, Angelina Jolie made a stunning return to the red carpet wearing your shoes. Models like Camila Pinzon, Axelle Renee, and Indira Ampiot, along with public figures such as Hofit Golan and Charlotte Siine, have also been spotted in your designs. How does it feel to have this kind of momentum?
Remzi: We feel incredibly proud. Being chosen by such talented and influential women is a true privilege—and a powerful recognition of our work. We pour our heart into every pair, with meticulous attention to detail to ensure each design stands out.
We’re deeply passionate about our craft, and we genuinely believe that this momentum, as you call it, is just the beginning. [smiles]
Looking ahead, our vision remains clear: to keep crafting footwear that blends tradition with innovation, empowering women to express their unique style and personality.
