Edward Rayne (1922-1992) - later Sir Edward Rayne - was head of H. & M. Rayne (often simply known as Rayne), one of the foremost British manufacturers of high-end and couture shoes. With a Royal Warrant to both the Queen and Queen Mother, Rayne shoes were worn by high society and film stars.
Under his stewardship H. & M. Rayne took a stake in Genesco - then the largest shoe company in the world - secured licensing deals with Bergdorf Goodman and Bonwit Teller and encouraged British designers to embark on franchising. Having served a long apprenticeship in making shoes at the family firm, he was also a skilled designer - Jean Muir described him as the best British shoemaker of his age.