MACHO
Category: Footwear
Competitions: International
This work is a material and visual exploration of power and presence through the design of a bold, sculptural shoe. The piece was developed using vegetable-tanned Cuoio leather, chosen for its density and visual depth qualities that allowed the material to be shaped almost like a carved object rather than a conventional shoe. Throughout the making process, the leather revealed characteristics similar to wood: structured, solid, and refined, giving the final form a strong architectural identity. The shoe was constructed by layering leather piece by piece, highlighting the craftsmanship of traditional leatherworking while reinterpreting it through a contemporary design language. The design draws inspiration from the exaggerated image of the macho man, featuring a long sharply curved toe and broad geometric proportions. A layered detail slightly opens to reveal another form beneath it, creating the impression of one “organ” emerging from another, a gesture symbolizing raw power and exposure. Although the material is solid, the shoe remains comfortable through the use of a custom anatomical last shaped around the natural form of the foot. The final piece combines craftsmanship, structure, and identity into a wearable sculptural object.
