The Missing Piece
Category: Footwear
Competitions: International
Delightfully sinister. Cleverly constructed. Ultimately convincing. THE MISSING PIECE This project aims to explore the profound duality of creativity, a multi-faceted field serving in the realms of both- artistry and criminality. It was understanding that fine line between incredible beauty and destructive madness. How do you look at the world? For some, it’s the pursuit of positive artistic expression, and for others a twisted, dark execution of their most barbaric imagined scenarios (of whatever form their creativity takes, whether on a canvas or some victim’s body). Artists and serial killers, respectively, use this imagination- their creativity as a common ground to reveal intriguing similarities and insights into the human psyche’s complex nature. The degree of imagination required (CONCEPT TO ACT), detailed planning and execution, expression of emotions through their actions, thought-provoking narration, attention to intricacies, nonconformity, signature styles, etc, are some ways their lives intersect. Deriving inspiration from this juxtaposition of good and bad, life and death, the project revolves around this fine line that draws from the confusion of always thinking and when/where to stop to come up with statement products that express the same. As the German philosopher Theodore Adorno once said: “Every artistic creation is a crime not committed.” Having spoken about the dual natures of the involved subjects, the designer aims at exploring contrasts, such as using soft and hard materials together- Suede/VT leather as an example. Focusing on fine line work to depict the fine line that differentiates the two (literal meaning). Layering materials together or breaking them apart (fragmentation) to showcase the depths yet insignificance of the human mind. Playing with gradations and different densities of color, texture, pattern to again talk about the varied amounts of emotions one goes through to behave the way that they do. Techniques of construction included wet leather moulding, wooden heel construction, laser cutting, and more to create footwear that align with the needs of the chosen concept. Designed for durability- the use of fine-quality materials (sourced responsibly), efficient craftsmanship, and where possible sustainable alternatives like real cattle leather to make long-lasting and comfortable end-use products was the aim. All of it was produced in facilities that follow ethical production protocols and act on ways to limit environmental impact. This project is intended for consumers buying at the Designer market level specializing in women’s footwear and accessories. For a high-income, fun, fashion-forward clientele needing glamorous, wearable designs- a few other brand competitors are ‘Bottega Veneta’, ‘Aquazzura’, ‘Isabel Marant’, ‘Gianvito Rossi’, etc. Focus was on the quality of finish, price points, and the suitability of product designs to fit in as affordable luxury—timeless yet experimental. A project that challenges conventional boundaries and defines subjectivity, holds power to bring immense value to its audience. For wanting to be perceived as art-based on the likes of an ideal designer market demographic, this collection offers understated elegance, grounded in a thought-provoking narrative that is appreciated for its clever, mindful, and confident approach.
