DESIGN NAME: The Flash Collection
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Footwear Collection
INSPIRATION: I decided to use the superhero, The Flash, as a design and branding inspiration, but keeping in mind the audience these shoes are for. The character is being used as an emotional attachment to appeal to people who have or had special memories with comics, superheroes or that simply love the red color.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Blending classic footwear styles with a bold casual touch by adding vibrant colors and athletic soles are perfect for a fast paced lifestyle. The shoes can have a seamless transition from a professional to a casual environment and still make you look great. Also, I strive to highlight the heritage of the shoe making craft and proving that this type of art is still relevant today. There is a type of audience who is attracted to bespoke products where quality and exclusivity are their main priorities. Moreover, a unique aspect was the speed at what the collection was executed in only 10 weeks which is rare in the footwear industry that has to work months or years in advance to bring products to market.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: These are shoes that can be worn in any occasion. Their style is optimal for a seamless transition from
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in January 2016 and Finished in March 2016 in Savannah, and was exhibited at the Gutstein Gallery in May 2016.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: I decided to combined traditional methods of shoe making with a contemporary aesthetic. Leather was my main material of choice with EVA soles and mid soles for maximum comfort. The collection started with a visual identity exploration to set the tone for the products and brand that were going to represent the collection. After coming up with several designs, I started pattern making to make sure the styles translated well into a 3d form. Then, I sourced high quality leather and started prototyping to make sure everything worked properly. Finally, after working details out, I began the final execution of every shoe.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: 10 inches by 3 inches by 4 inches
TAGS: footwear, design, fashion, style, collection, shoes, sneakers
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Trend hunting, market research, branding, sketching, development, prototyping, tech packs, presentation delivery, graphic design, sewing, sourcing, art directing
CHALLENGE: Translating designs into fully working prototypes from pattern making to execution in a short period of time of only 10 weeks. It is always a challenge creating products that people will enjoy or find meaningful, but that's only a part of the puzzle. You have to sell a story that will convince buyers to carry your products and that's where using an iconic figure as the subject of the collection was an advantage. Also, adapting to changes throughout the creation process requires flexibility and quick problem solving skills.
ADDED DATE: 2017-04-02 22:28:57
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS: Photographer Craig Matola 2016
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