Interview about Quswa Wholecut Dress Shoes, winner of the A' Footwear, Shoes and Boots Design Award 2021
The Quswa wholecut was inspired by the historical battle of Badr, represented by hand carved Arabic Calligxraphitti encryption on high grade Italian leather. Designer Que Shebley states "here are 5 version series of the Quswa wholecut as each design released continues the originating encryption as a whole, the encryption signifies one of the most significant moments of the battle". The design is hand painted in layers with a patina technique. The sole hand made with a beveled waist closed channel with metal toe taps for that extra aristocrat feel. A true master piece and a must see.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe Quswa Wholecut Dress Shoes represent more than just footwear; they are a canvas for storytelling. Arabic calligraphy is not merely an aesthetic choice—it’s a tribute to the profound historical significance of the Battle of Badr. My approach began with an intention to honor this pivotal moment in history through a wearable art form. I worked closely with calligraphy artisans to ensure each inscription carried both visual harmony and historical accuracy. The leather surface became a space where ancient wisdom meets modern craftsmanship, reminding the wearer of resilience, honor, and courage. This design isn’t just about preserving a legacy—it’s about allowing history to walk into the present with grace and purpose.
Each inscription was carefully selected to represent a defining moment from the Battle of Badr—moments of sacrifice, courage, and unity. The goal was to tell a chronological story across the five versions, each capturing an emotional and strategic highlight from the battle. Placement on the leather surface was determined by both aesthetic balance and symbolic meaning. Key phrases and verses were positioned in areas that naturally draw the eye—such as the vamp, quarters, or heel—ensuring the message resonates visually and spiritually. The result is a seamless blend of art and history, crafted with precision and intention.
The patina process for the Quswa Wholecut Dress Shoes is a labor of dedication and artistry. It begins with selecting the highest quality leather—a canvas that can hold both the dye and the essence of the story. Each layer of patina is meticulously hand-applied, starting with lighter tones and gradually building depth and character. Between each layer, the leather is allowed to rest and absorb the pigments fully, preserving its natural texture and breathability. The final stage involves gentle buffing and sealing to ensure a soft sheen while protecting the artistry underneath. This method not only results in a rich, antique aesthetic but also ensures the leather remains supple, durable, and uniquely expressive.
One of the greatest challenges was maintaining the fluidity of the calligraphy across the shoe’s curved and dynamic surface. Arabic script relies on a delicate flow, and any disruption in that flow—whether from seams, stitching, or folds—could compromise its visual integrity. To address this, we experimented with various molds and patterns, ensuring the leather’s surface remained uninterrupted in critical areas. The stitching had to complement, not compete with, the design, requiring precise placement and hand-finishing techniques. This meticulous process resulted in a seamless harmony between the artistry of the calligraphy and the structural integrity of the shoe.
The beveled waist closed channel and metal toe taps serve both an aesthetic and functional purpose. Aesthetically, the beveled waist creates a sleek, refined silhouette that reflects the craftsmanship and sophistication of the shoe. Functionally, it offers additional support and balance to the wearer, enhancing overall comfort. The metal toe taps protect the most vulnerable part of the shoe from wear, extending its lifespan while adding an understated yet bold detail. Together, these elements represent the intersection of thoughtful engineering and timeless design—a signature of the Que Shebley ethos.
The creation of the Quswa Wholecut Dress Shoes was a dialogue between cultures. Detroit, with its industrial resilience and creative spirit, inspired the bold innovation and contemporary edge in the design. Spain, with its deep-rooted history of leather craftsmanship, brought artisanal expertise and centuries-old techniques to the table. The fusion of these influences allowed me to create a product that honors tradition while embracing modern technology and aesthetics. It’s a reflection of my belief that true luxury isn’t bound by geography—it’s born from the convergence of diverse stories, skills, and visions.
The Quswa Wholecut Dress Shoes represent more than just luxury footwear—they’re a statement on how history, art, and innovation can coexist in a single product. I believe the future of luxury footwear lies in storytelling and cultural authenticity. As the industry grows more focused on mass production and fleeting trends, designs like Quswa will set a benchmark for meaningful craftsmanship. This approach highlights the importance of preserving heritage while embracing modern technology to enhance both the creative process and the customer experience. In the future, I envision luxury footwear as not just an accessory but as a canvas for global stories, cultural bridges, and timeless art.
Winning the A' Design Award was both humbling and motivating. It validated not just the artistry of the Quswa Wholecut Dress Shoes but also the vision behind them—to merge cultural authenticity with modern luxury. This recognition serves as a reminder that innovation doesn’t require abandoning heritage; rather, the two can coexist and amplify each other. Moving forward, this acknowledgment encourages me to continue pushing boundaries—to design with deeper intention, explore untold stories, and set new standards in how history is honored through fashion.
The hand-painting process for the Quswa Wholecut Dress Shoes was both an art and a science. One unexpected discovery was how the leather responded to layering under different humidity and light conditions. Each layer of pigment needed time to rest and breathe to ensure an even absorption without compromising the leather’s texture. Another insight came from the balance between opacity and translucency—certain areas required bold saturation, while others needed a delicate wash of color to let the natural grain shine through. This level of precision required not only technical expertise but also intuition, making every pair a truly unique piece of wearable art.
The Quswa Wholecut Dress Shoes embody my mission to redefine luxury as a space where craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation converge. In a world increasingly dominated by fast fashion and disposability, Quswa serves as a reminder that true luxury is intentional, sustainable, and deeply meaningful. By blending Arabic calligraphy, historical storytelling, and artisanal craftsmanship, these shoes encourage consumers to see their purchases as investments in culture and legacy, not just products. This design challenges the industry to slow down, respect heritage, and create products with lasting emotional and cultural value.
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