Interview about The Sneaker Foot Wear, winner of the A' Footwear, Shoes and Boots Design Award 2021
The shoe named The Sneaker is a shoe both for the reception and the skate ramp, it is raw and elegant at the same time. The color is matte black with details in gold, including a small jewelry attached to the string. When the sole is warned out, it can be replaced so the lifetime of the shoes is almost timeless. Each shoe is individually sewn by skilled craftsmen.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsWith The Sneaker, I set out to challenge the idea that footwear must belong to a single category. I’ve always been drawn to the tension between rawness and refinement, and the design grew from exploring how those opposites can coexist in one object. The matte-black leather and clean, understated silhouette give the shoe a grounded, almost industrial quality, while the gold-toned details and jewelry-like lace ornament introduce an elegance usually reserved for formal wear. That contrast is deliberate — it allows the shoe to feel at home on a skate ramp and just as natural at a reception.For me, the philosophy behind the design is versatility through authenticity. I didn’t want to create a hybrid for the sake of novelty; I wanted to build a timeless piece where craftsmanship, attitude, and quiet luxury meet. When a shoe carries both strength and subtlety, it can move fluidly between worlds — and that seamless transition is exactly what defines The Sneaker.
The material and color palette of The Sneaker came from a desire to express two emotional worlds within one piece. Matte black Coco leather has a quiet strength to it — it’s raw, tactile, and honest. I was drawn to its ability to feel both grounded and understated, almost like a canvas that carries the marks of life with dignity. That became the foundation: a material that speaks to movement, street culture, and authenticity.The gold accents, on the other hand, introduce a completely different energy. Gold has an inherent sense of ceremony and refinement; it instantly shifts the mood of an object. By placing these gold details against the matte black surface, I wanted to create a dialogue between the everyday and the elevated. The jewelry attachment is a symbolic extension of that idea — a small sculptural element that transforms the sneaker into something you don’t just wear, but adorn yourself with.The contrast wasn’t chosen for shock value; it was chosen because it reflects the duality I see in modern life. People move fluidly between raw spaces and refined ones, and I wanted the shoe to visually embody that journey.
I wanted to design a sneaker that people could keep for years, not seasons. The idea of a replaceable sole came from asking a simple question: why discard a perfectly good shoe just because the bottom wears out? So we rethought the construction from the inside out, creating a system where the outsole can be swapped without affecting the premium fit or look. The result is a sneaker that lasts much longer, stays beautiful over time, and dramatically reduces waste — sustainability without sacrificing luxury.
Designing luxury properties taught me how to balance drama with restraint — and that directly influenced THE SNEAKER. In architecture, you learn that every line, material, and junction must feel intentional. I treated the sneaker the same way. Its silhouette is clean and refined, but with subtle boldness in the geometry and detailing. Functionally, I leaned on architectural thinking: structure first, then beauty layered over it. That combination allowed me to create a sneaker that feels both creative and timeless — like a piece of wearable architecture.
Finding the right craftsmen for THE SNEAKER was very much a curatorial process. I knew the level of refinement I wanted could only be achieved through true European shoemaking heritage, so I sought out ateliers in places like Italy and Portugal where artisanal skill is generational. What mattered most was aligning on values: precision, material responsibility, and a commitment to slow, intentional craftsmanship. Many of these artisans work with eco-conscious methods by default — using low-impact processes, responsibly sourced leathers, and hand-finishing techniques that minimize waste. Collaborating with them became a dialogue between tradition and innovation. They brought decades of craft knowledge; I brought a vision centered on modularity and longevity. Together, we created a sneaker that feels both authentically handmade and deeply responsible.
Material sourcing for THE SNEAKER began with a simple principle: luxury and responsibility should coexist. By integrating high-end fashion materials alongside carefully selected leftover fabrics from European production houses — particularly in regions like Italy and Portugal — we not only reduced waste but also discovered a richer design language. These materials pushed the sneaker toward a more sophisticated texture palette and a unique visual identity that wouldn’t have emerged from conventional sourcing. Environmentally, the impact is meaningful: by repurposing materials already in circulation, we significantly cut down on the energy, transport, and emissions associated with producing new textiles. The final design reflects this philosophy — a premium sneaker shaped by conscious choices, refined aesthetics, and a lighter carbon footprint.”
I noticed that people were constantly switching shoes — one pair for looking sharp, another pair for actually living their day. That stuck with me. Coming from a background in refined design, I wanted a sneaker that had the confidence and clean lines of something more formal, but also the attitude and practicality I’ve always admired in skate culture. Skate shoes have this honesty to them — sturdy, functional, and expressive without trying too hard. When I combined that mindset with a more tailored, architectural silhouette, the niche revealed itself. THE SNEAKER became the answer to a question I personally felt: why can’t one shoe do both?
One of the biggest surprises was how much the challenges improved the shoe. The replaceable sole took longer to perfect, but the extra iteration made it stronger and sleeker. Using leftover materials sparked new aesthetic ideas we hadn’t planned for. And collaborating with artisans across Europe taught us methods that reduced waste even further. What felt like roadblocks became breakthroughs — all contributing to a sneaker that’s better than we first imagined.
Winning the A' Design Award was a powerful reminder that sustainability and luxury can elevate each other. It gave me confidence to push further — to design future shoes and accessories with even bolder ideas, smarter modularity, and more responsible materials. It also strengthened my vision for building a category of sustainable luxury that feels refined, modern, and genuinely long-lasting.
Take risks, but let them have a reason. Every daring idea should solve a problem or add value — whether in design, materials, or function. Work closely with craftsmen and manufacturers who understand your vision, and don’t compromise on quality. That balance of boldness and care is what lets a luxury product stand out while still being something people will invest in.
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