Iva Minkova's final collection of footwear for the Royal College of Art shows what a modern Cinderella might wear today. To create these unusual shoes, the designer used a variety of unusual urban materials like metal, glass and concrete. Although the use of these materials in footwear design is atypical, the architectural materials lend strength to the forms of the shoes. The materials make up the entire forms of the shoes, providing support for platforms and heels.
Elements like glass an acrylic are reminiscent of the tale of Cinderella, but give an edgy new take on the story as the glass of the shoes seems to be shattered. One of the soles of Minkova's flat sandal is molded in concrete, creating the effect that one is walking barefoot on a sidewalk.
Structural Material-Made Shoes
Iva Minkova's Shoes are Designed for a Modern Cinderella
Trend Themes
1. Unusual Urban Materials - Exploring the use of unconventional materials like metal, glass, and concrete in footwear design.
2. Architectural-inspired Forms - Creating shoes with strength and support through the use of structural materials.
3. Edgy Cinderella Aesthetic - Giving a modern twist to the fairy tale by incorporating shattered glass and concrete elements into footwear design.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Opportunity to innovate by integrating unconventional materials into fashion footwear.
2. Construction - Potential for disruptive innovation by applying architectural materials and techniques to shoe manufacturing.
3. Arts and Crafts - Exploring new possibilities of combining artistry and functional design through unconventional shoe materials and forms.