The First Step…

When I began in accessory design, I remember someone saying that they hated shoemaking because once they finish a shoe, they have to do another one. For some reason this stuck with me until my first footwear class. I was terrified to start shoemaking but so excited as well. My Footwear 1 professor was master shoemaker Marcell Mrsan. I was also scared to be in his class with absolutely no experience. He was intimidating but I knew how much knowledge he had and knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity. He was an amazing professor and I was like a sponge in his class. I wanted to learn anything I could about shoes. This foundation allowed me to create some complex shoes throughout my time at SCAD. 

In Footwear 1 at SCAD, we started with patternmaking for the standard footwear styles; ballet flat, debry, oxford, etc. We also learned about a type of footwear called a wholecut. I loved the thought of creating a shoe from one piece of leather. For our final project, we had to make a pair of shoes from a construction that we had learned. I wanted to use the wholecut in a way that is not often done. I used a wholecut pattern but cut it into parts to incorporate two different materials. I was also looking to create a laceless collection that still referenced traditional footwear.

I love a wingtip and knew that I wanted to incorporate that in my design. I used the shape of the wingtip to influence the center piece that is attached to the elastic. I wanted these shoes to be a fun spin on a classic style. This collection was a starting point for me to realize the endless possibilities of footwear. I also realized how much I had to learn. From best leather types to last shapes to best design lines, I had miles to go. I think this excited me to no end. All I could think about was my next pair. 

Reflecting back on this pair and my process, I had no idea what I was doing. I relied a lot on instinct and other classmates. At times, I was afraid to bother anyone for some advice on my next steps. They are not perfect but I was so proud of them. Now looking back, I am still proud that I was able to get out of my comfort zone and create something that I had always dreamed of.

I think if I were to offer any advice to someone just starting out, it would be to find someone knowledgeable or a source you can rely on and learn by trial and error. In the past few years of shoemaking, I have learned so much just by asking questions. I don’t really plan many things but I do plan on learning anything I can about shoemaking as I continue on my shoe journey.

Thanks for stopping and I think that’s all she wrote.//