Shoe Art Project: Final Designs

Posted on May 18, 2011 by Vanessa

Katey Reim’s final designs for the collaboration of DesignerShoes.com and Massachusetts College of Art and Design are finally here! Katey’s hard work and efforts will be on display at the MassArt Senior Collection Exhibit at 5:00pm on Wednesday, May 18th.

Here are the before pictures to show a comparison of the starting point to the bold and colorful designs Katey has come up with. Katey mentioned earlier that her end result is nothing like how she envisioned. This was about the journey, learning about what was possible for the design, and finding what worked best in approaching the shoes. It is hard to believe that these are even the same shoes. Katey has taken shoes that are essentially blank canvases and transformed them into one-of-a-kind creations. She uses an effective blend of wrapped fabrics, nail heads, and hand painted elements to achieve her goals.

Before Photos

Clockwise from top left: Sharmain by Touch Ups in white, Sharmain by Touch Ups in black, Gwen by Special Occasions, Emmy by Special Occasions, and Alberta by Dyeables.

Photo by James Mason

Katey decided to remove the strap and heel of the Emmy shoe (featured in the middle), and converted it to a high-heeled slide instead.

Photo by James Mason

It is definitely the attention to detail that pulls all of her designs together. The nail heads offer a subdued and antique quality. The careful layering of the fabrics creates a piping effect that really pops, and adds another dimension to the shoe itself. Her designs strengthen the idea of “wearable art.”

The Shoe Art Project: Before the Show Part 2

Posted on May 7, 2011 by Vanessa

Katey Shoe Bunch

Meeting with Katey Reim a week before MassArt’s Voltage 2011 Show demonstrated that her approach to recreating dyeable shoes has been about the process. Her technique involves wrapping the shoes with her own handmade fabrics as well as using pigment and hand painting the fabric. She has chosen to remove some preexisting elements from the original designs, such as some rhinestones. The end result has been nothing like she had anticipated. It was hard to believe that one is seeing the same shoes they began with a month ago.

Katey Shoe

“Sometimes starting is the hardest part,” Katey states. [The Process] “opened my eyes to shoes and how you buy, wrap, and customize them. You are given this shell, adapting to someone else’s design, and it feels like working with a customer.”

Katey Undone Print

During the time DesignerShoes.com provided the shoes and tonight’s Senior Collection show, Katey has introduced extra garments into her collection, and has added a screenprinted element to her work. The journey has been beneficial for Katey. She has followed her instincts, became familiar with the possibilities and limitations, and ultimately found an approach that worked for her. I am excited to see how all of her designs come together for tonight’s show.

The Shoe Art Project: Before the Show

Posted on May 7, 2011 by Vanessa

It is the morning of May 7, 2011, and tonight is the MassArt Fashion Show, Voltage 2011. The show will feature Senior Collections. I met with Annika Benitz back in April as she began planning how she was going to redesign dyeable shoes in order to pair with her maternity collection, donated by DesignerShoes.com. Her solutions are virtually unrecognizable from the first time we met, and have been transformed into artistic creations.

Annika discovered that it was tricky to follow her initial plan, and opted for a more organic approach to redefining the shoes. She hand painted all of the shoes with techniques ranging from waterless dry brushing to using fabric paint. A highlight is the green flower stencil pattern she has created for a pair of wedged heels. The additions that enhance the bold use of color are the scraps of fabric used to adorn the front or heels of the shoes. Annika has bundled fabric from her maternity collection and added it to her shoes in order to link the designs together. The goal remains that the shoes will not be too easily matched with the outfits, but rather have the flexibility to work with a range of looks.

Without the accessibility to the dyeable shoes, Annika mentioned that she “probably would have purchased black shoes.” Considering, redesigning, and developing shoes as part of the outfit has been rewarding. “People noticed the shoes,” Annika stated after her Senior review. Shoe design is generally not part of the curriculum, but it was an added benefit to be able design for the complete head-to-toe look. Annika has worked tremendously in order to see her collection come together. I am thrilled to see the show tonight, and see Annika’s work come to fruition.

Long Narrow Feet !

Posted on April 28, 2011 by Barbara Thornton

Q: I have a long, narrow, foot, with one foot being a full size larger than the other – more like a 12 AAA on one foot and 11 AAA for the other. You told me quite some time ago about the problem you are having with shoe companies eliminating the narrow sizes and your hope to find some that would be more accommodating to the needs of so many of us. Whenever I order 12 N, I literally walk right out of both of the shoes – a lot of the “cute” shoes only go up to 11 M (no narrows) and I’ve ordered some of those, but in every case, have literally “walked right out of both shoes” – to the point where it’s almost a danger for my foot to slip and is a huge effort even to try them out on the carpets!

I LOVE the looks of the Naturalizer Cyanne blue denim

Naturalizer Cyanne Spring Denim – DesignerShoes.com

naturally, it doesn’t come in a N in the 12 and even if it did, it would probably be too wide & I’d walk out of it. My question is whether you think an 11N might “work” – not for mall or street walking, but enough so that I could cover my route when I volunteer at the hospital? Open toe shoes are not allowed and I need something that I can not only stand in, but be able to walk throughout the hospital. Sneakers don’t quite “cut it” and in the warm weather, I really like to wear a skirt occasionally and not just slacks all the time, so would like a good-looking, comfortable, shoe that is not “dangerous” for me to wear!!!!

I had wondered if the elastic vamp might be of some help in holding the shoes on and if the denim would be a soft enough fabric so that there would be some “give” to the shoe for my longer foot.

Will be interested in your opinion.

Charlotte –

I just handled a similar question. The shoe makers aren’t getting better about this.

As for trying an 11N, everytime I have made that kind of compromise myself, I’ve regretted it. If you are walking around a hospital being helpful and your toes are scrunched – you will most likely not be pleasant. You can try it. In some instances it works. But that kind of adjustment in size and width usually works for people with wider, more flaccid feet. I’m guessing yours are nerves and bones. They won’t like to be pushed around into a different shape.

Sorry I don’t have better news.

The Shoe Lady

Shoes For Getting Back in Shape

Posted on April 20, 2011 by Barbara Thornton

Q: Dear Shoe Lady, I am getting back in shape and thought I would start fresh with a new pair of sneakers. Do you have any ideas of all-purpose gym shoes?

–Joyce

A: Hi Joyce,
New Balance has a large selection of women’s sports shoes, and are great with varied widths and sizes. I would suggest searching for something lightweight and with enough flexibility to work with your different exercise routines.

This New Balance Wx812gl in lime is a stylishly bright color with the ever-important durability.

This New Balance Wr737gp in silver offers more ankle support.

This bold silver on black New Balance Ww850sb is built for lower impact activities.

Good luck,
The Shoe Lady

Kitten Heels: Heels Without The Sacrifice

Posted on April 20, 2011 by Barbara Thornton

Q: Dear Shoe Lady, I love the dramatic look of high heels, but in reality prefer extended comfort. Any suggestions?
__Stephanie

A: Hi Stephanie,

A happy compromise would be kitten heels. I have been seeing more of them around lately as one of the Spring 2011 trends. They will give you the longer wear while fulfilling your heel criteria. The attention of the higher heel can be redirected to the drama of a stunning pattern or finish of the shoe to make up for a lower heel, and save your feet!

This orange Waikiki slide by Forgotten Soles boasts a punchy splash of color, and can easily be worn with pants or dresses.

The textured purple Kitten By All Black by Barefoot Tess is shiny dress pump. This versatile style would look good in a work environment or for a night out.

Marianne in black by Naturalizer combines the simplicity of a career pump with a revamped high-gloss shine.

Best,
The Shoe Lady

My Maxi Dress Needs the Right Shoe

Posted on April 17, 2011 by Barbara Thornton

Q: Dear Shoe Lady, This summer I am going to brave wearing a maxi dress as a casual option. What do you believe might go well with one?

–Dana

A: Hi Dana,

Maxi dresses can be elegant, romantic, fun, and were designed well for the summer months. I am pleased to see them making another round this season. Here are a few options to start with for a nice pairing.

Gleam by Annie in silver has a simple yet bold buckle.

Royal Gold by Fit in Clouds is a good option when harnessing the inner fairy tale princess or ballerina.

Plushed Velvet by Aerosoles has a corked wedge that echoes the summer spirit.

Best,

The Shoe Lady

Save 20% on Fit In Clouds’ Ballet Flats in a Bag

Posted on April 1, 2011 by Barbara Thornton

Save 20% when you buy Fit In Clouds ballet flats in a bag at DesignerShoes.com. Shop by April 30, 2011. Use the coupon code APRILCLOUDS.

Fit In Clouds Basic Black Black

New Spring 2011 Look

Posted on April 1, 2011 by Barbara Thornton

Q: Hi Shoe Lady,

Are there any spring 2011 trends or comebacks that you have noticed lately?

– Kristina

A: Hi Kristina

For spring, bright and vibrant citrus colors are becoming more popular this season. Clogs are definitely finding their way as a fashion staple. With a new variety in stock, you can see that the styles start to take cues from the fun patterns that can be found in the playful and colorful rain boots of today. Clogs can be a versatile shoe and will be appropriate with work trousers or with jeans in a more casual setting. The best part is that there are so many styles and patterns out now.

This S emisoft Hunter Green clog by Cape Clogs is a more traditional take on the clog, and provides a nicely covered heel.

The Blue Bells clog by Cape Clogs is another option with a more organic rhythm to the floral pattern.

Semisoft Lollipop by Cape Clogs has a subtle psychedelic quality that provides a good style balance.

Best,

The Shoe Lady

The Shoe Art Project: MassArt Students Customize Couture Dyeable

Posted on April 1, 2011 by Vanessa

DesignerShoes.com has paired up with two Massachusetts College of Art and Design Fashion major students to provide canvases for a new creative endeavor: customizing dyeable satin and silk shoes to help accessorize their collections. This marks the beginning of this journey. Seniors Katey Reim of Ledyard, Connecticut, and Annika Benitz of Palo Alto, California agreed to take on this challenge. The goal is to style dyeable shoes to accentuate their collection, and see how far they can enhance them.

Reim and Benitz became aware of this project through their professor at MassArt, Sondra Grace. Katey’s inspiration comes from the graveyards of New Orleans and uses colorfully saturated teals and vibrant oranges. She has also taken extensive coursework in textiles, and intends to incorporate handmade fabrics into the designs, along with more sculptural embellishments.

The overall goal is to match the shoes to the outfits without being an obvious garment and footwear combination. Annika is designing a maternity collection that can be worn in any season, and has thoughtfully opted for no to low-heeled shoes for the expectant mother. She intends to experiment with appliqué and hand painted elements. The process is currently in the sketching and brainstorming phase; with the next few weeks being crucial in the development of their ideas as Katey and Annika wrap up their senior year.

Katey’s selections from left to right: Alberta by Dyeables, Sharmain by Touch Ups in black, Sharmain by Touch Ups in white, Emmy by Special Occasions, Gwen by Special Occasions

Annika’s selections from left to right: Honey by Touch Ups, Venus by Touch Ups, Shannon by Special Occasions Meredith by Diane Lynn

Ask The Shoe Lady

for questions about wider, larger, narrower shoes – how to find the best fit in womens shoes

Shoe Art Project: Final Designs

The Shoe Art Project: Before the Show Part 2

The Shoe Art Project: Before the Show

Long Narrow Feet !

Shoes For Getting Back in Shape

Kitten Heels: Heels Without The Sacrifice

My Maxi Dress Needs the Right Shoe

Save 20% on Fit In Clouds’ Ballet Flats in a Bag

New Spring 2011 Look

The Shoe Art Project: MassArt Students Customize Couture Dyeable