Where does creative inspiration and flow find you the easiest?
When I separate myself from the constant stream of information that exists on my phone. There is inspiration everywhere, but it takes separating myself from it to understand what I cherish most. This is also important in understanding why it is necessary to create from this specific pool of information, for there are many things that we have no need for.
When in your college career did you know you wanted to focus on shoe design?
Footwear is what initially piqued my interest in fashion. I remember being in elementary school and just being obsessed. I would quite literally study my shoes and be so fascinated by their design. I came to the Savannah College of Art and Design thinking I would study fashion or an adjacent visual design practice. I took a tour of the school and discovered the accessory design department. I saw myself in the students making their own shoes. Ever since I made my first shoe it has been my favorite medium to work in.
How does your daily lifestyle inform your shoe designs?
I aim to be a sponge. I am inspired by all of the people I surround myself with. I collect inspiration from other things rather than existing silhouettes. This typically ranges from films, to music, emotion, and other art forms.
What's a hobby of yours that some may find surprising?
I run fairly often. I ran cross country and track competitively all my life until my junior year of college. Running is when most of my ideas are developed and shaped into what the final product becomes.
What did you want to be when you were a kid?
A Lego set designer. Honestly, I still think it would be a great job haha.
What change would you like to bring into the world?
Continue to blur the lines of gendered fashion and footwear. I want to create pieces for everyone.
Tell us about a project or piece of work that you’re particularly proud of.
This collection, titled Evergreen. This is a project I have been working on for a year now. From initial concepting, to now working on the final photo shoot and film. Evergreen is a collection inspired by the human experience, and the power of perspective. Using the circle motif as a way to represent the idea that bad days are temporary, and ultimately, with the correct perspective, things will come back around. I have designed and created 5 pairs of shoes and 2 bags to represent this idea of what Evergreen means to me.
Images by Jason Lord
