Shoe Art Project: Final Designs

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.

Katey Shoe Selections found on DesignerShoes.com

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.

 

Katey's Couture Shoes. Original Dyeable Shoes Found on DesignerShoes.com

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.

 

Katey's Close-ups. Original Shoes Can be Found on DesignerShoes.com

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

Katey Shoe Bunch

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

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

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

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.

Shoes For Getting Back in Shape

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.

New Balance Wx812gl found at DesignerShoes.com

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

New Balance WR737gp Found at DesignerShoes.com

This New Balance Wr737gp in silver offers more ankle support.

New Balance WW850sb Found at DesignerShoes.com

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

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!

Waikiki Slide by Forgotten Soles Found at DesignerShoes.com

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

Kitten by All Black by Barefoot Tess Found at DesignerShoes.com

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 by Naturalizer Found at DesignerShoes.com

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

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 found at DesignerShoes.com

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

Royal Gold by Fit in Clouds Ballet Flat

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

Plushed Velvet by Aerosoles

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

Best,

The Shoe Lady

New Spring 2011 Look

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.

"Semisoft Hunter Green by Cape Clogs"

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

"Cape Clogs Blue Bells"

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

 

"SemiSoft Lollipop"

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

Best,

The Shoe Lady

What Color Shoes With a Red Dress for Evening?

Dear Shoe Lady,
What color shoe would you suggest I wear with a red sequined dress to a black tie party.
I was thinking nude color, I wear 10 wide, 2-2.5 inch heel. I am having problem finding one. Please help me.
Thank you
Lora

Lora –
I’m imagining that by black tie you mean a long dress? That’s what I’m visioning. But, no matter, the answer is the same. Silver fabric or silver toned metallic. You don’t want to call attention to your feet with such a bright dress. Silver is a great “neutral” for red when you are getting dressy. Here are some choices for silver styles from the DesignerShoes.com Dressy Evening collection.

If it is a long dress and you really want your shoes to blend in, take a look at the Bridal/ Dyeable collection at DesignerShoes.com and have them dyed to match the dress. Have a Ball!

The Shoe Lady

My summer look for the office needs some sprucing up.

Q: Hi Shoe Lady,

For the past few years, I have relied on the same office look, and I am interested in branching out. My summer work look needs some sprucing up. Any ideas for moving closer to sandals, but still appropriate for work?

All the best,
Elizabeth

A: Hi Elizabeth,
It sounds as though you require something with a covered toe for your office environment. A lighter weight shoe could be the way to go also for those summer months. Here are a few suggestions for you to think about.

Jer by Trotters, a good, comfortable office shoe.
Here we have a modified take on the ballet flat by Trotters. The Jeri shoe has a slingback, which enables more breathing room.
South Role by Aerosoles, a high heel casual slingack, great for office.
South Role by Aerosoles is a slingback pump that comes in green, black, or tan. The cutouts in the toe box add a bit of the risque without sacrificing the career shoe requirements for sobriety.

Acalia by Antia is a low heeled dressy flat at DesignerShoes.com
Acalia by Antia is a shoe that gives you a cross between ballet flats and sandals. The pattern paired with solid pants or skirts will make a good balance of textures.

Take care,
Shoe Lady

My prom is coming in May. Need perfect shoe.

Q: Dear Shoe Lady,

My prom is coming up in May, and I’m having trouble finding the perfect shoe. The color of my dress is aqua blue. Do you have any advice on what direction to take? Thank you!
–Amanda

A: Dear Amanda,

Depending on what details your dress has, metallic can be a striking choice. They provide a shiny accent to your outfit without overpowering it. I have included some pictures of possible options.

Eliana

makes it perfect for dancing. It also comes in silver.

Anneka dressy sandal in silver by TouchUps at DesignerShoes.com
Anneka by Touch Ups have an elegant jeweled t-strap.

Pairing colors is also a good option in making your outfit pop. I would try to avoid tone on tone (i.e. blue dress and blue shoes) ensembles, because they tend to be a little too much like a costume. Mixing can be a great choice once you find a shoe color that complements your dress.

Francesca by Trotters, a yellow dressy flat, at DesignerShoes.com
Francesca by Trotters carries a yellow lightly sequined slipper that could provide that extra splash of color. It also comes in other colors including violet.

You can browse our site by color, and heel height as well to pinpoint your search. Good luck on your search!

Enjoy your prom!

The Shoe Lady