Eighteen of footwear’s most creative names share exclusive sketches and intriguing backstories behind their spring ’17 collections.
See the artful illustrations below:
Casadei
“The starting point of the collection is 1980s glam, infused with a sophisticated and contemporary aesthetic. For our new Bustier gladiator sandal, I drew inspiration from Steven Meisel’s portrait of Linda Evangelista.” — Cesare Casadei
Bionda Castana
“A yearly trip to Palm Springs brings much inspiration from its beautiful architecture, relaxed atmosphere and poolside gossip. Pastels and casual materials like raffia and denim bring a flavor of the Palm Springs lifestyle.” — Natalia Barbieri
Sarah Flint
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“I drew inspiration from nature. The vivid and ombre colors of flowers like this one inspired the detailing on many of the shoes. I named the styles after their floral inspirations, including this sketch of the Viola sandal.” — Sarah Flint
Nicholas Kirkwood
“The starting point came from a trip to the desert in Arizona, looking at the vast and dramatic landscapes while drawing inspiration from my favorite artists Dan Flavin, James Turrell and Olafur Eliasson.” — Nicholas Kirkwood
Ivy Kirzhner
“My theme for the collection is whimsical and feminine, but with our signature edge. It’s inspired by the idea of romance, metallic colors that inspire emotion, and symbols we associate with love — like hearts or swallows flying through Paris. Two robots, Bobby (an embellished slide) and his amour Bertha (a slip-on platform sneaker), are key characters in this season’s story.” — Ivy Kirzhner
Dear Frances
“The spring collection looks to coastal life-forms and summer’s retreat to the sea — taking reference from natural elements of the coast, the ebb and flow of the ocean, seagrass and hand-woven boater hats.” — Jane Frances
René Caovilla
“The main inspiration comes from geometry, ballet, decorative motifs and architectural forms. The muse that always inspires me the most is a strong, contemporary woman with a romantic heart and a passionate mind.” — Edoardo Caovilla
Oscar de la Renta
“A key runway style of the season features an open-toed platform sandal with a stacked heel and three layers of woven leather.” — Daniel Lawler
Isa Tapia
“I explored a more gentle, organic and grown-up expression of myself while incorporating elements that have become brand DNA. The use of color is always important, as are embroideries and an element of nonchalant fun.” — Isa Tapia
Tabitha Simmons
“The collection was inspired by old paintings of hot-air balloons from the 1800s. There was something so magical about the idea of traveling in one over the English countryside in the summer.” — Tabitha Simmons
Giuseppe Zanotti
“The spring collection is inspired by a romantic woman who loves soft fabrics and pastel colors.”— Giuseppe Zanotti
Rupert Sanderson
“‘Organza-tastic. I was trying to build up a big ruff, based on organza and simple lines. We sourced the best materials we could in Italy and made it as dense and rich as possible.” — Rupert Sanderson
Aquazzura
“Whenever it comes to summer, I want collections that make you happy, make you want to go on holidays, have a cocktail or go dancing. This collection was inspired by my 30th birthday party. The mood is tribal and exotic.” — Edgardo Osorio
Jerome C. Rousseau
“I love the signature paintings of Ben Weiner. It seemed instinctive to me to be inspired by them for my collection. I was drawn to the soft yet sharp silhouettes he creates, as well as his beautiful color palettes.” — Jerome Rousseau
Santoni
“The collection explores the amazing Moroccan cities of Casablanca and Marrakech, being seduced by the nomadic Berber Tribes and their centuries-old customs, craftsmanship and traditions.” — Giuseppe Santoni
O’Jour
“Every shoe of the spring ’17 collection has a detail inspired by Italian landscapes. My aim is that the woman that wears O’Jour could dream of being in Italy, too.” — Giorgia Caovilla
Ruthie Davis
“My spring ’17 collection is inspired by an all-American Cali-girl vibe, with the polish of a young Parisienne. It’s both playful yet sensual. I like to think of as a sexy James Bond girl making her debut at Coachella.” — Ruthie Davis
Aperlaï
“Graphic, pure lines and essential sophistication. We collaborated with the inspiring designer Michel Klein to design seven exclusive styles that match his house codes.” — Alessandra Lanvin
For a closer look at the sketches, click through the gallery.
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