Design by Destruction

Design by Destruction explores design methodology and process, in this case through three experimental dying techniques designed to occur once the shoes are on the foot.

The Destructivist art movement of the 60s was an influence, where objects were destroyed in live public performances. In particular Raphael Montañez Ortiz playing piano with an axe and from the 90s the K Foundation burning one million pounds. However, unlike the Destructivist’s art that cannot actually exist by its very nature, it was the intention that the shoes would live on in their post destructive forms.

Notably the collection features Smash Dyeing ©, a new process where internal porcelain structures containing ink reservoirs are smashed with a hammer. This allows the ink to seep to the surface, slowly dying the fabric upper. The techniques were demonstrated in a live performance at the reopening of the Fashion Space Gallery in London.