DESIGNER ON THE RISE
Soothing stilettos (for real!) by Sasha Igdari
Sasha Igdari, a shoe designer based in the San Francisco bay area, just may have done the impossible. Igdari has created a line of high heels that are actually comfortable to wear, while keeping them easy on the eyes. Pairing satin jewel-toned sandals and black, suede and patent leather lace-ups with a bright, almost neon, chartreuse sole, instantly adds a modern element to her take on the comfort show. And we couldn’t thank her enough! This unexpected pop of colour is surprising, fresh and playful, with the use of a contrasting sole drawing comparisons to Louboutin’s red and Jil Sander’s use of a pink version for men and women this season.
FrontRowMag.com had the opportunity to chat with the designer-on-the-rise about what inspired the new technology and her debut collection.
FRM: How did you come up with this idea of a soothing stiletto?
Sasha Igdari: The idea for the SoleAsana footbed was spontaneous. It was an “aha” moment for me because I’m first and foremost a designer. My mind is in the clouds when it comes to fashion, and by a twist of fate I ended up working at a comfort shoe store where I learned about comfort technology. The idea presented itself and I thought “Wow, I can’t believe no one has thought of this yet!” So, I immediately started researching and developing the idea.
FRM: Why a neon sole?
SI: The chartreuse painted outsole was inspired by exotic marine life, who display this color for protection, warning their predators “watch out I’m not as fragile as I look!” This metaphor could be applied to the concrete jungle we live in. It’s also such an energizing color that is youthful yet still chic. It’s a color that inspires me and makes me feel happy to be alive.
FRM: Where are your shoes manufactured and why?
SI: They are made in Parabiago, Italy, because when you want the best you go to the best. I envision the collection being the crème-de-la-crème of footwear, evolving high-heeled shoes and morphing them into becoming more comfortable, advanced, and serving women better. My clients are the ones who say “the higher the better,” when referring to heel height and when it comes to comfort [until now] they have been neglected. I believe my clients are highly intelligent and deserve footwear that is too.
FRM: What can we expect from your 2012 collection?
SI: I’m experimenting with a new platform construction. I love platform shoes, but hate how they hinder your movement because of how stiff they are. I want to create a platform shoe that adheres to the concept of liberating women from binding footwear, but doing it in a way that is still chic and sexy. Aesthetically, I’m playing with patterns and color combos—the collection will be more graphic and fun.
