Shoes are a life-necessity that many designers and trends have turned into a fashion statement. While many international names dominate the global market, Egypt is full of fashion savvies that would never be satisfied with whatever number of pairs they have.
With technology molding and driving the fashion industry, footwear is becoming an area where innovation is key. Even though many women would risk personal comfort for extravagance, new methods and trends promise statement without pain.
Despite the fact that Egypt has always been known for exceptional leather and well-established factories, footwear is not a specialty that many young designers decide to pursue.
Jayda Hany is an exception to the ordinary. The promising designer seeks to push boundaries and design limitations in order to reinterpret shoe wear across the globe. The avant-garde designer depends on cutting-edge technology to create show-stopping shoes.
Her first collection did not only establish a base of impressed fans, it has also positioned her very young brand as a unique and technology-forward label that is home grown. Her handful of designs have immaculately created to suit top-notch stage performances of international artists. Meanwhile, comfort is a key factor that Hany considers at the core of her aesthetic.
Daily News Egypt sat with local designer to speak shoe wear, inspiration, and wearable technology.
In your opinion, why does Egypt have few outstanding bag designers, but not as many in the area of footwear?
Shoes are very difficult, because you have to design the sole and heels, especially if you want to do your own unique design. It is very possible to source ready-made soles and heels from local suppliers; they import them from China. Nonetheless, they will not be my design, they will not have my logo on them, and they will end up looking like other well-known commercial designs.
Shoes require patience. Each design needs several samples before it is ready. Every sample needs several trials to test convenience and comfort for the wearer. The trickiest aspect is often the foundation: sole and last.
How does your creative and manufacturing process unfold?
I start designing my own pieces from scratch, and then I 3D modeled them, before scouting for manufacturers that would meet my standards of quality in the shortest timeframe and with the most reasonable price.
Your shoes are notorious for mixing height and absolute comfort. Tell us more about the science invested in this mixture.
Making high heels is very different from flats. Flats are all about the sole; meanwhile, high heels are based on the last. Accordingly, it is an equation of how high you aim to design the final shoes, the height of the shoe-last, and the toe shape.
The highest and least-comfortable shoe last is 13 centimetres, and they are not known for being practical or convenient. Therefore, platforms are essential to balance height.
I have tried several methods for high heels, and I have decided to follow a certain technique. For example, I try not to exceed 11 or 12 centimetres for the shoe last; meanwhile, I play with the platform. At the end of the day, I want my shoes to look magnificent and eccentric; but, I still want people to be able to wear them.
