By Abel Montserrat, Camper Designer
My love affair with footwear design began when I met one of the suppliers of the shoe store I owned at the time. He asked me to work for him as a shoe designer. Up until that point, I had only sketched ideas for clothing as I was studying fashion design. However, with practice and effort I also learned to sketch shoes, drawing was the only way I could explain what I’d imagined and turn it into something real.
When we were working on South, our goal was to come up with a cool summer shoe as unstructured as possible in order to achieve maximum flexibility and comfort. The Kiowa construction, originated from the indigenous craftsmen of North America and Inuit people, provided us the characteristics we were looking for. This meant that we had to work with Kiowa experts, in order to achieve the best results, because this type of construction requires experienced professionals to do the stitching.
South was inspired by what we saw on the street. When beginning a new project, we always analyse what people are wearing out and about in order to create useful products. But we also take this inspiration and allowed ourselves to be guided by our intuition, our sense of smell and even our dreams. Sometimes you jump straight out of bed and start drawing and, at first, the sketch seems totally bizarre but later it ends up as something really fantastic.
We called it South because this type of shoe has its influence from the sailing world. Also, when we started out with the idea of creating this design, we wanted to use the four cardinal directions you need to navigate…this eventually led us to the name of the shoe.
When I’m designing, I draw shoes that appeal to me personally, and in the case of men’s footwear I always try to come up with something I would actually wear. I like South because of its authenticity. I think this use of traditional craftsmanship enhances the shoe´s value. It allows us to create something beautiful from the skill and knowledge that our ancestors have passed down to us. Perhaps that’s why I don’t really consider myself a designer; instead, I think of myself as a cobbler, because there are many different ways of making shoes and, knowing and understanding the various constructions, gives us real freedom when designing a shoe.
If you ask me how I’d wear these shoes, my answer would be without socks… and with trousers!!!! ;-)
By Philippe Salva, Camper PR Director
The 27th International Festival of Fashion and Photography opened on Friday 30th evening in the little city in the south of France on the French Riviera (between Toulon and St-Tropez). A vibrant event, with all the little planet of the Parisian fashion and some international also …
The place itself is amazing, a “private” house from the 1920 … not a normal house: the house of Charles and Marie-Laure de Noailles, who was living there in this period, welcome “young” artists, today Masters, like Man Ray, Buñuel, Dali, Cocteau …
The star this year is Mr Yohji Yamamoto, president of the Jury and the other members, will decide today Sunday 29th the winner between 10 Fashion Designers, and 10 photographers, all exhibited at the Villa Noailles. We’ll also know today the designer chosen by Camper to participate to the workshop next July in Son Fortesa, Mallorca.
Camper is partner of the Fashion Festival for the 3rd time. Together shoes and Twins Swash are sold in the little store at the Villa. Some product placement also: Villa’s staff and Fashion show (Veronique Branquinho).
On Sunday 29, the Festival “gave” a last show at the nice place “Salins des Pesquiers”, the old salt wharehouse near the beach. A last opportunity for the 10 candidates and young designers to show their work and their outfits.
At the end of the show, Jean-Pierre Blanc, director of the Festival and Villa Noailles introduced the award session, first with the members of Jury for the Photography then Fashion.
The 3 awarded in fashion seems to be a tribute to the “cold” and north design: 1st the Grand Prix L’Oréal Professionnel was given to the three girls from Finland. Siiri, Tiia and Elina gave a “vitamins” touch thanks to their multicolored neo-punk and anti-crisis men’s collection.
Ragne Kikas from Estonia show a black woman’s collection with an amazing stitching and knitting work, Estonia and Canada.
But the favorite for Camper, and the one who will have the chance to come to the workshop in Mallorca next July was the Canadian, Asiatic origins Steven Tai.
He received the Chloé award thanks to his work on comfort, pastels colors, and amazing details on volumes and folding like a cream slice
Once again the genius that is Joan Miro the infamous Catalan Artist, and Camper are working together.
Camper and Miro are collaborating on an exclusive exhibition of Miro’s Sculpture being exhibited at the Yorkshire Sculpture park near Wakefield, in Yorkshire. This is following on from the success of the “Artists Shoe Exhibition” in the Miro Foundation in Palma de Mallorca in 1994, and collaborations with the Miro Family creating unique Miro print shoes.
This inspirational exhibition was opened on 17th March 2012 and runs until the 6th of January 2013. A unique yet perfect venue – the exhibition shows Miro’s work in the ideal environment!
There will also be the opportunity to buy shoes created by the Miro Foundation and Camper. Simple lace ups and pumps with Miro’s characteristic strokes in canvas for boys and the finest leather with rubber soles for girls!
CHANTAL FOR WOMEN By Beatriz Delgado, Camper Designer.
The idea behind Chantal was to design a feminine product in line with the latest fashion trends.
Women are an important source of inspiration for me. The female essence is so rich and complex that it never fails to provide me with a springboard for my work, reflecting my personal need to express gender & sexuality. Basically, it’s always the same idea approached from different angles and given different twists each time: the desire to seduce.
Chantal? …I don’t recall exactly why I chose that name, although I do remember that I imagined them on Vanessa Chantal Paradis and liked the idea, so I took her as my point of reference for the line.
When I imagine someone wearing my shoes, I usually envision them on naked or indistinct bodies. That way, the shoes take centre stage in an almost surreal way, giving me more freedom to work on them. Then I dress up those bodies as if they were paper dolls, mixing and matching at will, which allows me to create many variations of style.
Chantal was featured at the fashion show of the Spanish label “SoloLaVerdadEsSexy” during the 080 Barcelona Fashion Week. Something along those lines, I just love it.
Achieving an end result that faithfully reflects the designer’s idea is not easy. I like Chantal because everyone who worked on it truly cared about the project, and the end result is actually an improvement on the original idea. They are also very well-made from a technical standpoint, and it pleases me to know that whoever wears these shoes will feel good in them!
You can find Chantal shoes at Camper E-shop: http://cam.pr/chantal
PAU FOR MEN By Jumpei Ushiyama, Camper Designer.
When I started working on this model, the idea was to provide smart and elegant looking mens shoes with high comfort and performance. At the time, I was thinking about young city living professionals who have very versatile lifestyles. My aim was that someone could go to the office with these shoes but then go to a party straight after work wearing them. I love the way that everything is more casual now, particularly in offices where people dress down much more.
With its elegant slim last and soft leather uppers Pau looks like a classic brogue, but it features a rubber outsole instead which gives it a casual twist. This way Pau can be worn either with a suit or smart denim. It means that you can wear it for a wedding but also for casual occasions or going out on the town. Most importantly, I hope that the shoe is really comfortable for whatever you´re doing. The name of the shoe is from Paul Newman – “Pau” is Paul in Catalan.
Pau shoes are available at Camper E-shop: http://cam.pr/paushoes
Today we are featuring an entry from guest blogger Özge Lokmanhekim, from Turkey. Özge is a great lifelover. Özge is really enthusiastic about stationery, food, lifestyle…which she shares on her blog. Started in 2010 she writes tips from the places she visits, including this post from trip to Amsterdam, which we’d like to share with you.
Born in Istanbul on Valentine’s day, 1980, Özge studied Law: “I am a lawyer and still practicing. I deal with commercial law and prepare contracts, intellectual property and internet law. I travel a lot because of my work and also for holidays and so I started to write a travel blog. It is not my main profession, but a hobby that has lately taken most of my free time”. In addition to travelling and writing on her blog about her trips, experiences and her interests, she also writes for several magazines as a journalist.
Places to visit:
Magere Brug is one of the most beautiful bridges in the city, a canal house Van Loon Museum takes you back to the 18th century (especially its kitchen).
Museum Het Rembrandthuis now a museum, was the home of Rembrandt during his successful period.
The Museum of Bags & Purses (Herengracht 537) for those who love fashion this should definitely be on your list.
Art: Annet Bride Gallery, Galerie Mokum, Nederlands Media Art Institute, the SMART Project Space which gives spaces to young artists, are my favorites.
Dining:
Bridges, the city’s best fish restaurant. Fresh and quality fish presented in the simplest way. Service is a bit slow but it is ok.
Mazzo; an Italian-style cafe in Jordaan serves pasta, pizza, risotto for those who crave it.
If you want a drink after dinner, Marquee has the most popular drink “My Hemingway” cocktail.
For lunch I suggest De Bijenkorf Kitchen in Dam.
If you want to try cuisine from the Netherlands go to Brasserie Harkema and De Bolhoed for the vegetarian cuisine.
Shopping:
You will find the work of more than 100 designers’ at Droog Design, one of the city’s most beautiful buildings Magna Plaza shopping center (formerly the central post office), Alfons de letter b.v. selling vintage style plates (if I had time I would have liked to get a stamp made for myself – they can deliver in 3-4 days).
BPD where you can find many gift items at from fridge magnets, pencil boxes, lemon juicers and plastic cameras.
Sabon selling scented soaps and body products,Annliz selling organic designs, Love Luha for handmade jewellery, hats and scarfs, for vintage furniture Neef Louis.
Van Ravenstein on Nine Street selling luxury design brands are my favorite addresses.
If you love antiques and second hand: I recommend Raw Materials, Laura Dolls, De Weldaad, Het Grote Avontuur, T Runertje.
Like me if you enjoy checking out big supermarkets in every city you should visit: Albert Heijn. There is one close to Dam Square. Go there is you want to buy Heineken, cheese, wooden shoes, etc.., the prices are more reasonable than in the tourist areas.
If you want cheese Henri Willing Cheese & More is another option, other than the De Kaaskamer.
Take a walk in Jordaan to see nice cafes and shops.
When to go to Amsterdam.
On 30th April every year (if Sunday falls on the 30th or on the 29th) Holland celebrates Queen’s Day (Koninginnedag). This is the symbolic birthday of the Queen and the most spectacular celebration is in Amsterdam.
Transport:
The easiest and cheapest way to go from one place to another around the city is with… A BICYCLE! For an average 7-8 euros per day you can rent one. Mac Bike, Rent a Bike Damstraat, Frederic Rent are some addresses for bike hire.
Iamsterdam Card. Free entry to most of the museums, also provides free public transport. The card can be purchased from the tourist office opposite Central Station.
Interview:
- If you had to choose a travelling partner, who would you choose?
Depending on where I go, I like to travel with my husband, with my girlfriends and sometimes alone. My best travel partner is my husband since he does not complaint walking more than 14 km per day to discover a city.
- What would be your favorite things to do on your spare time?
I organize my photos and write my blog! I read travel magazines (I don’t like reading them online!), try to cook new recipes (most of the time cakes, cupcakes, pastries), do pilates and go out with my friends for a tea.
- What will be your next destination?
I’m going to London on 20th April 20 a week and then to Berlin in May. Looking forward to it.
You can read more about Özge at her blog: www.seyahatperest.com
If you want to suggest a post to us about shoes, life or more, give us a shout. We’d love to hear from you.
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