Behind the Design

Reflecting on my past sneaker customizations, primarily dyeing shoes but never delving into stitching, I knew "Growth" would present new challenges. Previously I worked at a sneaker manufacturer in Philadelphia, where I worked closely with industry experts, designers, artists, and more to bring sneaker concepts to life. This experience broadened my understanding of the industry and instilled in me a fresh perspective on custom sneakers. I went on to dye a few pairs of kicks, some can still be seen on YouTube.

One of the significant obstacles I encountered was my lack of sewing skills. Through this project, I learned the essential basics required to ensure its success. The initial flowers that I sewed onto the sneaker turned out to be the same ones I had to redo towards the end of the project. I had intended to place the flowers sporadically along the vamp, incorporating some negative space. However, I ended up sewing four flowers close together, realizing that I couldn't undo it. If I were to revisit this project in the future, I might opt for a more minimalist approach.

The original trim I intended to use clashed with the roses, so I struggled to find a suitable place for it on the sneaker. Instead of attaching the green vines to the shoelaces as planned, I discovered they complemented the edges of the upper sections. These minor adjustments provided a harmonious contrast to the flower garden on the toe box. Despite initially considering adding lace to the heel, I opted for a few additional flowers to create a more balanced overall look for the sneaker.

Although it’s nearly nothing like the original I planned for, I fell in love with “Growth.” It speaks to the growth of my personal journey embracing the challenges I’ll continue to face.