The Art Shoe: The Mojito by Julian Hakes
Manolo says, the Era of the Art Shoe continues!
Here are the details.
It may be hard to believe but this bizarre orange peel shaped-creation is actually a high heel shoe.
British architect Julian Hakes used his engineering skills to design the bizarre ‘Mojito’ footwear, named after the lime-based vodka cocktail.
Unlike a traditional shoe the Mojito doesn’t have a foot plate – but supports only the ball and heel which Mr Hakes says is perfectly functional and makes the wearer feel like she’s walking on air.The 36-year-old said: ‘People say “how does it work?” but you can see where the heel and foot goes.
‘It protects the ball and the heel – that’s where the load is transferred when you walk.
‘When I thought about high heels I wondered why there was the need for a foot plate. If you look at a foot print in the sand it is very clear to see that the main force goes to the heel and ball.
‘By standing on a wooden block the foot naturally ‘spans’ the gap with bones and tendons.
‘The foot has its own inbuilt strength and support so why duplicate this? You would not have a jumper with rigid arms between elbow and wrist.’
This is very arresting idea well executed, one that makes the Manolo happy. However, as the matter of practicality, it is on the same plane as the “concept car“, exciting, interesting, thoughtful, and yet sadly not much more than the design exercise.
After two hours in split-sole dance sneakers, your feet start to demand arch supports. This would have the same effect.
These are sooooo cool! I want a pair…where can I get them?
I’d love to see this shoe on an actual foot. I googled and found hundreds of pictures of the shoe but, alas, a lone shoe. Which celebrity will be the first to wear it?
Like his internet friend, Stillnadine, the Manolo was disappointed by the lack of foot model. These are the sort of shoes that cry out for visual explanation.
A bit off topic, but I believe the mojito calls for rum, not vodka. Amazing shoes, though.
But, it’s pretty!
Indeed the mojito takes rum, and lots of fresh mint. Perhaps if I had a few mojitos, then I would wear these.
I’d wear ‘em, too, but don’t think I’d walk in them very far, mojitos or no!
I will only be convinced when I see them worn. Lady Gaga where are you?
The Manolo may be interested in the article in today’s New York Times about shoes that “hurt us”.
Amazing. I would wear them in a heartbeat. Thanks, Manolo!
OMG wow!! I need a pair of those!! Totally gorgeous and def art!
Thanks for the comments about the Hakes mojito shoes guys. We have been very busy in prototype stage and development and our designs are now with a major international manufacturer and distributor. We will be ready for launch at London fashion week.
In advance we came across this wonderful stop animation interpretation of our design by a young french artist. He has only had 2D drawings to go from and whilst it is not quite the real deal it will give you a better idea of the form.
http://www.dailymotion.com/SrookS
Thanks once again for the post and keep your eyes out for ss11.
kind regards
Julian Hakes