Today, instead of crafting, let's talk about inspiration, specifically, where does one gather it? And once you've found it, how do you translate this to your work?
As a crafter, I find my inspiration in visual media like magazines and blogs. I like taking "inspiration excursions" -- just a few hours at the flea market or the museum. "Finding inspiration" was my mission when I visited The Met where I popped into the "Schiaparelli-Prada: Impossible Conversations" exhibit.
One of the highlights of the show was a wall of selected hats/necklaces by Miss Schiaparelli paired with shoe designs by Miss Prada. Miss Prada makes normal, everyday shoes like heels and sneakers, but boy can she make attention-grabbing ones, too!
I spent a lot of time in this part of the exhibit marveling at the details and craftsmanship, each shoe begging the question, "What's the story behind this?" Naturally, a Google session was in order once I got home.
Let's take a look at Miss Prada's S/S 2012 shoe collection:
Bright, shiny, with flames at your heels, right? Well, this collection was inspired by classic American cars, 1950's hot rods, complete with spoilers, wings and flames.
This is the "Smoking shoe", surrounded by controversy because people asked if it encouraged smoking {which we all know is blah for your health}. I'm not sure about the back story of this shoe, but it's faithful to Miss Prada's {as well as Miss Schiaparelli's} desire to be different and therefore, producing rebellious fashion.
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| via anothermag.com |
This multicolored woven sandal is drawn from the carnivals of South America.
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| via anothermag.com |
These ones meld three designs into one shoe: wedges/brogues with espadrilles and sneakers. My first impression was, "Cool, these add height but must be easy to wear since espadrilles and sneakers are associated with comfort," and again, '"What possessed Miss Prada to design such a shoe?"
I happen to like these whimsical heels. The shoe and sock combination are derived from school-girl outfits.
These leather platform pumps with hidden heels and Mary Jane straps is a nod to the 70's.
And finally, these confident pair of pumps are inspired by Roman centurion helmets.
In these examples, Miss Prada presented literal translations {no subtlety} of what inspired her {which she found everywhere}, resulting in much-talked about, highly-coveted pieces. Isn't that what fashion is about? To set trends and to make a sale?
I'm not certain if I can pull off this look, but I'm pretty sure these shoes can turn a simple attire from blah to TADA! And if anyone turns a critical eye, simply say, "It's Prada!"
