Iron Footwear, Shoes and Boots Design · 2020
The Gemini Rebirth Interchangeable Footwear
by Molly
- A' Design Award 2020 Iron Winner in Footwear, Shoes and Boots Design
- Awarded April 15, 2020
- CLIENT: Molly
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 28,291
- Verification code 2BB20EDF22 · Verify this award
About The Gemini Rebirth Interchangeable Footwear
This unique design is constructed utilizing a pointed-toe and 100mm heels to define the desired structure and allure. Embellished with care, the product uses clean-cut silhouettes and meticulous chrome closure mechanisms to translate the authenticity with which the pair can be altered with absolute ease. Meshing smooth and grainy premium leather with a technical understanding of hardware placement, The Gemini Rebirth offers flexibility to completed design outlines.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The Gemini Rebirth is, in my opinion, the epitome of footwear for today's modern lady. This design is one that will remarkably serve as an elegant solution to limitations in the multi-functionality of footwear and the lack of flexibility in completed design outlines.
Embellished with care, this collection uses clean-cut silhouettes to translate the authenticity of today's fashion renegade into unconventional contrasting features that connote refined femininity, one that is unmistakably elegant. The style and feel may be converted by simply undoing metal clasps to release complimenting pieces. - Dimensions & Packaging
- A pointed-toe was a crucial element to developing the assertive, yet the sensuous feel of this design. With four inches- approximately 100mm, selected as the desired heel height for this project, The Gemini Rebirth is meticulously crafted using clean-cut silhouettes and chrome closures to elevate each style. By meshing smooth and grainy premium leather with a technical understanding of placement, the style and feel can easily be altered by simply releasing or attaching the metal clasps to reveal something new.
- Tags
- Footwear, Pump, Slipper, Spiked, Molly, Branded By Molly, Gemini, Rebirth
- Production Technology
- Products were hand-crafted using genuine leather and chrome hardware for detailing.
- Design Challenge
- As a footwear designer and shoemaker, the biggest risk I faced was having to entrust a production company halfway across the world with designs that are dear to me. The fear of the unknown was ultimately the driving force behind my decision to collaborate with a larger establishment.
In order to get a feel of what a large expansion for Molly would entail, I was able to open my mind to the possibility of working with highly accredit individuals and develop a strong understanding of the footwear industry as it pertains to production costs, times, delivery options, and so much more. - Project Duration
- The Gemini Rebirth collection was designed in January 2019 in Toronto and prototyped later that year, in July 2019, by a manufacturing group in Dubai.
- Operation Flow
- This collection consists of pairs that can be transformed with the use of a metal clasp.
The mechanism behind this is designed in a way that renders the styles fully functional with or without the attachment piece. One can simply slide into the open-toe backless bootie or undo the metal connectors to reveal a more relaxed sandal. - Research
- The research consisted of both Qualitative & Quantitative methods to ensure the inexistence of products similar to the designs found in The Gemini Rebirth Collection and to subsequently produce Never-Before-Seen footwear that appeals to the fashionably eccentric individual using data compelled from the chosen factory's company reviews, previously realized designs and operational costs.
- Inspiration
- After rediscovering myself during the process of building my footwear brand, I found it fitting to design a 6 piece collection representative of the dualism of every powerful woman.
This collection is the answer to the daily challenges of the versatile individual, one who holds the ability to transform attitude into an expression of style; one who stands shamelessly defying all odds. - Image Credits
- Omowonuola Adeshina / Designer / Shoemaker (Molly), 2019.
Colors of The Gemini Rebirth Interchangeable Footwear
Design Interview about The Gemini Rebirth Interchangeable Footwear
The Gemini Rebirth is a literal interpretation of the fluidity of my personal style. For my very first collection, I found it fitting to design 6 pieces representative of the dualism of every powerful woman. The collection is geared towards the versatile individual, one who holds the ability to transform attitude into an expression of style; one who defies all odds.
Fluidity. A means to alter my shoes and personal style in a manner that only compliments the beauty of the footwear.
I plan to mass-produce the collection eventually, however, I am yet to find a compatible manufacturing company to partner with for the long run.
It took about 10 minutes during the sketching process after spending close to 20 minutes brainstorming the perfect look. All in all, I would say 30 minutes.
I was inspired to create interchangeable footwear. I honestly had a dilemma one day while staring at a pair of my favorite shoes and wondered why I couldn’t alter its form right there and then. That’s pretty much how this beautiful idea came about.
The Gemini Rebirth was created solely for my brand, Molly. I currently have no intent on selling or leasing the design.
The need to create something different and unique that appealed to my true being as well as resonated with individuals across the globe.
Not at all, I do not like my work to be influenced by existing footwear. My goal is to create and not replicate, therefore I like to be fully immersed in my thoughts and explore concepts entirely on my own.
This design is geared towards all lovers of edgy and eccentric footwear, but most especially towards the shapeshifters like myself who may feel the need to modify their style on the go.
I think what sets The Gemini Rebirth aside is its ability to transform in style and silhouette. Other existing designs found during my research entailed more limiting styles in terms of what could be transformed about the design- the heels, the soles, and the straps.
For starters, my star sign is a Gemini and most people have the notion that we are bilateral and able to adaptable to changes, which is something that I find mirrored in powerful women around the world. The ‘Rebirth” aspect comes from rediscovering myself through my love of footwear and seeing as my first collection is a way of revealing myself to the world, I found it fitting to name the collection “The Gemini Rebirth”.
I used Adobe Illustrator to effectively communicate my designs with the manufacturing company that executed this project.
The use of simple O-rings which serve as both accent and functional pieces to bring both parts of the design together.
I worked with a factory overseas to create these samples after reviewing a few of their design and product portfolios.
Technology creates a channel for the connecting mechanisms to operate effortlessly and amplify the beauty of The Gemini Rebirth. Without this, the entire design will not function as intended.
The only kind of research conducted before executing this design was on the existence of similar concepts. This was done in order to avoid future implications by copyright/trademark laws after production.
The biggest challenge I faced was working with the manufacturing company. As much as I admire their work, the lack of clear communication, as well as distorted timelines, posed major issues during the realization of this project.
I stumbled upon the A’ Design Competition 2 years before I ever had this design thought out. Back then, I had recently registered my brand and was in search of a shoe show or exhibition to attend and I clicked on the competition’s web page. Even though I did not have any projects I felt were “competition-worthy”, I knew that I would eventually be submitting one of my designs.
During the process of designing this piece, I learned more about partnerships and how to entrust my designs in the hands of another since it was formerly unchartered territories, but most importantly, I learned an entirely new direction that I would like to cater my brand towards which is Interchangeable Footwear. Ultimately, creating footwear and the process of developing them will always serve as an empowering motive for me to keep growing personally and artistically.
I would like to take this time to thank the A’ Design Award Competition and its jury members for giving The Gemini Rebirth an opportunity to earn this prestigious award and be placed in a position to attain global awareness. As a budding designer and entrepreneur, it is truly an honor to be recognized for my designs and be assured that I am definitely on the right path.