We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Que Shebley about their original and creative Shoes design work. Que Shebley is an award-winning fashion designer, that makes our world a better place with their original shoes works.
Que Shebley ("QS") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Arabic Matrix Shoes. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
QS : At the heart of this design is my fascination with the way culture, art, and identity get woven into the things we wear. I wanted to bring Arabic calligraphy into the spotlight but not just as decoration. The idea was to let every letter, every symbol, become a brushstroke that carries memory and meaning. This pair isn’t just about looking sharp, it’s about carrying a piece of history with you and letting it speak without saying a word.
QS : My focus was always on the story, not just the style. I wanted to break away from shoes that only look expensive or feel luxurious. I wanted this pair to connect with the soul, to be a true conversation starter. My aim was to craft something that feels personal even when you’re seeing it for the first time. The end goal was to create an heirloom, not just a purchase.
QS : This design has become a core piece of my collection. I see it growing into a small series, maybe bringing more calligraphy and unique patinas inspired by other languages and cultures. There are plans to introduce a few limited editions and maybe even custom initials for clients who want to carry their own story with them.
QS : This one took its time. I played with different ideas for months before the right balance showed up. The calligraphy, the perfect patina, and the silhouette had to blend together seamlessly. The actual shoe, months of sketches, test leathers, and endless cups of coffee until it felt just right.
QS : I designed it from pure inspiration. Nobody asked me to do it. I felt a pull to create something that would give a nod to my Lebanese roots and show what’s possible when you mix old-world craftsmanship with a modern edge. It’s a tribute to my heritage and my father’s legacy as a maker and dreamer.
QS : This one stays with us. I produce it myself under my brand. No licensing or outside companies. It’s important to keep control over every detail, from the hand-applied patina to the final polish. That’s how I know each pair stays true to the vision.
QS : I’ve always believed that shoes should be more than a finishing touch, they should set the tone for everything else you put on. The idea of making art you can actually walk in pushed me to try something that isn’t afraid to be different or bold.
QS : There’s always a mix of influences. I grew up around my father’s love for Italian shoes and my mother’s eye for detail. Some classic European shoemakers taught me the value of silhouette and construction, but the soul of this piece comes from calligraphy and my roots. I always keep an eye on what Berluti and the Japanese bespoke houses are doing, but the spark for this one is all about bringing Arabic art to life.
QS : This is for people who want to stand out quietly. Someone who knows quality but also cares about meaning. It’s for leaders, creatives, anyone who’s tired of “just another luxury shoe” and wants something that’s personal and memorable.
QS : The hand-applied patina technique is unique, but the real difference is the calligraphy. Most shoes talk about craftsmanship, these ones actually tell a story. Each pair is slightly different, each one a true one-of-one. You can’t fake that kind of authenticity.
QS : The name “Arabic Matrix” felt right because it’s a literal matrix of letters, words, and meaning. It’s more than a pattern, it’s a coded message in motion, blending the art of the past with the look of the future.
QS : Everything started with simple sketches on paper, then I used digital software to fine-tune the calligraphy layout on the shoe. The rest was pure handcraft—patina brushes, sponges, and real leather in my hands until the final look came together.
QS : The one thing that really stands out is the use of Arabic calligraphy as both art and structure. The patina technique brings out a depth and individuality you just don’t see in other shoes. Each pair is genuinely unique, never repeated.
QS : I worked closely with a patina artist in Spain, someone who understands how to bring personality to leather. For the calligraphy, I relied on a calligrapher who knows how to blend tradition with a modern twist. It was all about mixing different skills to create something new.
QS : Technology helped with mapping and positioning the calligraphy before anything went onto the leather. It made it easier to experiment, test, and visualize the result before starting the handwork.
QS : My research was focused on culture, art, and history. I spent a lot of time studying the origins of Arabic calligraphy and the best ways to apply patina. It was all about understanding the roots and respecting the traditions before adding my own touch.
QS : It was tough getting the script to curve with the shoe without losing meaning or beauty. The patina process is always unpredictable so patience and persistence were key. Finding the right balance between old and new was another challenge I had to work through.
QS : I wanted to see if something so personal and rooted in heritage could connect with people worldwide. It felt right to share this project with a bigger audience and see where it could go.
QS : I learned to trust the process and let go of control at times. There’s a lesson in letting the materials guide you instead of forcing your will onto them. It made me more open to experimenting and more patient as a designer.
QS : The most important thing for me is that design isn’t just about what you make, it’s about how it makes someone feel when they wear it. I always want my work to mean something deeper than just style or luxury.
