We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer MOLLY about their original and creative Interchangeable Footwear design work. MOLLY is an award-winning fashion designer, that makes our world a better place with their original interchangeable footwear works.
MOLLY ("MOLLY") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work The Gemini Rebirth Interchangeable Footwear. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
MOLLY : 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.
MOLLY : Fluidity. A means to alter my shoes and personal style in a manner that only compliments the beauty of the footwear.
MOLLY : 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.
MOLLY : 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.
MOLLY : 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.
MOLLY : The Gemini Rebirth was created solely for my brand, Molly. I currently have no intent on selling or leasing the design.
MOLLY : The need to create something different and unique that appealed to my true being as well as resonated with individuals across the globe.
MOLLY : 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.
MOLLY : 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.
MOLLY : 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.
MOLLY : 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”.
MOLLY : I used Adobe Illustrator to effectively communicate my designs with the manufacturing company that executed this project.
MOLLY : The use of simple O-rings which serve as both accent and functional pieces to bring both parts of the design together.
MOLLY : I worked with a factory overseas to create these samples after reviewing a few of their design and product portfolios.
MOLLY : 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.
MOLLY : 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.
MOLLY : 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.
MOLLY : 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.
MOLLY : 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.
MOLLY : 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.
