Nikeames Shoe

This conceptual trainer comes from French designer Ora-Ïto. While I do not desire this shoe in particular, I like what is suggests about cross-practice and cross-material applications. By cross-practice I mean the intersection of different design disciplines, such as fashion and furniture. This shoe, with its molded plywood detailing, draws inspiration from Charles and Ray Eames’ Lounge chair. By cross-material I mean the application of a material common in one industry to one in which it is not common, such as the use of wood in clothing. What I find desirable about these cross-pollinations is how they force you to pause and consider a familiar object in a new light. I rarely think about how trainers are made or how they relate to the human body, but the bizarre sight of the graceful, curving wood made me do so.