While on a tour of the U.S. visiting the points of sale carrying his shoes, the uncontested master of the glamour shoe, Nicholas Kirkwood, took the time to talk with the Texan Sea of Shoes blogger, Jane Aldrige.
Nicholas Kirkwood SS2011
Over a 2-hour tea at The Crescent, Nicholas Kirkwood confessed to his love of rodeo (he had just been to one the previous evening) and answered questions about his craft. He explained that he had always been drawn to design and would have easily tried architecture had it not required seven years of schooling. Furniture design was another possibility, but then his apprenticeship with Phillip Treacy led him to choose accessories design.
He describes his shoes as aerodynamic, and revealed that his mother will only wear his flat-soled designs. He did add, though, that his parents have always been supportive and were very proud when he was awarded the British Fashion Accessory Award.
Nicholas Kirkwood SS2011
His work has evolved since the beginning when he concentrated more on working with exotic materials. Now, he explains that he focuses more on customizing the materials he works with, i.e. laser-cutting, screen printing, rather than mixing several materials together in the same design. When designing, he locks himself in a room and turns up the the volume on some very loud guitar music. The challenge these days is, he confesses, finding enough time to design during all his travels.
Shoes he would like to never see again? High-heeled sneakers and Crocs top the list.