I want to design shoes

[elaine]

I love shoes just like every woman on this board. I have had a dream to design my own line of shoes one day, but have no idea where to get started. All of the information that I have found states that I need to take classes in Europe. I have a few generic sketches of my own but do not know who to submit them to.

I have articles on some of the top designers Giuseppe Zanotti and Kenneth Cole, but no real information on how to become a cobbler (shoe maker) to get myself going.


Does anyone have any ideas to help me get started? I have looked into several fashion design schools, but the information is very vague for shoe designers.

This might sound silly to some but if anyone has a starting point I would really appreciate it.

[AVE One]

Funny, I just spent this morning researching shoe/accessory design. I think reading a few books on shoe design and the production process would be the first step to see if it is something you are really interested in. Researching designers and how they got their start is also good. Formal education would be needed as well. I don't know if you have seen this program with FIDM (fashion institute of design & merchandising) in Cali. http://fidm.edu/academics/majors/footwear-design/curriculum.html

FIT the fashion institute in New York also has accessory design. http://www.fitnyc.edu/html/Videos/accessories.htm

Studying in Italy would be a fabulous option but of course not all of us are able to do that.

You could also just take the generic designer route (like "She by Sheree" on RHOA) and just find a manufacturer (probably somewhere in New York) and they would have a designer to fine tune your ideas. You would work with them to develop a collection it would just be your brand. Of course you would need a business plan and financial backing (or maybe not).

[elaine]

Thank you so much for the info. I just remembered that I do have a college friend that now works in New York in the textile industry. Once I get a complete business plan finalized, I could get her intake on some possible manufacuturing companies. Thank you again for the info.

[BK Bombshell]

I did the shoemaking courses at FIT as part of the accessories program and I highly recommend it. If you can't get here, I'm sure there's somewhere close to you that offers courses. Maybe you can check with your local shoe supply warehouse (where shoe repair people buy supplies in bulk) and ask them if they know of any classes. Also, you might be able to find classes at a community college.

Shoemaking is not very complicated, but it is detailed work. You have to be somewhat patient and be willing to get dirty (and in my case, suffer some minor injuries), but it's so much fun to design a shoe and see the finished product. There are a few books about shoemaking for men, but none for women that I know of. My former teacher is supposed to be writing one though (and she's amazing.)

HTH and feel free to PM me with any questions.

[elaine]

Thank you ladies for giving me ideas and resources. It is a lot to consider when deciding on a career change/dream, but I thank you for getting me started.