Danny Choo Tokyo - 200X

Not common knowledge but some of you know already that I do a spot of shoe designing - studied at Cordwainers London for a while and worked in a certain studio with a certain shoe designer in London for quite a number of years on and off :-)
I was at that certain studio for two weeks while I was in the UK brushing up on my design and manufacturing skills. Just wanted to show you how this pair went.

Above: The green foot shaped object is called a Last - comes in many shapes and sizes. I have yet to design my own last shape. Here you can see that I covered the front half of the last in Masking tape. I then proceed to design the shoe. This time I wanted to concentrate on strappy sandals. Oh - I only design women's shoes for now :-)
Above: This is the design I chose to go with - simple straps.

Above: Once I have decided on the design, I proceed to cut the pattern. This is kind of a template which one would use to make the top part of the shoe (which is called an Upper). The pattern is used to cut the fabric and lining to be used. There are many things to consider when designing the pattern though - how straps/material overlap with each other, which part of the material will take the most strain etc etc.

Above: After the different shapes of material have been cut by hand, its time to scythe some of the thicker lining. The lining is made of leather and parts of leather that overlap need to be scythed otherwise feet would find it rather uncomfortable.


Above: Once the upper is complete, the stitching needs to go in and this is done by a particular type of sewing machine called a Post Machine. I am not sure why its called a Post Machine but I imagine that its to do with the post like object which you see just under my hands - without it, sewing an upper would be a nightmare due to the nooks, crannys and folds - especially for boots.

Above: And here is the finished pair - not really for daily use but ideal for parties, weddings (in white or pearl) or for that special occasion.