Fantasy, Dystopia and Shoes by Anastasia Radevich
Words by Yatzer
Location
If there is any question whether fashion is an art form or not, the creations of Montreal-based shoe designer Anastasia Radevich seem to answer that question quite effortlessly through unconventional pieces of footwear that combine symbolism with the uncompromising power of natural shapes and textures. In her ‘Kinetik’ collection for example, she used fibre optics to light up the shoes, while in her most recent ‘Alchemy’ collection, the shoes merge into the realistic forms of fossils and horns. According to her collaborator, photographer Nik [Nitro] Yur, ‘‘shoes are Anastasia’s canvas, where she combines art, craft and technology to relay a message, a story or a statement.’’
Portrait of Anastasia Radevich working on her 'Dreamfall' collection. Courtesy of Anastasia Radevich.
A pair of shoes from Anastasia Radevich's 'Dreamfall' collection in her studio. Courtesy of Anastasia Radevich.
Anastasia Radevich, 'Kinetik' collection, with fiber optic lights embedded in the shoe. Photo courtesy of Anastasia Radevich.
A shoe from the 'Alchemy' collection in Anastasia Radevich's studio. Courtesy of Anastasia Radevich.
Of Belarus origin, Radevich was born into a family of shoes designers; as a result, she grew up ‘‘surrounded by creative ideas and the smell of leathers,’’ as she herself says. Before starting her own brand, she spent a few years working at the creative studios of Alexander McQueen and Nicholas Kirkwood, an experience which allowed her to hone her technical skills and deepen her understanding of shoe design . Not worried about keeping up with the fast pace of fashion, Radevich sees her vocation mainly as a way for her to express her inspiration as freely as possible — if only more shoe designers approached their craft in such an uncompromising way!
Campaign shot for the 'Dreamfall' collection. Courtesy of Anastasia Radevich.
Photo courtesy of Anastasia Radevich.
Campaign shot for the 'Alchemy' collection. Courtesy of Anastasia Radevich.
Campaign shot for the 'Alchemy' collection, featuring the 'Rusty Heart' heel. Courtesy of Anastasia Radevich.
Anastasia Radevich, 'Alchemy' collection. Courtesy of Anastasia Radevich.
Campaign shot for the 'Alchemy' collection. Courtesy of Anastasia Radevich.
Campaign shot for the 'Lost Civilisations' collection. Courtesy of Anastasia Radevich.
Anastasia Radevich, 'Lost Civilisations' collection. Courtesy of Anastasia Radevich.
Photo courtesy of Anastasia Radevich.
Anastasia Radevich, 'Kinetik' collection. Photo courtesy of Anastasia Radevich.
Anastasia Radevich, 'Lost Civilisations' collection. Courtesy of Anastasia Radevich.
Photo courtesy of Anastasia Radevich.
Anastasia Radevich, 'Lost Civilisations' collection. Courtesy of Anastasia Radevich.
Anastasia Radevich, 'Alchemy' collection. Courtesy of Anastasia Radevich.
Anastasia Radevich, 'Dreamfall' collection. Courtesy of Anastasia Radevich.
Anastasia Radevich, 'Lost Civilisations' collection. Courtesy of Anastasia Radevich.