Nicholas Kirkwood -genius and artist

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THURSDAY, 05 AUG. 2010, 18:02

He's only 30 and he has already made it to the shoe designers' elite.

Nicholas Kirkwood has been on top from a few years now. His story began in 2005, when he was awarded the first prize in Condé Nast - a contest promoting young shoe designers.

Even though he gained recognition, he'd been ignored due to the specific style of his works. It had been said that his shoes look like a museum exhibit rather than something to wear. Till now, there are dozens of on-line publications claiming that his shoes wont meet the demands of the market.

Fortunatelly, the truth turned out to be different. Young designer found a nishe market - people looking for original and innovative propositions. It's the inspiring design that mostly contributed to the success of the brand. It became a perfect completion of the style of brave and confident women.

Kirkwood made his first projects when he had been working for hat maker named Philip Treacy. Just then, did he realize that women reach for accessories, including shoes and hats, in order to complete their stylizations. He couldn't help the impression that he was surrounded by masses of low, kitten heels and girlish accessories, which, of course, couldn't meet the demands of a strong and fascinating woman. In the longer run it turned out that he was not mistaken...

The main principle of the brand is to treat embellishments as an integral part of the shoe, not a common detail. The designer admits, that even though he is sculpting pumps in futuristic shapes, he avoids embellishments that serve only the decorative purpose.

The brand focuses on futuristic platforms, fabulous fastenings or clasps, innovative imprints, inventive upper and, above all- heels...

Soon after being awarded Condé Nast, Kirkwood gained a group of enthusiasts from among the most prominent ladies of Great Britain and Ireland. It was just a matter of time for the fashion photographers to start using his shoes in photo sessions. Also renowned brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Chloé, Phillip Lim, Zac Posen and Rodarte, started to be interested in his works.

He's the one who designed shoes for the latest adaptation of Alice in Wonderland.

In past few years, he has been awarded many prizes. Yet the biggest honour for him was the fact that a fashion icon, Sarah Jessica Parker, who, on set of Sex and the City, glorifies shoes signed by Manolo Blahnik, after the shooting swaps them to ones designed by Nicholas Kirkwood.

Nicholas Kirkwood often stresses that he's against sport shoes on heels. He also thinks that 4" platforms may only throw women off balance instead of add them confidence.

He loves heels but he also designs flats. He's inspired by a vision of modern women - elegant, gracefull, intelligent and with a rock and roll soul.