Fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier has become the latest famous name to create a plastic shoe for Brazilian brand Melissa.
Jean Paul Gaultier x Melissa, a 10cm high heeled shoe made of opaque and transparent plastics, will debut in June.
More Dezeen stories about Melissa shoes:
Melissa shoes by Zaha Hadid (October 2008)
Melissa shoes by Campana Brothers (August 2007)
Melissa interior by Rosenbaum Design (August 2008)
Here's some info from Jean Paul Gaultier and Melissa:
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER X MELISSA DEBUTS JUNE 2010
"Working with Melissa has been a coup de pied à la mode! I've enjoyed the challenge of creating a high heeled plastic shoe with all the values of my design ethos." - JEAN PAUL GAULTIER
Melissa are pleased to announce their collaboration with Paris couturier Jean Paul Gaultier who has created an exclusive 10cm chiselled heel plastic stiletto sandal, that is 100% recyclable.
Due to the intricacy of design, which comprises both opaque and transparent plastics in varying strap widths, and a metal cigarette heel, the newest technology advances in production have had to be implemented to satisfy the demands of this model which goes on sale internationally, June 2010 with a retail price of £160.
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER X MELISSA comes in: black, caramel, beige, lime and tangerine
Those now familiar with the Brazillian footwear brand's collections and collaborations, and multi-faceted design permutations which illustrate just how versatile, practical and breathable, a plastic shoe can be, welcome the comfort of wearing such a malleable material, particularly heels which make the wearer feel as though they are bouncing on air.
After working for Pierre Cardin, then Jean Patou, Jean Paul Gaultier released his first collection under his own name in 1976. A master tailor, his suiting featured a deconstructed aesthetic, with an androgynous flavour, underpinned by his risqué collaborations, best exemplified by Madonna's conical bra for her 1990's Blond Ambition tour. In 2004 he became Creative Director for Hermes, and he also now produces couture collections in addition to his mainline and fragrances.
Founded in 1971, Melissa is one of the world’s largest footwear manufacturers, and holder of an exclusive technology for injected thermoplastic. Other designer collaborations with Melissa include: Vivienne Westwood, Zaha Hadid, Judy Blame, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Karim Rashid, and The Campana Brothers.
“I believe plastic is only limited by a designer’s creativity” - Edson Matsuo, Creative Director, MELISSA
http://www.melissaplasticdreams.com/
http://www.jeanpaulgaultier.com/