Today we’re excited to share with you an interview we did with local fashion designer Kristina Kozak. While Kristina’s preparing her Spring/Summer 2011 collection, she took a quick timeout to answer a few questions. So check out the interview and some of Kristina’s design’s, we promise you’ll fall in love with these heels!

First things first, how and when did you get into the wonderful world of shoe design?

Momma's Old Disco Platforms

“Well, I’ve been interested in shoes since I can remember and I had always dreamt of designing my own but I never knew it was actually possible.  It wasn’t until I worked at Louis Boston, where I was exposed to beautiful, almost art-like footwear and clothing, that I knew I had to find a way to design and make my own.  I found a class in New York City so every weekend I would travel to take classes with Emily Putterman.  She taught me everything there is to know.  Originally it was just for fun, but after I made my first pair I knew it was what I wanted to do.  That was in 2004 and I’ve been designing ever since.”

Having your own shoe line in this day and age is pretty impressive, how did you go about accomplishing that?

Lucky Stripe Pump

“Thank you…  It’s been quite an interesting and enlightening journey!  I didn’t follow the traditional route of going to fashion school and/or interning for a designer so I knew I really had to be resourceful.  I did as much research as possible and then contacted everyone I could think of in the Boston area and tried to set up a meeting with them.  I picked their brain and soaked up as much advice and knowledge as I could.  I volunteered my time, worked for free, attended shoe shows and events where I learned and also networked.  Those contacts combined with endless research and determination helped get me to where I am today.”

Your shoes are very bold and anything but ordinary, where do you get your inspiration from when designing them?

“My mom says I can find beauty in a pile of junk… so I guess that’s a big part of how I see things and it becomes reflected in my designs.

In a nutshell, I find inspiration from everything!  Walking around the city, people watching, pieces of artwork, architecture, nature, old films and music never fail to provoke great design ideas.  I know it sounds a bit cliché, but I truly believe beauty can be found in all that surrounds us.  There is so much wonder in the world if you just open your eyes and allow yourself to see it.”

Red Python Sandal

We agree, the world is a beautiful place. You mentioned you were working on Spring/Summer 2011 collection what can we expect to see?

“For Spring/Summer 2011 you’ll find my signature fun, quirky designs. The collection will feature a mix of high heels, kitten heels, and ballet flats in a variety of bold black and white patterns, neutral tones and bronze metallics, crystal and grommet embellishments, bow ties, and beautiful textured python leathers.”

Now that you’re working on your Spring/Summer 2011 collection what’s a typical day like for you?

Cravatta a Farfalla

“I wish there was such a thing as a “typical” day! But no such luck.  The responsibilities for each day vary so every day is always different and brings it’s own challenges and opportunities along with it.  Since it’s a small company I’m in charge of everything from designing to marketing to selling to shipping to contacting stores and replying to customers.”

Wow, it sounds like you’ve got your hands full. Out of all the shoes you have designed do you have a pair that is your favorite or a pair that is your ‘Sistine Chapel’ so to speak?

Gold Minx 4" Heels

“This is a hard question to answer because all of my shoes are so different from one another.  Plus they are like children.  I love them all!  But if I had to pick it would be the Gold Minx – 4” metallic gold Mary Janes decorated with mink tails on the back strap and a silk magenta ribbon closure.  They were the first pair I ever made.  After making them I realized that I had to follow my dream of designing shoes.”

Your shoes are absolutely adorable where can we find them?

“You can find my entire collection on my website (http://www.kristinakozak.com).  Around the end of April 2011 they will be available at selected small boutiques such as Stel’s on Newbury Street in Boston and Surfaces in Marblehead, MA.”

Is there anything else you would like to add?

“Thank you so much for including me on your Open Runway Blog!  It’s been wonderful to discuss my upcoming Spring/Summer collection.  If anyone has any other questions or wants more information about my shoes you can contact me at kkozak@kristinakozak.com.”

Remember The Cobblettes we recently did a blog about? Well they are taking their shoemaking expertise on the road to Atlanta (well Athens). The 2 day Beginner Shoemaking Workshop will take place October 30th and 31st in Athens, Georgia.

This is a really unique opportunity to learn how to make a pair of custom shoes from NYC’s own shoemaking guru Emily Putterman-Handler. If you have any interest in shoemaking, this workshop is highly recommended.

Listen to what Rhae, a former student of Emily’s, had to say about her experience in the class:

“I am a shoenista, but it can be hard to find shoes that fit. After taking Emily’s class I’ve learned to make my own custom shoes. I love making unique designer quality shoes with my own hands.”

There’s only a limited number of spots and registration closes 7 days before the seminar so you better sign up soon. For more information on the workshop and to reserve a spot head over to The Cobblette’s website.

Open Runway is all about putting the creative power into your hands so that’s why we’re very excited to tell you about The Cobblettes, a shoemaking workshop that does just that.

Emily Putterman-Handler, known as the Shoemaking Guru of NYC and Kimberly Ayoung, an attorney by day and a burgeoning shoe designer by night are the dynamic duo behind The Cobblettes.  As The Cobblettes, Emily and Kim will be teaching intensive two-day beginner shoemaking workshops, starting this month in NYC. From there Emily and Kim plan on taking the workshop on the road across the US including Washington DC, Chicago, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.

Snake skin mule designed by 1 of Emily's students

The workshop is for aspiring shoe designers who want to learn the art of designing and cobbling shoes from scratch without the financial burden of enrolling into a fashion institute. In the workshops, students will learn how to create a mule by hand. They can choose the type and color of fabric and adorn them with buttons, ribbons, buckles and more. “Your imagination is your only limitation,” Emily says.

Adorn your own accessories!

Emily Putterman is an award winning shoe designer and shoemaker who has been teaching shoemaking classes for over 20 years at the Fashion Institute of Technology and the Pratt Institute. Her students, who come from diverse professions such as magazine editors, physicians, fashion design students and hedge fund managers, have gone on to work for well known designers including Kenneth Cole, Steve Madden and Coach and some such as Kristina Kozak and Andrew Chesler have started their own lines.

The classes are for both serious designers and people looking to start designing. One obvious advantage of the class is that students will be able to walk away at the end of the workshop in a pair of handcrafted shoes they created themselves, but the far greater benefit is the craft of shoemaking each student will leave with.  The techniques taught in the workshop do not require any special machinery which means students can continue to hone their craft and make shoes at home even after the class.

Shoes Designed by students of Emily's

Open Runway is excited to be giving graduates of The Cobblettes workshop the opportunity to promote and sell their creations.  As part of the workshop, students will be invited to submit their designs to Open Runway’s ongoing, open call design contests. Winning designs will actually get put into production and sold on Open Runway’s website.  “The chance for a student to have their designs manufactured and actually sold is a dream come true to many,” says Kim.  With an emphasis on promoting emerging designers, Open Runway will provide the platform to make that dream a reality.

Visit The Cobblettes, to sign up for a workshop:

http://www.shoemakingclasses.com/