Netflix and chill with Tinker Hatfiled - not 'chill' ;)

Netflix just released a series of documentaries focusing on visionaries within the art and design field. Abstract - The Art of Design is definitely something you can binge on! I sat and watched 6 in a row and couldn't get enough of it! It was totally inspiring and motivating and after watching them it not only highlighted how talented the individuals were but the path they took to get as successful as they are - basically a LONG TIME. Im always challenged and impatient about time, and where I'm at with my footwear career but these documentaries reassured me that I'm exactly where I'm meant to be.  The episode that focused on Tinker Hatfield the visionary behind Nike particularly caught my eye (of course!) simply because even though his trade is in sports footwear our paths weren't dissimilar at all, we both studied architecture and figured at that point that we were both good at drawing and building 3D pieces of work. We both landed in architecture not really knowing if that was our path and if it was something we wanted to do for the rest of our lives. Of course aside from the personal similarities his full time job wasn't to dissimilar either - we both work in footwear. This documentary is for the absolute sneaker fanatic or shoe fanatic for that matter - it explores the lengths Hatfield went to build a brand but most importantly a product that would stand the test of time. Michael Jordan features in it regularly and the ever famous back to the future sneaker is presented in its most basic form to the fully functioning self tying sneakers. This is an absolute jem to watch and so are the other episodes in this series - so what are you waiting for?

Thomas Le 

Nike Lunar Relic Concept

Now I think its pretty obvious that my heart will always lay with heels. SO when I am on the hunt for sneakers for myself or people to write about for these posts the sneaks have to either be super classic or extremely well designed. Now I'm no pro on why certain sneaks make better sales than others (apart from of course great marketing and celebrity endorsements), but I can tell you or rather show you why Boston based designer Thomas Le's exploration of the upper with weaving and braiding as a concept for Nike is sure to get your approval. Below are Le's thoughts, sketches and working process.

Fenty X Puma 

"The Trainer"

As promised in January, I wanted to document the sneaker game for the ladies who aren't always in heels, or in fact wear sneakers more than heels! I thought what better way to start the sneaker section than featuring girl of the moment Rihanna's Fenty X Puma Release that will take place today at 10 EST (3pm GMT). I must admit I'm having a major fan girl crush on Riri at the moment, especially since the release of her recent single Work which I've had stuck in my head non stop - not to mention the subsequent irresistibly saucy videos she's released too. In another great launch amongst many this week the sneaks are available in black white and red, I've managed to get this only image of the white version (the black version you can view on the puma website) and I must say I'm a fan!

Christopher Dixon

Sneaker designer turned high heel extraordinare started his adventure into footwear from a young age using Basketball sneakers as his inspiration. Turning his hands to high heels is more of a recent venture when he was able to look into Serena Williams Shoe drobe. Dixon remembered how Williams mentioned that most of her favourite shoes gave her great pain and this triggered a partnership that explored the comfort of sports footwear within heels. In comes Christopher Coy - his debut heel collection. The designs speak for themselves, they look luxuriously comfy yet amazingly supportive through the use of organic materials. Now they don't come cheap but what great designs do? Head to his website for a more expansive look at his new range, but for now I leave you with a few of my favourites.