Reimagine Footwear finishes
TYPOLOGY
OBJECTS
DIGITAL
ACADEMICS
WORK
Reimagine Footwear finishes
Year
2026
CREDITS
Generated using Vizcom. Primary images were collected from Nike website and Pintrest
Info
What if sneakers carried the same cultural expression as South Indian sarees? Inspired by the vibrant Ilkal (Irkal) saree of Karnataka, this CMF exploration reinterprets its signature plaids, contrasting borders, woven motifs, and bold color palettes into contemporary footwear. Rather than replicating tradition, the project translates the essence of handwoven craftsmanship into modern materials, textures, and finishes—creating footwear designed for both traditional celebrations and everyday fusion wear.
DESCRIPTION
As an extension of this exploration, I looked to traditional talismans and accessories- such as strings of chillies and lemons, flower garlands, chains, and protective charms- as sources of inspiration. These objects carry rich cultural symbolism while embodying striking color combinations and tactile material qualities.
By decontextualizing these forms and translating their visual language into contemporary footwear through Color, Material, and Finish (CMF), I explore how everyday cultural artifacts can be reinterpreted as expressive design elements. The resulting concepts investigate the relationship between tradition and innovation, preserving the emotional resonance of these talismans while reimagining them within a modern sneaker context.
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