Unique,Glamourous, Statement - Eco Friendly Shoes

(above) one Of Elisalex's stunning shoes

When I attended London Fashion Week (the exhibition) I was truly inspired by Nina Dolcetti'sstunning, unique, sculptural shoe designs. Little did I know that they were all eco - friendly (shhhh I would have bought them anyway). As described on her website, "Nina Dolcetti shoes represent a new breed of conscious design, that confidently walks the line between decadent pleasures and environmental awareness". As soon as I returned home, I immediately contacted Elisalex - the founder of Nina Dolcetti to ask abit more about the backround of her brand etc........

Enjoy!

me - When and where did you first decide you wanted to be a shoe designer?

Elisalex - I've always loved the daintyness and symmetry of shoes, I used to draw pages and pages of shoes as a child and was obsessed with Barbie shoes. I decided I wanted to design shoes towards the end of school and then my passion was cemented while learning to make them at Cordwainers.

me - What characteristics does a shoe need in order to be elegant and stylish?

Elisalex - I think elegance and style are two very different things. In order for a shoe to be elegant the lines need to be sinuous and elongate the woman's leg. In order to be stylish, anything goes! - shoes become like little twin sculptures...

me - On your website it says that your designs "confidently walk the line between decadent pleasures and environmental awareness"....... explain how your shoes are made to be environmentally friendly?

Elisalex - My shoes are made using pre-consumer waste - basically left overs. There is so much left over from the fashion industry - off-cuts, colour swatches, scraps, even bits deemed to be faulty or damaged - and I think it's important to use that up instead of creating demand for more "new" stuff. Otherwise it would just be wasted by going into landfill or being incinerated.

me - Where do you find inspirations for your shoe designs?

Elisalex- I find that inspiration comes in waves. I never know where or when I'll get a wave, but they last about 5 days and come every few months or so.

me - Where would you like to see yourself and your brand in 10 years time?

Elisalex - In 10 years time I'd like for my brand to be internationally recognised, and selling worldwide. Which I reckon is probably the goal of most designers out there...! I hope to expand, but into what is still secret...

me - What advice can you give to the fashion conscious youth of today (future designers etc)?

Elisalex - I don't really feel qualified to give advice... I'll have to get back to you on that one!

me - How many pairs of shoes do you own?

Elisalex - I own about 100 pairs, last time I counted... which was quite a while ago...!