Stilt Shoes
Stilts Shoes is a luxury footwear company that specializes in unique sneakers, stilettos, and platform heels. Their primary focus is to create shoes that are both stylish and comfortable and that anyone, regardless of lifestyle needs, can have fashionable footwear.
What's your inspiration for your collection?
This collection is inspired by the feeling of being a rock star. My theme and concept surrounding this collection was music. Everyone can feel like a rock star! I want to give my clients designs that combine the ideas of urban, glam, uniqueness and chic. The concept was also to have this collection be versatile and to design, a collection's that you can wear all season long.
Do you sell your sneakers through a wholesaler?
No.
What's your philosophy?
I am a non-conformist, who embraces designs that encourage cultural representation and a diversity of identification: free from the constraints of the old functionalist formality model. In doing so I aspire to foster productive, progressive social growth, and increasingly more dynamic interactivity.
What are some of your favorite brands?
Alexander McQueen, United Nude, Giuseppe Zanotti, and Christian Louboutin.
What are skills that are necessary for you in becoming successful?
Branding, marketing, knowing who your target audience is, and advertisement are the keys to success along with eye-catching, unique designs.
Will you ever expand your market and branch off into making clothing as well?
Stilts is brand that will eventually encompass all different types of things, so clothing is in the works along with some other endeavors.
What is some of the best advice that you have received?
Someone once told me “Always be confident, consistent, patient, and know what you want to do in life. Don’t let anybody tell you differently. You have the power to become anything you want, and it starts with believing in yourself.”
Where did you get the name Stilts? How did you come up with it?
I am 6’4 and the tallest member of my immediate family. So, growing up they would jokingly tease me about my height and say I looked like I was walking on Stilts. When I started my company, it seemed appropriate to name it that.
Where did you study?
I am largely self-taught. However, I completed multiple certificate courses via FIT such as their sneaker essentials program, which is an in-depth study of the history and culture of sneakers and their design. I also took courses in shoe and pattern making from the Brooklyn Shoe Space.
How did you get started in the fashion design industry?
My interest in fashion started at a young age. However, I got my start working in a now defunct Black-owned boutique in Harlem that custom made clothes and accessories. I fell in love with the industry from that point on and wanted to be able to express my creativity in my own way. So, I started drawing and designing, and out of that Stilts was born.
What are your socials?
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stiltsshoes/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/stiltsshoes/
Website - www.stiltsshoes.com
Twitter - https://twitter.com/stiltsshoes
Article by Alison Hernon, Editor-In-Chief, PhotoBook Magazine
Article by Sarah Tota, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Destina Marotta, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
