What we put on our feet can be so much more than what we've come to expect of our footwear, if we allow ourselves to think a little differently. Japanese shoemaker Tetsuya Uenobe is a sparkling example of how superior craftsmanship and the desire to impart some personality in our shoes can marry to produce works of wearable art - for our feet!

When I first laid eyes on Mr. Uenobe's work I was at once charmed by his playful and humourous approach to shoemaking - he draws inspiration from anything and everything around him from boats to monkeys to hot dogs. While Mr. Uenobe says he isn't adverse to drawing elegant and beautiful designs like Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin and the team at Salvatore Ferragamo, his primary motivation is to make people smile. I challenge you to not crack one while looking at his 'Macho Bear' shoes, complete with bear's own leather moccasins.

Mr. Uenobe designs and makes his shoes in Japan under his namesake label Uenobe. His interest in creating his own shoes came from meeting several craftsman while working in the fashion industry and he soon found himself becoming immersed in their world. He left his job in 1999 and enrolled in the shoe making program at London College of Art, then further honed his craft working alongside a bespoke shoemaker. Upon returning to Japan to launch Uenobe in 2003 he made an impression on Japanese couturier Mrs. Hanai Mori, who offered him the opportunity to show his works at Open Gallery Omotesando in Tokyo. Mr. Uenobe's influences include Tokio Kumagai and Jan Jansen, who were known for their unconventional approach to shoe design, respectively. He admits he has a tough time letting the shoes go once they are finished.

We spoke to Mr. Uenobe about his shoes and his process:


What kind of reaction do your shoes elicit? And do you have people asking for your art styles or do they usually opt for the more traditional shoe?
My art line was designed as an eye catcher at trade shows at the beginning. I realized these shoes got attention so I decided to develop this line. Actually, I mainly sell my shoes via retail shops so I do not know what customers feel exactly. People prefer to order the main line to the art line; however, many purchased the Koala and some customers bought the Bird from the art line. I have stopped producing the pumps line as the fit wasn't sufficient. An owner of one of the retailers that deal in my works said customers love my shoes. They enjoy wearing them and appreciate the craftsmanship. I know a woman who is a merchandiser in the fashion industry who purchased the Bird (see right) and wears them at the office. She says she enjoys people noticing them.

I think people understand that my works are unusual. And they love such unusual style. Basically they are fashionistas so they are always looking for a new or rare style. Sometimes customers order traditional styles but the right foot is in red and the left one is in black, via the retailers. The retailers who deal in my works also appreciate individuality. My works are supported by such unique people.







Do you wish to see people wearing your more unusual shoes as an every day footwear choice - an alternative to the 'usual' types of shoes we wear, or do you see them as special and meant more for those who appreciate art in their garments?
It depends on the situation. If a philosopher, a doctor or a member of Parliament wears my shoes from my art line at their work place, they will lose credibility. However, wearing them for going out with a lover or to a party would be fine. Actually, I do not mind how people wear my work. My shoes are wearable but also decorative. The important thing is how much people love them.







Your leather sometimes looks as if it has been handpainted with watercolours. How do you achieve that effect?
I dye leather to look like marble. I pour water in a pan and make a whirlpool, then add a few drops of ink to make the dye, then I add the leather.


Uenobe handmade shoes are available to order through Swelle Boutique here. To inquire please contact us to initiate a consultation.