Jeffrey My Way: Navajo! by Chloe Wise
A pair of shoes can tell you a lot about a person. If fashion is a form of self expression, then shoes are the exclamation point to whatever statement is being made. They can be extreme or low key; trendy or unique. To me, it is important to combine wearability with uniqueness and style ; to stand out without overdoing it. My ideal shoe would be the definition of wearable art, in the sense that it can enhance any outfit without taking it over completely, while remaining unique, artful and daring.
My inspiration for this shoe is Southwestern style and American Indian art. Being an online vintage store owner, the fashion of previous decades and eras has always fascinated and inspired me. I love many different styles and time frames, but there is something extremely natural and hypnotizing about the Navajo. The art of the Navajo Nation, extending from Utah and Arizona to New Mexico, is a unique and beautiful mix of vibrant reds, turquoises and earth tones, with gorgeous patterns, beautiful silver work, and creative sculpture. The Navajo printed tapestries, jewelled belts and buckles, and angular artform is a beautiful aesthetic that translates seamlessly into fashion. Concho belts, paired with leather shorts and wide brimmed hats, have always added a slightly bad ass yet artistic edge to style icons like Erin Wasson . My favorite items of the late summer have been fringe jackets, bolo ties, western belts and turquoise jewelry, due to my being filled with admiration for this rich and colorful culture.
My shoe design takes some of the classic Navajo jewelry and belt buckles into account. I spent time looking at metalwork and craftsmanship incorporated in the beautiful concho belt designs of the Navajo. Rich corals and turquoise are embedded between western looking silver metalwork, creating belts and buckles that are as much a work of art as they are a beautiful accessory. I love the Foxy design by Jeffrey Campbell, and figured that my ideal shoe would be that same design featuring natural platforms with a visible woodgrain, and buckles that channel American Indian jewelry design. My version of the Foxy shoe would be black leather or maybe a ruddy brown, with silver western belt buckles adorned in turqoise and coral shapes inspired by the Navajo print tapestries. This shoe would be wearable enough to be worn with just about any outfit, adding that artful edge effortlessly. They would be a unique piece of art on their own, and would be kick ass paired with jean shorts, a sheer blouse and a silver and turquoise statement necklace, or with a simple white dress.
Navajo inspired Jeffrey Campbell shoes- I can’t think of anything more exciting. Rich culture and unique art mixed with fashion forward strength and daring design- now we’re talking.
-Chloe Wise
