Elvan Otgen

Prizes: Rene Smeets Award Nominee, Keep an Eye Grant Nominee

Department: Man and Identity
Website: www.elvanotgen.com

Open and Shut

The oldest shoe dates back to 3500 BC and is strung together with shoelaces much like the ones still in use today. Elvan Otgen was stunned that this element had remained virtually unchanged over 5000 years. She decided it was time to inject some more technology and fashion into fastenings. Open and Shut is an exploration of possibilities. Technical buckles, hinges and pulleys combined with architectural heels are designed to bring us into the 21st century. When covered with modern materials such as plasticised leather, these core structures can become the foundation for tomorrow’s footwear, Otgen believes.