for designer and artist kermit tesoro , shoes are The exclamation point of our clothing sentence .
SEA CHANGE
for designer and artist kermit tesoro , shoes are The exclamation point of our clothing sentence .
You won ’ t find Kermit Tesoro ’ s heels in your local mall — just as you won ’ t find a Picasso in any old home goods store . Tesoro ’ s designs are pieces of wearable art that challenge our preconceived notions of footwear design .
Hailing from the Philippines , Tesoro first became involved in footwear while searching for shoes to match his clothing designs . Finding inspiration in personal experience and a new found design awareness , it makes sense that Tesoro fell into footwear design in such a natural way . For Tesoro , shoes are “ the exclamation point of our clothing sentence .”
At twenty seven , Tesoro already has a plethora of accomplishments and acclaim to his name . He is renowned for his unique designs , and is a favorite amongst celebrities — including Lady Gaga . His shoes can be spotted at Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel in Switzerland and at MoBA Netherlands , in fashion publications , and Rockstar Chic , a trendy coffee table book on fashion in New York .
“ In my opinion , I think the real challenge is outmaneuvering my comfort design sensibility ,” says Tesoro . Clearly , Tesoro ’ s designs are not for those looking for a simple , everyday shoe . The heels he creates are special and bursting with personality . Take his “ Oil Spiller ” heel , which is featured in Rockstar Chic . “ Oil Spiller ” looks like the type of heel worn by a fashion editor in a post-apocalyptic world . It sports a large platform that stretches out towards the back of the shoe . This genius design compensates for the lack of an actual heel that extends to the ground , offering stability and balance . Made of leather and acrylic , the heel legitimately looks like dripping oil — it ’ s absolutely mesmerizing .
Perhaps his most famous and recognizable heel is the “ Polyposis ,” made of wood . “ Polyposis ” is truly a work of art — and the perfect summer-inspired heavenly heel . It ’ s designed to look like the tentacles of an octopus are organically wrapping around the foot . Painted in jewel tones to match the richness of a deep blue ocean , the shoes even feature painted suckers . There are no extra straps or supports besides the sculpted tentacles ; those serving as the platform , upper and heel .
“ The idea of Polypodis has always been inside my mind ,” says Tesoro . “ But I was clueless where to begin and how to compose my imagination to reality without compromising the expression . I think , if you love a pair of shoes enough , you ’ ll find a way to wear then .”
Heel lovers can get an inside peak into Tesoro ’ s creative process by following his Instagram , @ kermittesoro , where the designer posts progress pictures from concept to construction .
Tesoro is currently working on new designs , but is in no rush to debut them . Like a true artist knows , art cannot be forced and it cannot be rushed ; the designs will be ready when they ’ re ready . Although unsure of what the designs will be and where the inspiration will come from this time , one thing that can be counted on is that innovation is sure to be included . When asked if his designs were meant to be worn or admired , Tesoro answered perfectly , “ I ’ ll just leave it to the audience .” Facebook . com / KermitTesoro — Kelly Armetta
HEAVEN HAS HEELS summer 2016 | @ HHHEELS