London

Kobi Levi

He doesn't make shoes, he creates "art to wear&

Written by James Read / 27 Sep 2011
Photos and illustrations by Kobi Levi

We see a lot of weird things in our travels on the internet. Artistic squid porn, baby skeleton bedposts and even disemboweled porcelain dolls. But Kobi Levi's shoes are definitely a first for us. High heels made from hot coffee, mallards and bubble gum? Yeah, we love weird shoes, and clearly you guys do, given the response to our Iris Schieferstein article. So we interrupted his busy schedule producing freaky footwear in Tel Aviv for a quick word.

Your shoes are a lot more out there than most designs. Why aren't more heels more fun?

Each designer has their own way of creating, some are more serious and some are 'lighter'. I like to have fun with my works, and let the fantasy lead the way - but I'm very serious in the way things will be made and how the fantasy will be shown the best way

Olive Oyl

What drew you to shoe design, and what do you think shoes say about a person?

I've always like shoes - for the shapes and forms, not only for their purpose/functionality - and seen them as wearable sculptures. I like the shoes both on the feet as well as on display - art to look at and art to wear

Blow

What pair do you get asked about the most?

About a lot of them… Blond Ambition, Blow, Chewing gum - depends who's asking. Each person relates to or is curious about a different design.

Androgyne

Are you considering making any more shoes for men?

Yes, but men are less courageous with their look - so they'd rather see it than actually wear it

Bird 2 Mallard duck

Your birds series is beautiful. Are you a birdwatcher yourself?

Thanks. I'm not a birdwatcher… but I was so impressed while I was researching for images of birds for my designs that I couldn't choose one and decide to create a "mini collection".

Coffee? Porcelain version

All your shoes are currently bespoke or custom I believe. Any plans to put any of them into full production? And if so, would they still be as crazy?

I would love it if they will be more available for people, it is a big challenge. Of course "crazy"- that is a part of why create them. They are not 'shoes', they are art to wear.