Cool Hunting

Interview with Tristan Blair by Fiona Killackey

tristanshoes.jpg

Forget the latest Louboutin, Miu Miu or Gucci pumps. For those seeking the most original in higher-end designer footwear Australian Tristan Blair has you covered. Sporting sharp and cutting-edge designs with the highest quality materials, the part Sydney, part Perth resident has become the cutting-edge Manolo for the next generation. CH caught up with the man set to make style-starters scream with delight.

What are you listening to as you answer this?
Belle and Sebastian

What's your latest collection about?
It's all about rock and roll. I listened to a lot of "Chuck Berry" whilst in the sampling process. I also spent a lot of time researching people and music from the era that he rose to greatness in.

TBEMAILER-14.jpg TBEMAILER-5.jpg

Why shoes? Why not something else?
Shoes are an outlet for me. I only had eyes for shoes, I suppose, however I am doing a clothing line as well now, which is really exciting. I am loving it. It's great to be able to be involved in more than just one aspect of fashion.

Do you think the "no pain no gain" applies to all heels?
Not at all. Comfort is the main objective when manufacturing shoes for the boutique market. If a shoe is not comfortable very few people will buy it. Being a shoe designer is the art of mixing design, innovation and comfort.

TBEMAILER-24.jpg

Do you feel naked when you see other people's bare feet?
I think it's good to take a barefoot walk now and then but you have to be close to the ocean.

Do you have standards with your shoes? Would you mind if someone with bunions wore them?
I don't think some one with bunions could get into a pair of my shoes. Maybe if they really wanted to they could modify a pair for themselves.

What song has always got you toe tapping?
I go through real phases of music and am forever changing the CD'S in my car. So there is no real one song but if I had to choose it would have to be "Great Big Kiss" by Johnny Thunders.

What's your biggest inspiration?
Friends, history, future.

One look in fashion you're totally over?
I am a bit over fluoro and yardages.

Where can we buy your stuff?
The list is on the web site.

Tools
Print
Email
Save / Bookmark
fShare Share
Permanent link
Sphere It
This entry posted on 14 November 2007 at 3:01 PM
Related Entries
Advertisement
Madness Spring/Summer 2009
by Ezra Natalia Casting a spell on the fashion world, Madness is a project that combines three designers based in Jakarta, Indonesia, who are mad about culture. Ajeng Dewi Swastiari, Bonnie Natasha Arif and Vannie Astecat, the trio behind Madness, use their alter egos to create artistic modern pieces based on their own heritage. The young label collects traditional Indonesian fabric and materials to...
Elke Kramer: Miracles & Wonder
Given that she's one of Australia’s most respected and recognized accessories designers, Elke Kramer's announcement last month that she was branching out into a line of leather bags, scarves and belts is a welcome one. CH caught up with the designer, artist and all-round nice girl to chat about totes, tunes and technical design. You're renowned for bracelets, bangles, pendants and rings. Why did...
Bruxe Spring 2009 Giveaway
Premium soft goods manufacturer Bruxe recently released their Spring '09 collection to select retailers across the globe and for those fortunate to have internet access but not a means to get to a local retailer, you can now get goods directly from their newly launched online shop. Oli, one half of the company's Belgium-born founders, gave us a quick intro to their newest developments....
Nom de Guerre x Redwing: Trench Protection Boots
Red Wing Shoes has been turning out heavy-duty footwear at its plant on the the banks of the Mississippi River since 1905. The Minnesota-based company that shoes factory workers, soldiers, ranchers and increasingly urbanites alike teamed up with the designers Nom de Guerre to pair durability and function with style. The result is a sleek gray six-inch workboot (£289) which has the aesthetic of...
Recent Cool Hunting Videosview all Cool Hunting Videos
Advertisement
Advertisement
Recent Entries

J. Howells Werthman: We Are Making Plans


PhoneSuit MiLi Pro Video Projector


iPhone HP Calculators


Society6


Bedol Eco-Friendly Water Drop Clock


Context x Kicking Mule 1980 Hand Dye Jeans


Liquid Image Camera Goggles


Interview with Erik Madigan Heck of Nomenus Quarterly


Photographer Julia Fullerton-Batten