Red, White and Bold

  • Prize
    Honorable Mention in Sportswear Design Of The Year
  • University
    Savannah College of Art and Design
  • Lead Designer
    Arika Hoffman
  • Professor Credit
    Benoit Meleard
  • Contributor(Other)
    Zoe Goodale-Model
  • Photo Credit
    Arika Hoffman- (myself)
  • Design Status
    Prototype

Description
Drawing inspiration from William Klein’s visionary fashion in "Mister Freedom," the "Red, White, and Bold" heels encapsulate the essence of American football, reimagined through the lens of high fashion. Klein, known for his work with Vogue, ingeniously fused sportswear elements with avant-garde style in the film, notably embedding the vibrancy of American football into his designs. This pair of heels pays homage to Klein’s creative legacy, adopting the patriotic red, white, and blue palette while integrating Nike's popular Vapor football socks and sweat bands. The innovative use of negative space and elevated heel structure not only seeks to physically elevate the wearer but also to instill a sense of confidence and empowerment, akin to the exhilarating experience of the sport itself. Through this creation, I aimed to bridge the gap between the cultural significance of American football and the transformative power of fashion, offering a statement piece that celebrates national pride while pushing the boundaries of traditional footwear design. This fusion of sports and style serves as a tribute to Klein's groundbreaking approach re-envisioned in the contemporary fashion arena.

Innovation

The "Red, White and Bold" platform high heel merges cutting-edge 3D modeling and printing technologies with traditional shoemaking. The process starts with the precision 3D modeling of the custom footwear last, tailored for perfect shape and fit. Following this, the heel is digitally crafted to complement the custom last, ensuring flawless integration. Both components are then brought to life through advanced 3D printing techniques, followed by meticulous post-processing to refine their quality. The assembly stage introduces a harmonious blend of a Nike Vapor football sock with a Vegtan leather insole, expertly lasted, before attaching the 3D-printed heel. This innovative fusion of technology and craftsmanship culminates in a footwear design that is not only inspired by the sporty ethos of "Mister Freedom" but also embodies modern comfort and style. Through this approach, "Red, White and Bold" showcases a commitment to pioneering fashion that respects traditional methods while embracing the future, resulting in a uniquely comfortable, modern, and sporty aesthetic.

Product Detail
The platform heel, innovatively designed with negative space, is FDM 3D printed using durable PLA Tough material. This is complemented by a premium Vegtan leather insole, ensuring both comfort and quality. The upper is crafted from a Nike Vapor Football sock, chosen for its exceptional fit and breathability. This assembly is further enhanced by the addition of Nike sweatbands in patriotic red, white, and blue, adding a vibrant touch to the design.

Specification
Currently only made in a women's size 8.

Bio
My name is Arika Hoffman and I exist to design innovative experiences by blending industrial design, accessory design and fashion design to empower people in a world where nothing is permanent but CHANGE. I deeply value versatility which allows me to shift perspective from project to project while creating aesthetically unique pieces that provoke conversation, promote individuality, and preserve our connection to the natural world.



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