Not many college girls can afford a pair of Louboutins, so instead we must admire them from afar. Yet Junior Kate Knapik decided to take matters into her own hands by creating her own shoes inspired by Louboutins.
“I’ve always been obsessed with designer shoes,” Knapik said. “Unfortunately, my college lifestyle doesn’t love shoes as much as I do so I decided to make my own.”
Knapik’s love of shoes comes from years of admiring creations by her favorite designers: Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik and Brian Atwood. Her love for shoes and keen sense of style plays a big roll in making her a successful shoe designer.
“My style is pretty laid back, but I love spicing up an outfit with something crazy like epic heels, hints of neon, or glitter and sequins!” Knapik said. “I love wearing one item that really stands out”
Louboutin’s Daffodile Brodee Heel is a heel much like Knapik’s style: wild, epic and with tons of sequins. Which made them the perfect choice to inspire her latest creation.
“These are my favorite pair. They have a completely loud and outrageous design, like me,” said Knapik.
While creating one-of-a-kind shoes is fun, it does require a lot of preparation. Knapik spends many house scouring fashion magazines and designers’ websites to find inspiration. Preparation requires analyzing pictures to discover what materials are needed for the designs. Once she has a plan set she goes about creating her masterpiece.
“I love that since I created them, no one in the world has my shoes,” said Knapik. “Sure I got my ideas from awesome designers, but they are made with a Kate twist.”
As much as Knapik loves heels there will always be a special place in her closet for her large flip-flop collection.
“And I don’t care what people say, flip-flops are amazing and can be stylish,” Knapik said.
What does the future hold for this crafty designer? Knapik hopes to become a retail buyer and live on the beach after college, but unfortunately her shoes won’t be on sale anytime in the near future.
“I like being the only one with my shoes,” Knapik said
Want to see more of Kate’s shoes or where she gets her inspiration? Check out these photos!