Shoe designer in step with marine marvels<\/p>\n
By R. Agus Bakti<\/p>\n
YOGYAKARTA (JP): That art and technology are two sides of the
\nsame coin is reflected in the footwear designed by Agung
\nWicaksono, which was displayed at the auditorium of the
\nIndonesian Institute of the Arts in Yogyakarta in early July.<\/p>\n
Eight designs under a common theme of marine flora and fauna
\nhave been turned into finished products. \"I made this footwear to
\nfulfill the requirements for my degree,\" said the 31-year-old
\nartist, who majored in leather handicrafts.<\/p>\n
He said the beauty of the sea inspired him to create the
\ndesigns, noting that the movement of marine biota created beauty
\nthrough harmonization and dynamism.<\/p>\n
He turned his inspiration into planning and concept. He found
\nlittle difficulty in blending technology and art because before
\nenrolling in the institute he completed his studies at the
\nLeather Technology College, also in Yogyakarta.<\/p>\n
\"I must acknowledge there are constraints in creating
\nfootwear, especially with respect to comfort,\" he said, noting it
\nwas due to the anatomy of the foot and the materials used.<\/p>\n
Wicaksono deals with the constraint by designing various kinds
\nof footwear with unique marine shapes. These include the
\nstarfish, rays, cuttlefish, mollusks, jellyfish, shrimps, sea
\nhorses and the grouper.<\/p>\n
The footwear is only suitable for women and is intended for
\nspecial occasions, such as parties and fashion shows.<\/p>\n
Lines, color range and texture, all constituting important
\nsymbols of footwear, are prominent in accenting the fashionable
\ncharacter of the designs.<\/p>\n
In principle, footwear must feet. Originally there were two
\ntypes of footwear, namely sandals, which were open and worn by
\npeople in tropical areas, and moccasins, which were closed and
\nusually worn in subtropical areas. Today, however, the moccasin
\npopularly refers to the particular style of footwear with the
\nleather going in a circle to the bottom.<\/p>\n
Wicaksono said he made sure the footwear was both practical
\nand pleasing on the eye. \"The shoes must be comfortable to wear
\nand reflect decency.\"<\/p>\n
Wicaksono, who underwent training in several large factories
\nin Jakarta, said shoes affected one's appearance in terms of
\ntheir material and decoration, theme, color, toe shape, sole, the
\nheight of the heel and their fastening.<\/p>\n
\"Although footwear takes up a relatively small space, footwear
\ndesigners, me included, can always think of an improvement on
\nfootwear products,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Laymen looking at Wicaksono's designs might have wondered if
\nthey could be turned into actual footwear. The designer took the
\nreverse route, finding the materials, such as leather and suede,
\nwhich were suitable for his designs.<\/p>\n
Most of the shoes give a bright impression, which is
\naccentuated by the colors chosen and high heels often over 5 cm.
\nLow heels are found only in footwear of the theme of starfish and
\nmollusks. The unusual designs make for excellent party shoes.<\/p>\n
The colors chosen are generally red, orange, green and light
\ngray. Darker colors such as brown, black and dark green are
\nbrightened with use of silver and gold in the accessories.<\/p>\n
The shoe texture depends on the materials. Suede leather has a
\nsofter and more regular texture than the other materials. Split
\ncowhide has a rougher texture than the suede of sheep skin. This
\ntexture helps accentuate accessories and will not create a flashy
\nappearance.<\/p>\n
The accessories are dominated by the colors gold and silver, a
\ncombination reinforcing the impression of an extravaganza of
\nbrilliance. Accessories include beads, buttons, gold or silver
\nthreads and tufts.<\/p>\n
Most of Wicaksono's footwear is open-toed.<\/p>\n
\"The same is also true of the sandals with marine biota as
\ntheir decoration. I use a glue\/cementing system reinforced with
\npressing. This construction is generally used for footwear that
\nwe usually find in the market.\"<\/p>\n
Mechanical and manual processes are used in making the
\nfootwear, although it appears to be crafted by hand. Machinery is
\nneeded for difficult parts of the processing requiring strength.<\/p>\n
\"Actually, his works can serve as breakthroughs with which
\nother designs can be introduced,\" said leather goods expert
\nNuraini Indrati. \"These products may be exposed nationally and
\nthen internationally.\"<\/p>\n
Indrati, also a lecturer at the Leather Technology College,
\nadded the theme of nature was interesting to explore. She said
\nWicaksono's works were \"special\" in this respect and showed the
\ncountry possessed a shoe designer on a par with those abroad.<\/p>\n
Wicaksono said he wanted to show his designs in other parts of
\nthe country, including Jakarta, which is generally regarded as
\nthe barometer for fashion in the country.<\/p>\n
The father of a son said his choice of theme reflected his
\ndeep concern for marine life.<\/p>\n
\"When I use this marine life theme for my footwear, I hope it
\nwill attract people to pay more attention to this area. In this
\nway, my works will serve as an effective bridge of
\ncommunication.\"<\/p>",
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