Designer Paola Hernandez Gets Philosophical
by Kristie Griffith January 17th, 2012 at 12:01 PM
We love nothing more than discovering the inspiration behind talented designer's collections. In that vein, ShoesTV sat down with Paola Hernandez, who launched her namesake label in 2006, to learn about her design process and to get the dish on her SS12 shoes.
Hernandez studied fashion at Saint Martin's in London and shoe design at ARS Sutoria in Milan and has presented her designs around the world. She creates her collections based on spiritual concepts and as a way to express one's individuality.
Paola Hernandez flanked by models in her designs.
ShoesTV: What inspires your designs?
PH: They usually start from a philosophical idea that is shown through design elements in the pieces.
"Through each collection we focus on portraying a way in which people evolve toward consciousness, ultimately becoming the best expression of themselves." -PH
ShoesTV: How did you get your start in fashion?
PH: After studying philosophy I realized I wanted to express my ideas through fashion as art worn and expressed by human beings. I wanted to create a philosophical statement with fashion as a symbolic language.
"Fashion is a manifestation of collective consciousness."-PH
ShoesTV: What styles can we expect to see from Paola Hernandez in SS12?
PH: Geometric shapes representing the order of the tangible world paired with organic and transparent materials representing the flow and clarity of the spiritual approach.
"My creative process starts with a question of how to understand human evolution."-PH
ShoesTV: How would you describe your footwear design aesthetic?
PH: Androgynous.
Photo Courtesy of Paola Hernandez. Shoes are from SS12 collection.