...Let Her Wear It
“Royalty” thigh-high boots. Swimwear: Harem Swimwear. Model: Miya
How I spent most of my life disinterested in shoes, is beyond my comprehension. I’ve always had a thing for women’s shoes, but until earlier this year, I only liked men’s shoes. I now love them! There’s nothing like a beautifully crafted, comfortable piece of leather adorning your feet. Though you’ll find no shortage of sneakers that offer as much comfort, you’ll not find the same level of sophistication and sheer badassery that shoes provide.
This brings me to John Ashford, the creator of some of the most gorgeous shoes I’ve ever seen. If I thought I could get away with wearing women’s footwear, his shoes would be at the top of my list to grab a pair of (this is not to imply his men’s footwear isn’t hi-q). I love stylish, chic footwear, but I like the idea of incorporating colors and patterns into formalwear. Maybe not for the boardroom, but certainly for the ball. John Ashford's creations have just the right amount of outrageous to sate my desire for a stunning shoe. If you didn’t know for a fact that he’s a musician, painter, and photographer, you might suspect it, having one look at his shoe designs. Each one is a work of art, an endeavor of love.
I know you have a history as a Dj, and that it was during a tour that you discovered your calling. What was it that turned you on to women’s footwear?
I was in Naples, Italy at a coffee shop after my band performed earlier that evening, and I was showing a woman my artwork. A man kept looking over my shoulder, and I asked him what he wanted. He looked me in the eye and said that it was his destiny to teach me how to make shoes.
You’re a true creative, in that you have a talent and passion for art, design, music, and fashion. Where do all those things connect with each other for you?
Art is the initial passion. Shoemaking, music, fashion and photography are extensions of the art. Like art is the hand, and the rest are the individual fingers.
How is designing and manufacturing women’s footwear any different than that for men’s footwear? Is there any difference at all?
I believe it is the same. When I was taught cobbling, I noticed that men want comfort first, and women sometimes just want the shoe to look sexy! I was taught comfort first, crazy second... So I use that philosophy in shoemaking for both men and women.
When we first met, you mentioned doing more men’s footwear. How is that progressing?
It is progressing well. I have made 12 pairs and 3 more to go before I start advertising.
You debuted your John Ashford Collection in 2003, at what point since then, would you say your footwear began gaining recognition?
As soon as I got back from Italy, I took my shoes to several stores in The Village [New York City]. Almost overnight the shoes became very popular.
You’ve met a few celebrities along the way. Whose Feet have your shoes adorned?
Wendy Williams was the first celebrity who reached out to me personally. This was at a time when she was hosting her radio show. Since then: Paris Hilton, Cher, Patricia Fields, Alicia Keys, Nicki Minaj, Dawn Richard, Dwight Eubanks, Tyra Banks, and several other notable figures.
You took part in New York Fashion Week SS20 this year, how many fashion week events have you done throughout your career?
In my career I have had participated in at least over 500 fashion shows.
I know you’ve done quite a few collaborations with Karen Hurley Collections, are there other designers you’ve done collabos with?
Besides Karen Hurley Collections of Australia, I have done collaborations with Harem Swimwear from Morocco, Pia Bolte of Germany, Nene La Shiro of Brooklyn, House of Sadia from Pakistan, and Tanya Marie Designs from Ft. Lauderdale, House of Goodluck from Brooklyn, etc.
Far be it from me to knock other designers, but there seems to be (in my opinion) a lack of courage amongst the more established high-end designers when it comes to making new designs. You’ve been doing this for a long time, but still manage to come up with designs that are fresh and daring. How are you able to stay in front of and above the trends?
I make designs and have ideas all the time. I create or sketch every day. I am inspired by nature.
Credits: Authentic "Pink Caddy" Thigh High sandals by John Ashford, Wardrobe by Pia Bolte/Germany Model: Daylon Muenzner. Authentic "Underwater Lily" thigh high boots by John Ashford, Wardrobe by Karen Hurley Collection Model: Sasha Lynn. Authentic "Stargate" thigh-high boots by John Ashford, Wardrobe by Harem Swimwear/ Morocco, Model: Miya, Make up by Jasmin Moon. Authentic "Power Crunch" platforms by John Ashford, Wardrobe by Nene La Shiro/Brooklyn, NY, Undergarments by Karen Hurley Collection, Model: Jelai Laura. Authentic "Red,Red Whine" thigh-high boots by John Ashford, Wardrobe by The John Ashford Collection/New York City, Model: Julia Reid. Authentic "Polka Hawt" platforms by John Ashford Model: Sasha Lynn. All photos and wardrobe styling by John Ashford.
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