25th of September 2014 – Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Behind the fast world of luxury fashion is a slow and precise craft. Taking inspiration from the ateliers of some of the world’s most recognized designers, ‘Shoe Atelier’ – Level Shoe District’s latest two-month installation – has transformed the store into a walk-through workshop.
Alongside fun, story-telling exhibits celebrating the intricate art of shoemaking, ‘Shoe Atelier’ is also inviting you to take peek behind the scenes of its exclusive brands through a series of exciting, back-to-back activations through mid-November:
Setting a prime example for “Shoe Atelier”, British boot brand Hunter ( @HunterBoots ) will launch a pop-up on September 24th to showcase its Original Hunter model and how – having been handcrafted from the same 28 parts for over a century – it is working to preserve the traditional British craftsmanship it has become known for the world over.
Bally ( @BALLY_SWISS ) fans, too, can discover the Swiss brand’s heritage and its unique approach to craftsmanship – including the exotic leathers used in its made-to-order collections – at a pop-up until September 27th.
Flying in from Great Britain, will be Kevin Martel, Creative Director at Harrys of London ( @harrysoflondon ). Setting up a bespoke atelier in Level Shoe District between September 24th and 27th, Martel is offering personal consultations, along with the chance to create a one-of-a-kind, hand-coloured pair of shoes together (with, of course, a little help from the brand’s skilled Italian artisan).
Kyle Keefe will drop into Level Shoe District between September 28th and October 12th with her unique pop-up concept recreating a private appointment in the comfort of one’s own home. In an Italian-themed dressing room, the designer herself will be taking orders and making custom versions of her line in store: think fine leathers and exquisite, exotic skins like sea snake, python, lizard, stingray, ostrich, and crocodile – each available in virtually any colour.
Travelling from the small Spanish town of Almansa, Magnanni’s artisan shoemakers will arrive in Level Shoe District on October 3rd and 4th to demonstrate their flair for hand painting and colour finishing. Customers can then select any of the styles from Magnanni’s collection and place an order for any kind of leather and colour combination.
Looking towards the future of the industry, leading high heel designers United Nude will be continuously printing 3D shoes live in-store between October 13th and November 10th (with the chance to win a pairshoeamkee designed by architect and founder Rem D. Koolhaas, who will be visiting Level himself for the activation).
British luxury shoe designer Nicholas Kirkwood’s largest pop-up to date will launch at Level Shoe District on October 15th followed by a personal appearance, by the designer himself, on the 21st of October.
Oliver Sweeney’s tattoo artist will also be in store between October 30th and November 1st, personalising newly purchased shoes from his collection using a real, handheld tattoo gun and ink.
