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Fashion trends are dynamic; trends evolve, continually pushing the boundaries of creativity and seeking a new form of self-expression. One of the latest trends captivating fashion enthusiasts and local artists alike is shoe painting. Shoe painting is the art of customizing shoes by painting them with intricate designs, vibrant colours, and personal motifs.
Individuals express their artistic ways to shift ordinary footwear into unique, wearable masterpieces. In recent years, we've seen a boom in shoe painting, and it gradually transformed into a trend.
The rise of shoe painting
Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have played a significant role in popularizing shoe painting. Artists and hobbyists share their creations, tutorials, and techniques, inspiring others to take up the brush.
Influencers and celebrities have also embraced this trend, showcasing custom-painted shoes in their outfits, further driving its popularity. This practice reached its height during the pandemic when people were bored and searching for a creative space in the monotony of lockdown life.
Some entrepreneurs take this therapeutic hobby into an online platform as a real profession. Somaiya Tabassum, lead artist at GreyLo- a customized shoe paint platform, stated, "Five years in 2018/2019, we didn't even think there would be power rangers drawn all over shoes. Clients wanted specific parts of the shoe painted with a solid colour or a small flower, and now I'm doing a 360 painting of a forest on a shoe. It's getting funkier and crazier, with more and more elements to draw on shoes. I'm painting for so many brides now." This trend is more accepted today.
The freedom of customization
Custom-painted shoes offer fresh air in a world where mass production often leads to homogenization. They allow individuals to wear their identity, passions, and creativity on their feet.
Each pair tells a unique story, whether it's a favourite cartoon character, a meaningful symbol, or an abstract design.
Somaiya Tabassum said, "Tasteful customers lie between the age group of 15 to 35." She mostly gets orders based on specific anime, cartoons, musical themes, quotes or floral patterns, mandala art, or something traditional that represents cultural history, such as a design on Mughal Harem. "Clients not only gift shoes to their loved ones but also share love, hopes and dreams painted on sneakers," she said.
Impact on fashion
The trend of shoe painting is more than just a fashion statement. It blurs the lines between art and fashion, making art more accessible and wearable. It also hands over the artistic liberation from experts to enthusiasts.
Painted shoes go with any attire. You can wear custom-painted black shoes for casual, formal events while rocking denim trousers with a modern top. Even in wedding ceremonies, your gorgeous sari or lehenga rocks gracefully with a pair of vibrant sneakers.
Bangladeshi young celebrities are welcoming this idea to their wardrobes. In Coke Studio's song 'Deora' music video, Pritom Hasan wore a pair of custom-painted sneakers.
Brands are collaborating with artists to create limited-edition collections that cater to the growing demand for unique footwear. Say, Lil Nas X launched a design with patches of his blood on it.
Price of art and hardships
An artist puts immense time, patience, and dedication into one pair of shoes. From an artist's perspective, pricing custom-painted shoes can be complex.
No one wants to sell their brainchild for a bit of cash. But tell that to the competitive market. The value of the artwork and the time invested must be balanced against the cost of the base shoe and market expectations. Ishrat Imu runs a page called 'Hope World Totes' where she sells handpainted products. She shared, "So first of all, one of the main initial challenges for me was finding good quality but affordable supplies to invest in, as I'm still a student and have no stable earning source. Then there is the time-consuming painting process because painting on paper and fabric/leather isn't quite the same."
For those looking to start, the initial capital can be a barrier. Moreover, standing out in a crowded market requires constant innovation and high-quality work. Yet artists deliver their emotions in the form of brush strokes.
Somaiya Tabassum expressed in her words, "It's the reaction of people once the shoe is delivered to them, and they tell you how happy they are; the feeling is priceless. All the sleepless nights and back pain just washed away. That's what motivates me. You won't believe how therapeutic the smell of paint is to me. Painting heals me. I will continue painting till my last breath."
A sustainable fashion practice
Interestingly, shoe painting goes hand in hand with the growing trend towards sustainable fashion. Instead of buying new shoes, individuals can breathe new life into old or plain footwear, reducing waste and promoting reuse.
It's a cheap, all-purpose option rather than a new expensive one. Rebelling against fast fashion, shoe painting is undeniably a timeless thing. This aspect surely attracts environmentally conscious consumers.
The future of shoe painting
One thing is sure, the deep urge to stand out among other fashionistas will always keep this fashion trend alive.
Somaiya Tabassum predicted clients may want an extra flower patch on their Nike Airforce Swoosh logo in the upcoming years to have a 3D effect. Stitching can be introduced to shoes. Either bare minimalism will return, or crazier themes may come.
Shoe painting is more than just a trend—it's a movement. Are you a fashion enthusiast wanting to be the centre of the room? Custom-painted shoes offer a canvas for endless possibilities. So why not pick up a brush and step into shoe painting?