Nina Binné makes men's shoes for women
© Lothar PierceChroniquesDuVasteMonde WOMAN: Your first collection of so-called brogues has just hit the market - classic men's shoes for women.
Nina Binné: Since I'm 16, I love these shoes. My first pair of brogues I got during the holidays in Italy - they were sky blue. When I had them on my feet, it was immediately clear to me: Those are it. Since then, I chase after the shoes, because they are quite rare to get. And one day I knew: now I have to make these classics myself - and reinterpret them.
ChroniquesDuVasteMonde WOMAN: Did you even know about the shoe trade?
Nina Binné: Not at all. However, apart from my job as an entrepreneur and designer, I also work as a freelance artist. Through my passion for abstract painting, I learned a lot about shapes and colors. The prototypes of my brogues were made by a hamburger shoemaker for me, from whom I learned a lot about the craft. In my mind's eye, I knew for a long time what the shoe should look like ...
ChroniquesDuVasteMonde WOMAN: ... elegant and comfortable.
Nina Binné: Definitely, after all, my feet are supposed to carry me through my entire life. So I have to be nice to them. But when it comes to shoe design, it's all about the details. I had to think: What makes my shoe unique?
ChroniquesDuVasteMonde WOMAN: The classic brogues have a lace pattern of tendrils on the top, the "brogueing".
Nina Binne: Exactly. But who says that can not be hearts, stars, crowns or peace signs? Anyway, that's the first trademark ever. The second is the purple-stained sole.
ChroniquesDuVasteMonde WOMAN: Why purple?
Nina Binné: Purple is one of the most expensive natural dyes and for centuries was reserved exclusively for dignitaries, which stands for value and tradition. In the 70s, the color of the women's movement was indispensable. I've taken a shoe that so far almost men only wear and redesigned it for women. So it could not be another color.
ChroniquesDuVasteMonde WOMAN: Do you never wear high-heeled shoes?
Nina Binné: Extremely rare. But of course I have some in the closet. I think every woman needs a pair of great black pumps. It depends on where I'm traveling as a woman. Most men like women in high heels - if a woman needs a man, she might want to go hunting there. I prefer to move on flat shoes in everyday life.
ChroniquesDuVasteMonde WOMAN: Why?
Nina Binné: I am a person who does not like having to subject himself to restrictions. So I need footwear on which I can move as freely as I want. If I can take the liberty of taking big steps, then it's clear what I choose.
ChroniquesDuVasteMonde WOMAN: Flat shoes at almost every opportunity?
Nina Binne: Exactly. I wear them, I love them, they are indispensable to me. A client wore the black and white couple at a wedding, attracting more attention than any of the other Louboutins and Manolo Blahniks.
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