Virtual Exhibitions: Davide Perella

Davide Perella is officially the designer to watch this year.

After spotting his incredible sneaker/heel hybrid concepts on Instagram, we couldn't resist getting in touch to request a Balenciaga Triple S stiletto design, and the finished creation was absolutely dreamy.

The creative, who is currently collaborating with Moschino, has taken the fashion world by storm with his inventive images based on current streetwear trends.

The Sole Supplier recently caught up with the Italian designer to talk inspiration, sneaker culture, and plans for upcoming projects.

Check out the full interview below!

We love the Balenciaga Triple S Heel that you created for us! What inspired you to create your sneaker heel hybrid designs?

I started thinking about this concept when "dad sneakers"; invaded the street world. I decided to transform them with an ironic style and turn them into "Wife Shoes.";

We noticed that you have worked with some amazing brands! Do you have a favourite brand collaboration?

I loved to work with all the brands for different reasons. I think my favourite collaboration has been with Nike because they gave to me the chance to show my creativity without limitation in a beautiful place like the NikeLab in Milan.

Do you feel that sneaker culture is becoming more inclusive to women? How does this effect your work?

Sneakers have surely become an object of desire for women after so many high fashion brands have become integrated with street culture. For my work this is so interesting because I love to use women's accessories and shoes for my graphics and every day is a new drop.

What are your main inspirations and influences when you create your designs?

I would not be banal saying that I find inspiration from everything, but I am very curious and I always observe everything around me, mostly in the common places of the city. Social media can help designers to see different styles, travelling around the world with just a few clicks.

Which design would you say you are most proud of?

My favourite design from the Heels Series is probably the Air Max 97 Silver Bullet because it's a very popular sneaker, and people really appreciated the ironic version I made.

How did you first become involved in graphic design?

I loved graphic design since high school. After my graduation I moved to NY to study and I started to work for a magazine, then I tried to do some graphic design for my Instagram and Moschino shared my graphics on their page. I was so excited and I decided that this was what I wanted to do.

Have you got any plans for upcoming projects that you can tell us about?

I am a person who never stops. I have several collaborations in progress, but my main project is to open a personal art direction study.

What are your favourite sneaker and clothing brands right now?

Shoes are my obsession, I'm a little Carrie Bradshaw inside. As you can see from my page I'm a "Swoosh"; fan for the sneakers, but I love adidas too. For the clothing I like to mix different styles.

What advice would you give to aspiring graphic designers?

Make something that you like because it's the only way to find your own style.

Check out more from Davide Perella via his Instagram feed @davideperella and take a look at his website here.

Images and designs courtesy of Davide Perella