Designer Profile – Radical Yes!

I am so excited for today’s post on Radical YES!  A Melbourne run footwear business which was launched in 2013.

These shoes are seriously fun and as a textile designer myself, the quality leathers, gorgeous colours and quirky prints in the Radical YES! collections just tug at my heartstrings! Seriously aren’t they awesome?

The creator of Radical YES! is Product Developer and Yoga Practitioner Kerryn Moscicki, who has worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years, and saw a gap in the market for fashion forward/active footwear. Being a mother of 2 herself, Kerryn understands the importance of comfort and so each shoe features a ‘famous yellow insole’. The removable leather foot bed features an athletic shoe standard padded sole (similar to the ones found in sneakers) which means optimum comfort and durability, without compromising the shoes aesthetics.

The concept is simple, the same flat-soled last, is used for each shoe, and then the design possibilities are explored through different textile applications and the design of the upper pattern of the shoe.

Then comes the magic…

Kerryn is incredibly creative and has a wonderful eye for pattern, colour and texture, and it is precisely this which makes the Radical YES! shoe so desirable. (make sure you check out my interview with Kerryn below, she is one smart and talented lady)

Offered in an incredible array of textiles and materials including soft suedes, delicate textured leathers, fun printed canvas and amazing laser cut designs (I totally have my eyes on these gold babies), there is something for everyone!

I love fashion, I love quality, I love practicality, and I especially love a product that can combine those three qualities so seamlessly.

I can feel a love affair evolving!  I dare you to pick just one … which is your favourite Radical YES! style?

 

Image of Kerryn by LiLT Blog, All other images courtesy of Marnie Hawson

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What inspires your design and creative decisions ?

Intuition. Pragmatic decision making. Sometimes doing the opposite to what I think is the ‘right’ thing to do. Trying only ever to make things I would conceivably want to wear myself.

 What is your favourite part of the design process?

Reviewing the fabric markets and sourcing materials is high on the list but I also love the moment where I receive colour up samples back from my maker and see new products coming to life.

 How would you describe your personal style?

Pragmatic. Practical. Based on being a mother of 2 busy boys. Masculine. Oversized. Pixie.

 What are 5 essentials in your wardrobe?

APC Green Anorak that I bought in Paris 3 years ago and have pretty much worn every day since. Bassike White Tee Shirts. Rolla’s Jeans. White Denim anything. Radical Yes! shoes – preferably in a Print or laser cut detail.

 Name some of the people who inspire you and why?

My husband Leo. Because he is a creative genius and gets everything I do. My highly talented friends, especially Anita from Seesaw studio and Sarah who is half of Rolla’s Jeans. We all share a similar aesthetic and approach. My friend Katie who runs the original killer kids website Hipkin (hipkin.com.au) is also a constant source of inspiration as someone who is just totally fearless in her approach to work. All working Mothers. In the realm of people I don’t know and will never meet – Epic Australian Artists Joy Hester and Carol Jerrems. Senior style icon Iris Apfel. California based designer Jesse Kamm. Style-everything-wonder-woman Yasmin Sewell.

 If you could design a shoe for anyone in the world, who would it be? 

My Mum. I would do anything to have her here and see how Radical Yes! came to life. She would have had a pair in every colour.

 What are the top 3 resources which you turn to for inspiration?

Yoga so I can be still for long enough to listen. Heidi Museum of Modern Art. North Melbourne Library art section.

 What is the best place to shop in  Melbourne?

Limedrop shop in the Nicolas Building, Flinders Lane City and the absolutely stunning Den Store in Geelong.

 What is next for Radical Yes? Where do you see the brand going  in the future?

The approach for the brand was always on a project by project basis. We try to operate outside of seasonal expectations and just make things as we go along. I would like to make a film one day to bring the shoes into a 3 dimensional quality in the online store. maybe that is next.

 Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to start his or her own business in footwear?

Consider how much you value sleep and time with loved ones. If it is greater than your need to run a label opt out.