The First Pairs

When my son was born I remember the first time I held his feet in my hands.

I had a desire to create something special for him that let him move exactly as he wanted, unrestricted by anything I made. I love Solo's clean lines and the way it embraces the foot. I wanted to see them on a small scale on Rayan's feet. Solo is the most technically demanding shoe we make, there are no visible stitches and no elastic. I always love a challenge.

When I design I like to let the material breathe and speak for itself. Zvelle's deerskin is the one I love to work with the most. I can spot our deerskin from a mile away. Its texture is unmistakable and the hand is like no other I have worked with. The pair I made for Rayan is deerskin all around including the soft sole.

It was a privileged experience for me to see the same artisans who create Zvelles make these first pairs for him.

My husband Raymond has worn many first pairs, most of which have never been seen. I made a matching pair of deerskin Solos for him.

This is how all of my creations begin. In my own house, for the people I love most.

These images were taken in my home by my close collaborator Daniel Harrison.

- Elle