Geta Slide Kigumi
Category: Footwear
Competitions: Fashion
Recent studies indicate that flip-flops, slides, clogs, and sandals can cause health issues due to inadequate foot support, particularly as they are typically crafted from plastic and other synthetic materials. Through this project, I aimed to reinvent the sandal, drawing inspiration from Japanese Geta to create the Geta Slide Kigumi. Indeed, my design, with its rigidity and ergonomic features, seeks to address this concern while adhering to an eco-conscious approach inspired by nature. The profile of the pair draws direct inspiration from the Japanese print "The Great Wave of Kanagawa," lending an artistic flair to my creation. Furthermore, it has been meticulously engineered to have the least environmentally impactful life and production cycle possible. By incorporating sustainable materials such as hemp, With its numerous ecological and technical advantages, including its minimal water and pesticide requirements, as well as its antibacterial properties, thus contributing to user comfort. As for Bamboo and Cedar wood, their ecological qualities are outstanding. As materials, they are renewable and have a reduced carbon footprint, while offering ideal robustness and lightness for this project. Finally, for this pair, natural rubber soles are employed, which are much more durable and environmentally sustainable than synthetic rubber. Their primary function is to protect the wood from ground elements while providing cushioning for improved physical and sound comfort. To minimize reliance on glue, screws, and other fasteners, I opted to employ the Japanese Kigumi technique. It is a traditional wood joinery method primarily used in architecture. It involves creating intricate and robust wooden joints through precise cuts and interlocking pieces of wood. By adopting Kigumi, I ensure enhanced durability for the pair, as the resulting joints are exceptionally strong and resilient. Additionally, this method facilitates easy disassembly of the pair, thus simplifying any future repairs, modifications or recycling process. Thank you for dedicating your time to consider my application. Yours sincerely, Mehdi
