It was wonderful meeting Mr. Mashizan Masjum, the founder and designer of luxury shoe brand MASHIZAN (at the media preview of his new shoe collection for Fall/ Winter 2016). I was also very fortunate to attend his closing show for Singapore Fashion Week, which was absolutely stunning.
MASHIZAN is a fairly young brand, based in Florence, Italy. The first shoe collection was launched around two years ago in New York, Milan and then subsequently in Singapore (in July 2015). MASHIZAN shoes are fully Italian made, not only are they handcrafted by a boutique manufacturer in Florence but the materials for the shoes are sourced solely in Italy. Being an avid shoe lover, I was instantly drawn to the beautiful shoe collection. And for me, what sets this brand apart from others is the inspiration behind each collection.
Before he became a shoe designer, Mr. Mashizan Masjum was an award-winning TV documentary producer, director and writer; who has produced for international networks such as National Geographic, Discovery Channel and History Channel. So each collection is inspired by his experiences in international travels and the filming of factual TV programs. I found this so unique and refreshing from other brands, because there is an actual creative story behind each shoe he designs.
Mr. Mashizan Masjum began his journey as the creative director of MASHIZAN in 2013, when he took a sabbatical and headed to Florence on a four-month shoe-making course. He studied under master shoemaker Angelo Imperatrice, and veteran shoe designer and former head designer of Ferragamo, Ilaria Papucci. And when you see his shoe collection in person, you can see the quality of the materials, the craftsmanship, it really is a unique piece of art.
Here is a little more about the collection and my favourite pieces.
MASHIZAN Fall/Winter 16 – Vulcano
This collection is a representation of his experiences filming in Iceland, Greece, Italy, Mt. St. Helens and Polynesia for his two-hour documentary “Inside The Volcano” for the History Channel.
He was inspired by the beauty of volcanoes and the rich textures of Hawaiian lava, the jagged rock of Santorini and the serenity of Icelandic ridges. So he designed silhouettes that are strong and bold, and in the choice of materials, he played with several different textures. The main colours featured in the collection are reds, metallics, blacks and browns.
My favourite piece from the collection was the Tambora in Silver. He told me when he was filming in the volcano in Hawaii, him and his team had to walk on hot lava that was still cooling off. It was a terrifying experience because every step they took; they could hear sounds of the ground beneath them cracking. And through that experience he made the Tambora shoe resemble the texture of volcanic rocks.
When I tried the shoe on, I had to go half a size up, but the fit was perfect (the shoes are Italian Sizes). The shoes were so comfortable and I fell in love with the gorgeous Italian leather. In my opinion, the Tambora is a must buy from the collection, it is so unique and looks beautiful when worn. It is truly a piece of art and a pair that would last you through all seasons. This shoe is retailing at SGD 650.
Another classic pair is the Simona II, this is a simple and elegant pump finished with Iridescent leather. I tried this pair on as well, and it was so unique because of the Iridescent colours. As you walk around with the shoe, every light that you step into illustrates different hues of colours. Mr. Mashizan said he would be introducing new hues of iridescent colours with each collection. He wants this to be the signature shoe of the brand. This pair is retailing at SGD 580.
If I were to pick three more shoes from his collection, I would choose the Crete in Iridescent, because it’s a a flat shoe that is easy to wear everyday. And you can never go wrong with a metallic iridescent flat shoe. This shoe is retailing for SGD 510.
Another favourite would be the Kristy in Red. I love Red shoes and you can never have enough. It is a classic colour which works well with most outfits, I love the cutwork detailing on the shoe. This pair is retailing for SGD 580.
Finally my last choice would be the Helena Bootie, this is another practical shoe that would be very versatile. And how gorgeous is the lace detailing on the side? It is the perfect pair for Fall, retailing for SGD 710.
What was your favourite shoe from the collection?
MASHIZAN’s Fall/Winter 16 collection is available in Singapore at Julie Nicole (#01-17, Capitol Piazza) and Robinsons @ The Heeren (Level 2). It is also avialable in New York at the Public Factory and Tiramisu in Milan.
For more information on the Brand and to view the full collection, do visit their website –http://www.mashizan.com/
Wow !! Such an amazing experience and what magnificent style ! The shoes are unbelievably fabulous! Thank you so much for sharing all of this !
Great post how lucky are you to meet such an inspirational creative. Love those shoes very stylish design and glad you had a great time. XOWP
I absolutely love the first silver booties and then the las tones with the lace details!
It is so important to learn and take great value in the designers that works so hard and take quality in consideration. Makes what you’re bying feel so much more special! It is awesome that you got to meet him.
I am a shoe lover and these designs and styles are fantastic. I love that they have special defining features on each shoe that make them unique. I haven’t heard of him before but thank you for introducing him to us. I will definitely check out his collection and hopefully get a pair of new shoes! xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
That’s amazing! His shoes are beautiful so I’ll definitely check them out 🙂
http://WWW.MARIANNYC.COM
It’s cool that you got to meet him! Very informative post!
How cool that you got to meet him! It’s always interesting to hear the story behind collections and you can certainly see the volcanic influence in this one 🙂 My favourite pair has to be the boots- that lace on the side just makes them so stunning and unique
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
That’s so cool that you got to meet a designer. I love the boots with the lace detail in the last image. I would definitely want to get boots like those cause it’s definitely unique.
xoxo
http://www.atsunamatsui.com
Love your post about this new designer in our own Singapore.
I like the pump the best and the silver boots are fun and only for those wacky occasions where you just need to be the talk of the evening, you what I mean right?
Keep it up Sara!
xx
Samina Malik Makeup and Image Design
The Tambora style is most definitely my favorite! And I adore the story behind this design. I love learning about designers and their source of inspiration. In turn, it inspires me through their design and encourages me to always be a loyal follower. Thank you so much for sharing this post on such a wonderful collection and designer!
Lacey
http://www.stateoflace.com
What a wonderful experience babe! Those shoes are fabulous !
xo, Maryam
http://www.glamandposh.com
Great architectural piece the first silver one.
Love also the classic pit of SIMONA 2
Great brand never heard before .
Thx for sharing!
Xx
Eva
BULINO GOTHIC BLOUSE | TENERIFE SKIRT – The Mermaid Fashion
http://www.themermaidfashion.com/2016/11/28/bulino-gothic-blouse-tenerife-skirt/
The heels and fabric on those Tambora heels are so cool!! And I absolutely adore the lace detail on the Helena Booties too! It’s always so fun learning about designers’ backgrounds and what inspires their collection. The inspiration for his Vulcano collection is so unique, and I can see how the beautiful experiences shaped his aesthetic for the shoes. Hopefully I will get a chance to wear his designs one day as well! 🙂
xo Soo | http://www.BrownEyedToast.com
Those shoes are so pretty! Never noticed this brand before! Going to put it on my watch list from now. Thanks for sharing!
Xx
Jessie
http://4evajessie.com/winter-meets-summer/
The shoes are so gorgeous. What a great experience. I have never heard of this designer but I am definitely going to check him out. I think my favorites are the Crete and the last booties with the lace detail. Thank you for sharing !! xx
It is always so exciting to meet the mind and designer behind the items we love! These shoes are absolutely amazing and you are so lucky you got to meet the designer in person 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing!
http://www.ministryforstyle.com
x Mandy
wow what a great experience to have the chance of knowing a fashion designer! I think like a blogger sometimes we have an amazing opportunities to know people that we never imagine to know any day! beautiful designs too! Kisses.
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Those shoes look amazing!! I really love the silver bootie with a unique heel and red sandals! So pretty and chic!