My mom tells me that when I was little I absolutely hated mary jane shoes. I would refuse to wear them and I would only be happy if I had sandals on. Apparently, since very early on in my life, I was not so picky about clothes but I already had very distinct preferences about footwear. Shoes have always been simply relevant to me.
I see shoes as an expression form and as an extension of people’s personality. I feel I can tell a lot about someone, way beyond their fashion style, just based on their shoes. I can guess their lifestyle and I can also tell if they are adventurous or rather shy, if they are sophisticated or laid-back…sometimes I can even tell where they come from! Of course, the kind of shoes they wear is not the sole indicator in this regard but looking at someone’s feet certainly gives me some clues. Likewise, I am sure people can also tell much about me based on the shoes I wear!
So, what do I bring home from my trips? You know the answer: naturally, shoes! Some people buy spices to cook, while others get perfumes or opt to shop jewelry, but that’s not my case. To me, the perfect souvenir is a pair of shoes that will bring me memories back every time I wear them. And of course, the more unique they are the better: when people ask about them I’ll be immediately transported to a specific place and time.
I usually bring only one or two pairs max from a trip but I remember going crazy once, on a visit to São Paulo over 10 years ago. After discovering the best shoe store in the world (Shoestock, a true shoe lover paradise), I went on a shopping spree and took 12 pairs back home! Unfortunately, Brazil has become such an expensive country that the last time I was there 2 ½ years ago I could only afford to get a couple of pairs. Yes, I said a couple… ;)
My passion for shoes has also led me to making some major decisions in my life. One of them was quitting my job at the end of 2000 and relocating from Lima to NYC for a few months the following year. I wanted to be a shoe designer so I registered at Parsons School of Design to attend their Certificate Program in Fashion Design. Those months exploring my creativity and artistic skills while living in NYC were certainly very challenging but it was such a fantastic, enriching experience (which I do plan to talk about in a future post).
Then, some events that were beyond my control happened and they prevented me from completing that project. My life took a detour and I ended up in Mexico (where I would live for 7 ½ years), working in the hotel industry, which is what I still do. I know, however, that someday I will close that circle. In the meantime though, I am looking forward to going shoe shopping during my upcoming vacation!