NOVA Shoe by Zaha Hadid for United Nude
Designed by world renowned architect Zaha Hadid in collaboration with Rem D. Koolhaas of United Nude, the NOVA Shoe is a unique design with a combination of innovative material and architectural design. Techniques such as injection and rotation moulding, as well as hand-moulded methods, such as vacuum casting were utilized in the creation of this new limited edition haute couture shoe.
The upper of the shoe combines metallic chromed vinyl rubber and is lined with the highest quality Italian kid nappa leathers. The hidden platform and heel are composed of fiberglass and the outsole is made of rubber. A cantilevered system allows 6.25-inch heel to appear completely unsupported.
“I have always appreciated those who dare to experiment with materials and proportions. Our collaboration with United Nude reinterprets the classic shoe typology; pushing the boundaries of what is possible without compromising integrity.” – says Zaha Hadid
Zaha hadid and United nude’s Creative director Rem d Koolhaas have been talking about shoes since they first met years ago. Hadid, an architect with a passion for shoes, and Rem D, the original shoe architect, agreed to collaborate on the design of a shoe with no pre-conceptions and ignore all the rules to create an entirely new form of shoe.
“Zaha consistently reinvents the program with her own ideas and interpretations. Her visionary creations are
often unexpected, yet reinforce their origins,” says Koolhaas. “I could not resist the challenge to work with
Zaha. We gave ourselves the greatest degree of experimentation and used the latest digital design and
manufacturing technologies to create one of the most innovative shoes ever produced.”
The design incorporates intricate striations juxtaposed with dramatic realignments, establishing a direct formal relationship with the shoe’s primary structure and expressing the dynamic forces applied by every step of the wearer. The rhythmic, articulated transformation of the shoe’s composition encapsulates the seamless integration of materials, inventive engineering and highest standards of comfort. As Hadid’s most recent expression of this symbiotic association, the NOVA shoe design transcends the disciplines of fashion and architecture.
The NOVA Shoe design was launched on 2nd July 2013 at L’eclaireur store in Paris and is also available for purchase at United Nude for a price of Euro 1500 or US$ 2000. Check out the video below: