Wacky Pack By Jeff Shen
Industrial Designer, Jeff Shen recently shared his “Wacky Pack” collection via his Instagram account.
“Wacky Pack explores the concept and possibilities of “tying a shoe”, by investigating unusual construction and fastening method, creates a unique yet diverse interaction between the shoe and the user, through which to users with a new level of improvisation and customization.” – Shen
The collection was heavily influenced by the Japanese footwear brand Hender Scheme, their “Manual Industrial Products” collection in-particularly, where they create iconic footwear with incredibly clever, manual and traditional shoemaking techniques – “It had resulted in my fascination towards veg-tanned leather, and the combination and clashing between traditional leather shoe making and contemporary, unorthodox concepts.” – Shen
Another big facet of this collection was Shen’s fascination with metal hardware. (the image below is his personal collection) – “They are heavily industrial made object that fulfills design needs. Because of their rich property: shiny surface, smooth cold feeling, weight that it adds onto the objects, to me they are as strong as the fabric or leather that they complement, or even stronger, even with the power to dictate the piece. Their present will be emphasized in Wacky Pack, since it is an exploration of constructing and fastening.” – Shen
The “Wacky Pack” collection consists of three styles Baobao, Sticky Fingers & Osnap.
Baobao
“The inner shoe employs an unlined structure. 4 oz leather was wet and lasted on top of pined down counter and toe stiffeners. the shoe cover uses 2 oz leather skived thin all over to drape and close more easily.
2 layers of soling leather was used, with the top one sanded into a wedge to blend smoothly to create heel.” – Shen
Osnap
“Pattern was laser-score onto the leather and then hand cut.
They are double layered and stitched together to increase thickness and stiffness.
Hollow snaps, EVA soles and lining upper were bought in shoe supply market in Guangzhou.
Linings were dyed to match color.
Shoe was welted and attached with EVA, which was then hand cut and sanded smooth.” – Shen
Sticky Fingers
“Prototype was built to test and validate the zipper construction.
Two-way zippers go all around the entire shoe, from front to bottom to back
Zippers were dyed to match the leather color, sewn onto upper and cemented onto midsole.
Outsoles were split in half and attached to midsole, then trimmed and finished.” – Shen
