By: Catalina Castillo
Fashion also keeps an eye on the future. Many fashion designers, filmmakers, and creatives see the future as a realm of endless possibilities to inspire their creations.
Rei Kawakubo, Gareth Pugh, Ghesquiere and Thierry Mugler have been some of the main pioneering creators of collections with indispensable iconic elements of this aesthetic universe.
Today, I want to tell about Bohdan Honcharenko, a Ukrainian designer and founder of the HONCHARENKO brand. He has been manufacturing shoes for over 13 years, describing his technique as «a blend of futuristic design simplicity and the apocalyptic breath of the streets.»
How long ago did you found your brand?
I received education and practical skills to create shoes in Ukraine. I have been manufacturing shoes for over 13 years.
Why futuristic designs?
Because I want to advance the footwear industry and develop new forms and types of shoes. To show everyone a vision of the shape with the shoe material.
What inspires you to create your designs?
The process itself is what inspires me in my work. When you hold and feel the material, when you see how it changes shape under the influence of various factors. For me, it’s easy to sketch and create a shape with my own hands. This is what I am most proud of because not everyone in the modern world can do it.
«I believe that soon it will come down to each of us having a 3D printer at home and a link to a site with a neural network, and we can print any shoe or anything else a person needs»
What materials do you work with?
The main materials I work with are natural leather and various foam materials for making soles, but for now, I started mixing these two materials to make soles.
Where do you think the footwear industry is headed?
I believe that soon it will come down to each of us having a 3D printer at home and a link to a site with a neural network, and we can print any shoe or anything else a person needs. But the machine will not replace human hands and character.
Who do you consider your main competition in the market?
The biggest competition is the mass market. It’s hard to compete with it. Its policies and influence on people are stronger than those of creators like me.
Creatively, what is the biggest challenge to avoid «falling» into a copy of other major brands and fashion trends?
On the path to finding your style, you have to go through many aspects of your creation as a person. There’s nothing wrong with being inspired by another designer. It’s part of the process. You remain an individual with your own ideas that will be revealed.
What are the main characteristics of your designs?
Craftsmanship, attention, and art.
What has been the biggest challenge in marketing your designs?
It’s about adapting to the customer and staying true to your style.
Are the shoes comfortable?
Of course! That’s one of the reasons to have these shoes because they are not only fantastic but also comfortable!
What do you think of «Fast Fashion»?
This is what kills us, the artists of design.
Is there any designer who has inspired you with their futuristic influences?
Yes, of course! My favorite is Rick Owens. He is definitely the number one designer for me. I don’t just love his work, but the kind of human vibe he produces. I knew about him when I was in college in the design department (2014), and now, after so many years of waiting, I got to meet him.
Tell me, why use futuristic footwear?
Because we already have the past.
What advice would you give to those designers looking to start finding their style?
I would advise them not to think they can replicate something that already exists. Think about what you will achieve if you try to surpass yourself.
How long does it take you to make a pair of shoes?
It depends on the model and shape, the amount of material that needs to be processed. It can be, for example, 4 days or two weeks. Of course, I can make shoes in 1 day; it all depends on the shape of the materials and the complexity of the model.
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