Chie Mihara Shoes

CHIE MIHARA Shoes

CHIE MIHARA has the same obsession as most women: shoes - but for the Alicante-based designer the preoccupation doesn't end with the purchase of one pretty pair; it's a year-round dedication to the comfort, shape and colour of covetable foot furniture.

Chie Mihara Shoes - IELO

"Firstly I start with at least one month's research," Mihara told VOGUE.COM in her Alicante studio. "Photographing, looking at books, museums, art galleries - then I sketch for maybe another month. When I have the designs we work on the last - the mould on which we make the shoe - then fit again and again making small changes to make sure the prototype is completely comfortable. Shoes don't have to hurt to look good - it is possible to have both comfort and beauty. Then the design process really begins." 

 Chie Mihara  - Chip

 Mihara was born in Brazil to Japanese parents but now speaks Spanish daily to her children and husband - and could engage you in Italian, French or English if required. She brings this international flavour to her range utilising traditional fabrics in vibrant colours for a unique look.

 Currently Mihara is working on the upcoming spring/summer 2010 collection of Chie Mihara Shoes but spared the time to impart a little shoe-shopping wisdom: "Try them on in the store for at least five minutes, ideally ten. They should be comfortable for that short time, if not forget it". 

 Chie Mihara Boots - Debutant

 CHIE MIHARA: BIOGRAPHY 
Born in Porto Alegra, Brasil, in 1968, of Japanese parents. Second of three sisters.
Lived in from age 18 to 22, in Fukuoka .
Studied fashion design in Kyushyu Design Gakkuin.
After graduating, worked for Junko Koshino, for two years as designer assistant.
At age 22, moved to New York for next five years.
Studied accessories design at F.I.T., mainly shoes and handbags.
Did internship at Eneslow, an orthopaedic shoe store, where I learned a lot about the foot and its problems.
For another two years, worked at Sam & Libby as shoes and bags designer.
At age 27, made my move to Europe and was definitely the place to be.
Worked for Charles Jourdan for a couple of years.
Got married at 29 and dedicated next four years to create a family, now with three kids.
In December 2001, launched own line.

The concept of Chie Mihara’s work is design, comfort and quality. She does not  follow any trend, but likes fashion very much.