Baroque Access chats with talented Australian Men’s footwear designer Michael Hockey
Baroque Access (BA) – What were your inspirations when designing this collection?
Michael Hockey (MH) – This season was all about light. How light penetrates darkness, the amazing colors that nature produces in the sky and the iridescent glow of artificial lighting. The summer sun has its only special light intensity. It is crisp and piercing, its shadows are indigo not black and burns true colors to create an over exposed severity to the naked eye. This is how the color palette was chosen also. Navy, Aqua, Violet and Cobolt reflect the degrees of blue achieve by the sun and the glow of neon blue and purple.
I kept this crispness with the styling also. Sharp lines and confident treatments make this season, I feel one of our strongest to date
BA – What motivated you to start your own line of men’s footwear?
MH – I had been designing for over 10 years, first for myself then for various other brands. I had always loved shoes, and so had my business partner David. On a trip to Indonesia I was exposed to amazing crafts men making shoes with traditional welting and blake stitching. When I presented them with my designs the collaboration was amazing and we knew it was time.
BA – What differentiate your footwear collection from others?
MH – We aim to create fashion forward, wearable footwear where men are the main focus not the supporting line to the women’s collection. We take risks, push boundaries and take footwear in a new direction. By challenging the treatments, leathers we use and elements in the shoes, we strive to make Michael Hockey a leader in innovation in men’s footwear.
BA – What is the design aesthetic at Michael Hockey?
MH – As a designer I have always been focused on what is wearable. My personal style is relaxed, smart and dependent on my mood. This comes through, I think in our collections. There is always a spectrum of styles dependant on the occasion or mood you are in. If you feel like wearing dress shoes with shorts and a tank – why not; or sandals with a suit. My design aesthetic is about making the individual feel they can be themselves and be free to make their own choice.
BA – Describe the clientele you design for
MH – Men who are not afraid to be their own man.
BA – Can you share some footwear trends for the coming summer?
MH – I love a good sandal. For men in summer, dressing up for a special occasion can be difficult. Well dressed is a suit. But wearing a suit in the summer heat is not practical. Smart sandals show a man is confident in his own skin and not afraid to be different. Trending this season are sandals that pack a punch.
BA – You recently announced the opening of your first store in Bali. Why Bali? Tell us a little about that?
MH – Bali for us is a fantastic platform to show our brand. Not only is it a beautiful part of the world, it is frequented by people from around the globe. In leading cities be it London, NYC or Paris, we are competing for attention with the most influential fashion brands on the planet. In Bali we have space to breath, for people to see what we are all about. Bali connects us with the world and allows us to test our presence on a global scale.
BA – Any plans to open stores in other international locations?
MH – Watch this space 😉
Shop online at www.michaelhockeycollection.com/
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