Orlando's My Shopping Connection editor Erika Pitera chats with Vein Wear men's shoes designer Christopher McCallum (http://www.myshoppingconnection.com/articles/designer-spotlight/spotlight-on-christopher-mccallum.php):
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Brisbane-based designer Christopher McCallum started Vein Wear with just three styles of men's shoes, all in black. From its small start in 2001, his line of sophisticated men's designer footwear has gained immense popularity in Australia.
Though he pursued law and commerce in college, Christopher found himself wanting more creativity in his life. So in 2001, he dropped out and began pursuing his design interests instead. When he began designing shoes, he knew he had made the right decision - he loved the challenge and beauty in designing male footwear.
Despite several setbacks over the years, Vein Wear has become one of the most talked-about labels in Australia. Vein Wear shoes have appeared on the runways of Australian Fashion Week, Brisbane Fashion Week and more.
When you first decided you wanted to pursue a career in design, what made you choose men's shoes over women's?
When I was in Uni studying Law and Commerce, I decided I needed a career that had more creative nourishment. I chose men's simply because it was easier to start designing for myself and my own taste.
What is your inspiration for your latest work?
My latest work is a bit bleak and sombre. I guess I'm inspired/influenced by the times...economic and otherwise.
If you had to choose one thing that sets you apart from other designers in the world of fashion, what would it be?
Probably that I understand the production process and the costs and values that go along with that. So when I design, my decisions are not just purely aesthetically motivated.
What is the biggest challenge you've faced as a designer? Your greatest accomplishment?
The greatest challenge as a designer is getting paid. So many stores don't pay for their purchases on time, if at all. My greatest accomplishment has been opening our own concept store to offer our shoes the way they were meant to be offered.
Probably Louis Vuitton. Nobody does fashion better than them.
Who are your favorite shoe designers?
If was going to buy a pair of shoes that were not from Vein, they would be from John Lobb, Hugo Boss or Converse.
Can I say shoes? My black suede boots. Other than that, my Tag Heuer watch.
When you're not working, how do you prefer to spend your time?
I like reading and playing soccer, and having a few beers on the deck.
Where do you hope to see Vein in five years?
In five years, I hope to see all of our production and stores running super smoothly so I can focus on just design and the more creative side of the business.
Christopher McCallum's shoes are available at:http://www.veinwear.com/
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