Zaha Hadid Turns Her Design Eye to Jelly Shoes

Melissa has also collaborated with the likes of Jean-Paul Gaultier, Thierry Mugler, Karim Rashid, the Campana Brothers, and Vivienne Westwood.

Mairi Beautyman -- Interior Design, 8/7/2008

Zaha Hadid is entering a new market: shoe design. The Pritzker Prize-winning architect's first shoe collection will be available in stores this September. Commissioned by Brazilian shoe brand Melissa -- which is known for its jelly shoes -- the line is made of the PVC material Melflex. Hadid's stamp is clearly present in the avant-garde, sculptural forms.

Inspired by fluid movements, the shoes feature symbiotic openings, so are slipped on and off without ties or buckles. Hadid will also select the color palette for the shoes.

"I have 30 years of research on different areas of architecture and design and this was a very challenging project, not only in design but on the technical side," says Hadid. "The fluidity of our design combined perfectly with the technology of the plastic of Melissa, injecting pieces without closures or seals."

Melissa has also collaborated with the likes of Jean-Paul Gaultier,  Thierry Mugler, Karim Rashid, and the Campana Brothers. Most recently, Vivienne Westwood conceived a high-heeled Mary Jane.