Kay Gundlack

Adorning the feet of adoring fans

• Kay's only inspiration is the customer
• He combines traditional techniques with rock’n’roll designs
• Violinist David Garrett and the band Rammstein wear his shoes

Kay Gundlack has wanted to design shoes since he was five years old. At 32, after a career as an orthopaedic shoemaker, he decided to launch his own business after watching a cabaret performance. A drab character going to an office every day made him realise that life is too short to not live your dream. He quit his day job to launch his shoe label the very next day. A TV show brought him to national attention, and his designs now grace the feet of illustrious names on stages across the world. He is still moved each time he delivers a bespoke order, because giving people joy is so important to him; he wants to get each shoe right.

Interview

© All rights reserved

© All rights reserved

What does shoemaking mean to you?

We live in a society of over-consumption and throwaway shoes, in which many people have forgotten what authentic quality feels like, and so much joy has been lost. When I fall in love with something, it does not just give me joy for a week, but for a lifetime.

How do you find inspiration?

My shoes are made for my customers. I’m a good listener, and the shoes come to life during our conversation. I usually start sketching while we talk. I do not need other sources of inspiration. The design develops inside me and reveals itself.

What makes a good craftsman?

Each person has a unique signature. People don’t buy the product, they buy the maker of the product. Giving joy to others is a blessing, no matter which domain you work in, and you can feel that in the product. I can hardly call it a job; I’m living the dream I had as a boy.

Which pair of shoes has brought you the most joy?

A huge fan of violinist David Garrett came to see me in her wheelchair. She wanted to treat herself to shoes by his shoemaker and learn to walk again, wearing my shoes! It has taken her six years, but she can now walk 100 metres. Being part of her journey has been the highlight of my career.

Kay Gundlack is an : he began his career in

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