HEAVEN HAS HEELS | Summer Issue 2015

STEPPING OUT
THE LAUNCH OF LONDON LUXURY LABEL, KARINA IK.
T
here’s nothing quite as exciting
as a brand’s first collection;
witnessing years of inspiration
come to life. This is the case
with newly launched label Karina IK.
Based in London handcrafted in Italy,
the focus of Karina IK is precision
and craftsmanship, its founder Karina
Oikonomidou-Ikonomova committed
to every aspect of the business. It was
originally fashion however, that drew her
into the design world.
“The whole fashion industry
process of supply chain, distribution and
sales always attracted me,” says Karina.
“But then on my foundation degree at
UAL Chelsea College of Art and Design I
realized I was obsessed with leathers!”
Karina had found her passion and
made the decision to focus on footwear.
“I realized that everyone needs shoes, it’s
such an important part of our wardrobe.
It is the main detail of an outfit and if the
shoes are of good quality and look good,
the rest comes second.”
Karina completed the BA
degree in Footwear product design and
development from London’s Cordwainers
College (LCF) adding to her vast and
diverse qualifications which include a
Master of Science from Imperial College
London and degree in marketing from the
Polimoda Institute of Design in Florence.
After graduating, Karina
continued to hone her skills taking orders
for customized shoes in London. In her
mind however, the company was taking
shape. In 2015, it became official and
Karina IK came to life with the Autumn/
Winter 2016 Opus Magnum Collection.
A collection that consists of ten styles
in thirteen colors designed with quality
leathers and exotic skins handpicked from
the best tanneries in Italy. Inspired by
Divine Proportion and the Golden Mean,
these are timeless pieces that will see you
through life’s ups and downs created with
a particular woman in mind.
For Karina, that woman is
passionate, confident and active—whether
it’s traveling, taking care of a family or
on the social circuit. “She has to have a
passion,” explains Karina. “The IK woman
needs exclusivity in her life, as she has
seen the world and appreciates quality
and rarity. She needs shoes that can keep
up with her busy lifestyle and that are
comfortable; that allow her the confidence
on the ground that reflects the power she
holds.”
As a designer, Karina is
committed to providing luxury shoes
that are comfortable and chic. “When it
comes to shoes, comfort is necessary as
it is our health we are talking about,” she
explains. “Our feet are directly connected
with the majority of organs in our bodies.”
It is this message along with the creation
of timeless designs that are the brand’s
upcoming focus. “One of our big projects
for 2015 is to create an awareness among
young women especially, to start looking
after the health of their feet. After all, we
want them to wear IK shoes for as long as
they would like to!” For lovers of heavenly
heels, we look forward to the future
of Karina IK and the luxury footwear
revolution that creates killer kicks that can
keep up with our busy lives. KarinaIK.com
— JULIA STUART
HEAVEN HAS HEELS summer 2015 | @HHHEELS