In a profession that is mostly taken over by men, Finish shoe designer, Minna Parikka, decided to breathe some much needed female fresh air and share with the world her talent for unique shoes, and other accessories.A lifelong shoe-lover herself, Minna creates designs that combine elements of surrealism, playfulness and contemporary design – in all colours imaginable. Her signature is so obvious that is quite difficult not to recognize her statement-making shoes. “Fashion shouldn’t be taken too seriously," Parikka explains. "My designs are for women who dare to play with their style.”
The first Minna Parikka collection was launched in Autumn 2006 and the flagship store was opened in Helsinki in 2008. Crafted in Italy and Spain, her quirky styles are made of the finest materials with unparalleled attention to detail, and is therefore, no surprise that Minna’s shoes have helped countless women build their own cool style from the ground up.
The Helsinki based designer's accessories have graced the feet and bodies of women all over the world, including Lady Gaga, Fergie, Paloma Faith and Beth Ditto from the Gossip. Her work has been featured in international publications, such as Vogue, Vogue Pelle, Elle, Marie Claire, Grazia, Glamour, Collezioni, Tatler, Harper’s Bazaar, WAD, Neo2 and Sleek, just to name a few. She even has her very own first class postage stamp in Finland and three pages in SCARPE!, a book of shoes by Rizzoli (2010).
Although her main focus and first love will always be footwear, Minna has built a whole strong universe around her shoes. Buttery soft leather gloves and surreal bags complement the range. For Spring/Summer 2012 Parikka created her "Heartbeats" collection filled with tropical acid tones, melting ice cream, wings that take you high to the bright blue sky and heart decorations perfect for holiday romances and the electric nights.
Patent leather like melted ice cream drops over a pair of shoes that were used as a base of a double platinum award given to Lady Gaga. Heart decorated classic Minna Parikka shoes worn by Beth Ditto. Women are dangerous animals clutch with a mouth detail worn by Fergie from Black Eyed Peas.
Parikka's incredibly soft ballerinas with bright metallic wing details will make you feel like you are flying. Heels from zero to 13 cm and everything in between in edgy acid yellow and green suede, delicious powder patent, fruity orange and berry reptile embossed leather, sophisticated metallic shades, sweet mint green ostrich replica leather and shocking electrified blue and pink suede are only some of the outstanding details that make these shoes so magical and a staple in every wardrobe. Not to mention the matching bags and gloves. Currently her designs are sold in 17 countries - and this is only the beginning!
Minna was also very kind to answer our Fashion-Pixel questionnaire and shared among other things her personal style, latest purchase and what she thinks ought to be in a design museum, among other things. Wanna know all about it? Then keep scrolling!
MINNA PARIKKA S/S 2012 COLLECTION HEARTBEATS from MINNA PARIKKA on Vimeo.
Fashion-Pixel: What is your
personal style when it comes to dressing?
Minna
Parikka: Classic shapes with play of detail and fearless use of bold
colour.
F-P: What is your favourite colour?
MP: Vibrant
multicolour.
F-P: Which
designer do you admire?
MP: I have been
decorating my new home so I am really into furniture. I bought an amazing
minidesk designed by Albini 1958. The desk has no inclination to the normal
design that is linked to that era. The desk looks like it could have been
designed today. It is amazing when somebody can create something that is
totally timeless.
F-P: Do you have a piece of jewellery that means a lot to you? What is it? If you want, tell us why is it so important to you?
MP: Last birthday
I got a beautiful multi chain brass necklace with a dark burned front from my
boyfriend. It is perfectly elegant yet very contemporary.
F-P: What are you
going to buy next for your wardrobe? Where from?
MP: I’m going to
buy some strong sunglasses from Cutler and Gross. They are by far my favourite
eyewear designers.
F-P: What is your favourite outfit?
MP: I love
wearing skin tight long sleeve leotards in bright crisp colours that I buy from
a gymnastics gear shop. I love pairing them up with tight pair of trousers or a
high-waisted 90’s tight skirt. Worn with a neon yellow Chanel belt and multi-coloured
Pom Pom peeptoe sandals from my ss12 collection and a powder peach and yellow
Drip clutch. I don’t like wearing jewellery that much since I like to wear a
lot of colour so just one pearl in the left ear will do.
F-P: Do you usually buy clothes from your trips abroad?
MP: I buy most of
my clothes when I travel. I love going through shops and doing ‘research’ while
travelling. My research turns quite often to a shopping spree instead of
inspiration seeking.
F-P: What piece would you place in a fashion museum?
MP: From my AW12
collection there will be suede pumps with bunny ears and pony skin in leopard
print with cat ears. They will be iconic.
F-P: What is a key item that all wardrobes should have?
MP: A vast
selection of shoes for different occations. Different heel hights for different
purposes.
F-P: Would you like to live in another era?
MP: Sure I would
like to live in an era where there was an excitement of new things emerging.
When there was a visual revolution going on, bubling under, when there was
space for new ideas.
F-P: What inspires you?
MP: Active life.
To be able to fill my days with variety and action. I would like my life to be
an adventure and I want to design shoes that may lead also other women to new
adventures.
F-P: What is your favourite material to use?
MP: Leather.
Textured leather, buttery soft nappa, velvety suede.
F-P: What is your fashion fetish?
MP: High heels of
course, that is why I become a shoe designer so that I can wear heels and
make my shoe dreams come true.
F-P: What is your latest fashion obsession?
MP: Wallets.
Leather in and out. I just launched a small line of wallets for AW12 that just
arrived.
F-P: How do you determine what is chic?
MP: It is when
classic elegant forms take a new clever shape in a playful way.
F-P: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
MP: There isn’t
anything better than a style made with personality. There is no need to put on
an inmpersonal fashion uniform. The personality can come through with subtle
nyances or extravagant takes on style, what ever suits you the best.
Photos and video courtesy of Minna Parikka©
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