In the pilot episode of Sole Perspective, the challenge presented to the designers is to research Bernard Rudofsky (Austrian-American, 1905-1988), the world renowned architect who founded the footwear company, Bernardo in 1947.
In addition to architecture and shoe design, Rudofsky also contributed his talents as a structural engineer, curator, critic, author, exhibition designer, and fashion designer. Regardless of the industry in which he performed, all of Rudofsky’s works were influenced by his revolutionary philosophy concerning concepts about the body and the use of our senses.
Bernard Rudofsky authored 12 books in his life, 10 of which were published and translated throughout Europe and Japan. “Are Clothes Modern”, published in 1944, was the book that first exhibited his “radical” sandal design concepts, and stood the New York couture crowd on it’s ear. This was the publication that lead the way to the founding of Bernardo.
Over the years, Rudofsky’s accomplishments and contributions to design were so groundbreaking, they eventually led to the 2001 biography entitled, “Bernard Rudofsky: A Humane Designer”, by Andrea Bocco Guarneri.
Most recently, an exhibit at The Getty Institute in Los Angeles entitled, “Lessons from Bernard Rudofsky”, opened on March 11th, 2008 and will be on display there until June 8th. This exhibit debuted in Vienna in March of 2007, then toured Italy and Canada before making its final stop at The Getty Institute. “Are Clothes Modern”, the biography, and the exhibit will all provide excellent written and visual reference material for the Sole Perspective designers in their exploration of the iconic Rudofsky.
Upon completion of their research, the designers are to use the influence and inspiration they gained from Rudofsky to design a collection of three sandals using the same sandal construction that Rudofsky originally created back in the 1940’s. This three sandal collection is to be designed and detailed in such a way that they can be merchandised and sold together.
The winning designer of this Sole Perspective challenge will receive a $10,000 scholarship, and their designs will be included in the Bernardo “Spring 2009” line.
