Designer Radar: Julia Lundsten x NOKIAN x FINSK

Famed for her abstract silhouettes, geometric wedges and unswerving commitment to quality, Julia Lundsten is one of the most inspirational footwear designers working in London today. Hailing from Finland, the avant-garde cobbler has quietly set about re-imagining shoe design through what she calls “innovative style and eco-friendly design.” In other words, unorthodox cuts, sustainable materials and experimental patterns merged with traditional methodologies to engineer a fissuring and fab range of kicks. These include the FINSK wooden wedge that has been hailed as a modern icon (and worn by Beyoncé and Lady Gaga), the street-wise ‘Wellies’ rubber boot that was born of a cool collab with heritage brand NOKIAN and a pulsating panoply of Scando-inspired shoes. By juxtaposing contrasting styles and synthesizing old with new, Lundsten has carved out an identifiable niche, selling her alchemical footwear around the globe in department stores and underground boutiques alike. “I’m inspired by architecture, interior design and high-quality heritage,” said the Finnish designer. “I love combining rigor with breathtaking romance and progressive design.” Julia Lundsten makes wedges for walking and shoes for living. We like!