The inspiration for the Chilote House Shoes came from the local social and material resources available in the Chilean Patagonia. The design is a result of Kerestegian's interaction and relationship with the local culture, communities, and industry. The shoes are made 100% by hand using only repurposed and up-cycled salmon leather and natural wool, making them highly sustainable and eco-friendly.
What sets the Chilote House Shoes apart is their inclusive manufacturing method. The production involves a network of independent artisans, each contributing their respective craftsmanship in a virtual assembly line. This innovative methodology creates measurable commercial and social value for all participants involved in the product's complete life cycle, from the artisan to the final consumer.
Each pair of Chilote House Shoes is unique, featuring a QR code that links to specific details of the individuals involved in its production. This level of transparency allows consumers to understand and appreciate the story behind their purchase, further enhancing the value of the product.
The shoes are packaged in a recycled paper tube with recyclable tin caps at each end, reinforcing the brand's commitment to sustainability. They are unisex and available in three sizes, making them accessible to a wide range of consumers. The design's universal appeal lies not only in its aesthetic and functional qualities but also in its innovative storyline that embraces sustainability's requirements as an advantage instead of a limitation.
Stiven Kerestegian's Chilote House Shoes are a shining example of how sustainable design thinking can enable groundbreaking inclusive production methods for highly desirable, responsible, and commercially successful products. They are a testament to the power of design guided craftsmanship, noble renewable materials, and a disruptive socially inclusive production ecosystem.
Project Designers: Stiven Kerestegian
Image Credits: Stiven Kerestegian
Project Team Members: Stiven Kerestegian
Francisca Apparcel
Project Name: Chilote House Shoes
Project Client: Stiven Kerestegian