Another way to give
Netina" trainers make it easier to share on the move and eliminate the need for hand contact, with openings for everyday objects such as tampons, matches or a spare battery.
Since I got regulated, I've been hiding tampons, at home in a pretty ceramic box, outside in an extra toiletry bag carried in my bag. Although I now use the menstrual cup, I always have a tampon in my pocket for my friends or myself in case of emergency. Why do I secretly carry it with me? Because everyone around me does it. Tampons seem to be something you don't show off, but share regularly. This game of hide-and-seek should be completed with Netina shoes, featuring dedicated openings.
Giving without hesitation
To promote social interaction, Israeli designer Netha Goldberg has developed a collection of conceptual shoes based around three models. The first pair of shoes can contain stamps, the second, light matches and the third, a backup battery with multiple ports. Although the trainers aren't for sale and will probably remain objects of art and/or design, what lies behind them interests me.
How did you come to create this collection
? Netha Goldberg: for the design of the shoes, I didn't have any inspiration to speak of. You absorb so much from your environment that sometimes you can't tell exactly where the inspiration ultimately came from. Before I realised that the result of this project would be shoes, my aim was different: to facilitate giving and interaction between people.
What do you mean by that?
I wanted people to interact more openly, without prejudice. I think it's important to allow others access to your life. We get on better with people who are close to us. But chance interactions can also be interesting.
How does this idea relate to the COVID-19 epidemic?
The project began a few months before the start of the pandemic. It shows a new way of giving without hand contact, something that is more relevant than ever. I received many comments about the similarities between the design of the white shoe with matches and the shape of a virus. That wasn't my intention.
The shoe with the tampons stands out. What role does it play in dating?
Tampons are something we usually hide.The fact that they are knowingly displayed conspicuously on shoes might irritate some people. Many wonder if they are clean enough or really usable. Imagine what would happen if men started wearing these shoes. As already mentioned, the project is all about giving. None of the women would hesitate to give a tampon. Why couldn't we show just that fact?
I've read that the concept also includes an app. What is it about?
The app is designed to promote new exchanges. On the back of each shoe is a barcode that can be scanned with the app to join a social network.
How does each object affect the design?
The white shoe is covered in spikes extended by matches, as if to create a dynamic energy that would correspond to fire. As for the red shoe, it features a softer pad design than is usually represented. Finally, the blue shoe conveys the energy of the battery through strong colours. The USB sockets are positioned to influence the way people gather.
What are the initial reactions to the project?
There are two camps: some like the concept and appreciate the unconventional way of thinking. Others are wondering why such a concept exists. The discussion is interesting on both sides. I think that's precisely why the project is so popular.
On your Instagram profile, I've seen photos of chocolate; is that the key element of the next model?
During the design process, I experimented with different objects. For me, it can be anything you would want to give to someone who would appreciate it. It doesn't have to be anything physical.
Like a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.