Tanya Heath is a footwear brand that offers interchangeable heels with varying heights. From block to stiletto, the brand aims to offer a more sustainable and practical lifestyle to its customers as the transformation of heels leads to a reduction in consumption and allows to change the style of a single shoe quickly.
The MBA Fashion Technology students had the chance to collaborate with the designer in an immersion project where they had to put themselves in the shoes of a design department looking to innovate their offering. As a group, they had to redesign the shape of the interchangeable heels and create a new original look while respecting Tanya Heath’s comfort criteria.
Printed prototype of the winning design
Starting with technical drawings, they then moved on to digital design. This aspect involves the use of modeling software to create objects that can be printed in 3D. In addition, the students had to demonstrate the feasibility of their products, especially from a technical point of view (ease of production) and from a commercial point of view. The winner, Dominique Beer, had her creation offered for pre-order on the Tanya Heath website.
“It was an interesting opportunity to experiment with non-traditional methods and apply them to accessory design. I’m also proud that I was able to create something that was not only beautiful and well designed, but was so well received by the brand’s loyal clientele. It’s a great asset to add to my skills and portfolio as I seek a career in the industry.” – Dominique Beer, IFA Paris MBA Fashion Technology student, winner.
3D rendering of Dominique Beer’s design
“IFA Paris’ MBA Fashion Tech class allowed me to realize a double dream. I always hoped that other designers would design interchangeable heels for my brand and for the first time in my life, I was able to see what other people’s designs would look like on my shoe collection. My other dream has always been to 3D print heels because I know that it is possible to offer customers exceptional designs that cannot be made with normal injection molding. The students came up with ideas that had never been done before in the footwear industry. Their creativity energized me.” – Tanya Heath, the brand’s creator.
IFA Paris is very committed to the development of Fashion Tech by making available in its technology lab tools such as Oculus headsets, a 3D printer, or a body scanner. The Fashion Tech and Innovation Lab is accessible to all students on the Paris campus, but also to those who follow the IFA Paris online programs in distance learning.