According to milliner Nick Fouquet, the secret to any luxury brand is an eye for craftsmanship. In that case, shoe designer George Esquivel and Fouquet’s collaboration is bound for that very market. The two, who share Southern California roots, paired up for a capsule collection to produce handcrafted shoes and boots, complete with bespoke laces. The line is made to order at Fouquet’s Venice Beach store.
The duo seemed to thoroughly love working together, and so the CFDA asked them to elaborate on their process, the collection, and what they’ve learned along the way.
How did the idea to collaborate with each other emerge?
Nick Fouquet: It was a very organic collaboration. George and I met at a project we were doing for the LACMA 50th anniversary. We started talking about doing a fun creative project. I think: mission accomplished!
George Esquivel: In the end, the collaboration was born out of mutual admiration for each other’s craft, process, and work.
Why do you think designers are so eager to pursue collaborations?
G.E.: I really enjoy working with other creative people. I love seeing projects that have more than one voice come together and end up with a singular vision. I want to learn something new from the person or brand I’m collaborating with.
N.F.: Collaborations are an amazing test vehicle. I think if it’s the proper collaboration it can get the word on a marketing stance point, but ultimately, we do these things to create.
Can you talk about the process behind this collaboration?
G.E.: We first worked on finishes for the leathers and suedes. Once we agreed on that, I developed different options of treatments and colors. We then moved on to the styles we wanted to develop. He chose a shoe and I chose a boot.
N.F.: Yeah, it was a back and forth process. I showed George my ideas, and he was very open. When he sent me the prototype, I was like we nailed the shoe. But there was something missing. I proceeded to take out the laces and patch mismatched fabric on them.
G.E.: I have to say the pieces looked really special, but by him reworking the laces it made the collaboration feel complete.
What is the one most important thing you learned from each other while collaborating?
G.E.: I already knew Nick was a talented craftsman and I admired his brand. What impressed me the most was his character—he is truly a kind and caring person.
N.F.: The most important thing I’ve learned from George is to dream big.
