The legendary Zaha Hadid passed away on March 31st, at only 65. The Iraqi-born British architect, who made history as the first Muslim to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize (not to mention as a beacon of hope for fellow women in a male-dominated industry), is known for her soaring spectacles featuring bold curves and strong geometry. What she’s less known for are her shoe designs.
In time for Summer 2013, Hadid did a collaboration with boundary-pushing brand United Nude, obviously a natural fit for the two. The result: a limited-edition haute couture platform of vinyl rubber and Italian kid nappa leather that’s seriously, otherworldly-level cool. Three years later, its futuristic design still pushes the limits of what we think of as footwear. Hadid even developed a cantilevered system that let the super-sculptural 6”-plus heel stand with no visible support. Necessarily wearable it’s not, but worthy of obsession? For sure. Available in black chroming, silver chroming, or rose gold, $2,000, at United Nude.
