Alvaro Gonzalez

Alvaro Gonzalez would like to see his shoes worn by "fabulous women, women who enjoy wearing shoes, not thinking about what's practical for daytime – a woman who really enjoys fashion and likes to wear pieces." The Royal College of Art MA graduate, who specialised in women's footwear at the institution, hails from Spain and is inspired by both Louise Bourgeois and a just-so contrast of materials. Dazed Digital spoke to the designer to talk design language and dreams.

I love Bourgeois, but I've been looking at the colours in her work, so using her influence in a more abstract way. It's a complement to the monochrome palette of this collection, black and white, a very strong statement – perfect opposites

Dazed Digital: Tell us about the influence of Louise Bourgeois...
Alvaro Gonzalez: I love Bourgeois, but I've been looking at the colours in her work, so using her influence in a more abstract way. It's a complement to the monochrome palette of this collection, black and white, a very strong statement – perfect opposites.

DD: What about the silhouettes you've created?
Alvaro Gonzalez: It's all about versions of iconic pieces, my favourites! I wanted to outline my voice over a number of styles, so I took an espadrille say, a high heel and attempted my ideal version of it. Obviously leather is the base, but I've also worked in resin and very light materials, such as tulle and mesh. Actually the mesh is an inspiration from Louise Bourgeois too...

DD: What are your hopes and ambitions for the future?
Alvaro Gonzalez: Dream-wise I would love to create shoes for couture collections – labouring over the craftsmanship and not worrying about the time it takes to make things. And using the most beautiful materials possible. Shoes that take three people to make them and cost a fortune!

Photography RCA/Dominic Tschudin