A cross-globe partnership

You first came to know Kowtow through meeting Gosia at a trade fair. What was it about Kowtow's approach that made you want to work together?

Yes, we met some years ago in Paris while showing together at the same trade show, and after sharing a few words we knew that we thought in the same way and had similar ideas about work and life. Not only in terms of design and concepts but also about our philosophy. It was immediate.

Steve Mono and Kowtow come from different places and make different things. What do you think brings the two brands together?

It’s really nice (and inspiring!) coming from two absolutely opposite parts of the world, feelings and sense of work and life have many points in common: timeless but contemporary, natural materials, respect for the makers etc.

Designing for longevity

Like our collaborative sandal, Steve Mono began with the idea of reinterpreting classic forms for modern life. What can we learn from the past?

The techniques, the respect for the time, the materials and the makers. Everything was more relaxed and more authentic in a way. Things were made to use them, not to show. There were less products, but all of them with sense and responding to real needs.

What draws you to objects and designs that have already stood the test of time? Do you think objects become more beautiful through use, wear and age? 

In our case, leather is much nicer with use and age; patina is one of my favorite words. We work with a fourth generation workshop and that’s what I’m most proud of; it’s a sense of continuity. A respect for the technique adding our philosophy and design.

Slow fashion and craftsmanship

What have you learned about patience through the process of making?

A lot! Patience is one of the main things for us. We don’t oblige ourselves to create and launch several designs every season, to be honest. If we don´t have anything “new” to tell one season, let’s keep on working on the things we already have, let’s make them better if we can, and a new style is launched just when we are certain that it contributes something good to the collection.

In a world that constantly asks us to make something new, what keeps you interested in refining what already exists?

Exactly that, the refining. It’s so nice. It’s a constant evolution. I love this.

Ultimately, what do you hope these pieces become in the lives of the people who wear them? 

I love when customers write to us to tell us about how they wear our products, They send us photos of the shoes or bags after several years, having purchases them for a very special occasion (weddings, parties, holidays…) and they can feel them as part of them. Sometimes the most simple things are the most important ones and those moments are with us forever. As we always say, we just want happy customers, and a pair of shoes can make you feel really special.

What keeps you inspired? 

Lots of things! The materials I fall in love with, art and artists (their personal life and style is something that I really love!), photography, architecture,. Steve Mono travels between past and present and from the village in the countryside to the city, anywhere in the world.