In our series [Focus on…], discover a committed brand from our collective and its flagship products. For this first, explore the world of Bénédicte , creator of the vegan brand of customizable shoes Mood Walk , who answers our questions.
Interview with the creator of Mood Walk customizable baskets
What were your inspirations for the design of your customizable shoes?
I took inspiration from a lot of designs for my shoes. I wanted them to be super comfortable and stylish with a little bit of sole. Of course, without forgetting the timeless side and that little personal touch to differentiate them from all the others. So I opted for a small wave on certain models and a small "M" on others which refers to the symbol of my brand.
How are your customizable baskets made?
Mood Walks are made by artisans in a workshop north of Porto, Portugal, where they work in good conditions. My shoes are entirely eco-designed. Use recycled materials as much as possible. The exterior and interior of the baskets are made from corn, because, in my opinion, it is the best material in terms of aesthetics, comfort and composition with 78% organic materials. For the rest, the sole is made from recycled rubber and the laces are made from recycled cotton.
All materials come from the short circuit and come mainly from Portugal. Everything is as close as possible to the workshop, with two exceptions. The exterior of the shoes comes from Italy and the lining from Spain. The objective is to have the most eco-responsible baskets with the least impact on the planet possible.
“I wanted customizable baskets that retain meaning with which we can share our commitments, our mood of the day and which we never tire of.”
How do they maintain each other?
The corn-based exterior is waterproof. The interior and inner lining are very breathable and absorbent. The shoes are very easy to maintain and can be easily cleaned with Marseille soap and a brush. On the other hand, I do not recommend putting them in the washing machine.
Why did you choose a message shoe system?
I really wanted baskets that respect meaning with which we can share our commitments, our mood of the day and which we never get tired of. Hence the removable side, with a single pair of baskets that can be worn differently. The straps are committed messages about women, the planet or simply positive, “feel good”. The shoes are also worn with plain straps.
There are several message straps to hang on your customizable baskets. Are you thinking of expanding the range?
For the model with waves, there are 8 different straps. The one with the “M” has 12. Which makes around twenty choices. That's not bad ! Of course, there are some messages that are much more successful than others. For example, “live up to it”, “live life to the fullest” and “live a life you love” which are very popular. The mission is to make them evolve, but to start, around twenty choices is already good.
What are Mood Walk’s next projects?
I have been asked a lot for baskets for men. For the moment, my customizable baskets are for women and range from size 36 to 42. Many men buy them, but the tallest among them cannot find their size and wear larger shoes. This is a big frustration for me! I'm currently working on a prototype that I'm expecting soon... With some new things on the concept side!
Would you be up for a collaboration with While Boutique?
Of course ! It’s a great team and a great platform!
An interview can also be found on video, on the @Meanwhile Boutique Instagram.
Would you like to know more about Bénédicte’s customizable shoes ? Discover the different models, colors and messages involved in the Mood Walk collection on While Boutique.
