/: June 2011

Ashish talks to Dazed about the collab with Underground and looks like M.I.A is going to be rockin a pair soon.

Ashish x Underground

Published a week ago

The designer tells us why he’s looking forward to seeing M.I.A rocking his latest collaboration with the iconic shoe brand and talks about his obsession with D.I.Y

• Text by Chantelle Symester

London based designer Ashish has unveiled his latest collaboration with Brit cult creeper brand Underground. The result is the striking houndstooth creeper boot and the highly covetable studded graffiti creeper. The graffiti style footwear brings a whole new meaning to DIY, coming complete with a bottle of tippex to design your perfect footwear. Ashish featured his creeper designs at his latest AW11 collection completing the tough Brit punk look.

Dazed Digital: How did the collaboration come about?
Ashish: I love underground shoes, and have used them before for a show, and as we were doing a very “London” collection, they were the obvious choice, as they are such an iconic British shoe.

DD: How do you think the collaboration designs fits in with both your aesthetic and that of Underground?
Ashish: I always try and move sequins away from stereotypical ‘cocktail-dress’ associations, and the creepers are just such a good element to mix in, because they instantly toughen up an outfit, they make it much cooler.

DD: What inspired the graffiti creeper shoe?
Ashish: It was just the idea that it was so D.I.Y., it went with the idea of punk so well.

DD: Who would you most love to see rocking a pair of your designed creepers?
Ashish: I cant wait to see M.I.A rocking a pair: she ordered them yesterday!

DD: How would you describe your design style? Is there a particular kind of person/muse you have in mind when you’re designing?
Ashish: I think it’s a mix of glamour and pop and grunge. I love color and sequins and I also like things to be wearable and easy, so I incorporate a lot of sportswear ideas in my work. I usually think of my friends and the women I admire or work with when I design.

DD: What’s you favourite look from your collection and why?
Ashish: Probably the ‘hard times’ moth-eaten jumper with sequin tartan trousers because it has a sense of humour and it is the prefect mix of detritus and deluxe.

DD: What projects are you currently working on?
Ashish: I’m working on my S/S12 collection, a special Halloween collection for Selfridges, and I’m also refurbishing my flat which has turned into a full time job and I am now an expert on grouting and door handles!