Kermit Tesoro: Philippine Shoe Designer Extraordinaire

IMAGE Instagram @kermittesoro

When it comes to fashion, the most groundbreaking and expressive creations aren’t always the most objectively practical. Kermit Tesoro is a designer known for his bizarre high heels, such as one with a backward-arching platform and a skull impaled on the heel. Tesoro’s work have won celebrity patronage. The 27-year-old drew the attention of Lady Gaga, which resulted in Tesoro’s heel-less design being featured in Gaga’s Gilt collection.

Kermit Tesoro studied at UP Diliman College of Fine Arts. And Central Saint Martins. Tesoro first became involved in footwear while searching for shoes to match his clothing designs.

Tesoro’s works have been featured in many a fashion magazine and portals worldwide and have gone from runways to exhibits to museums to red carpets, from Europe to Asia.

The Polypodis (2015)

One of his most famous designs, the Polypodis (2015) was first inspired by a carnivorous plant called Sun Dew and it later evolved to its current look after he was fascinated by cephalopods, floating in liquid displayed at the Munch Museum in Norway.

Foreskin (2010) as displayed in Museum of Bad Arts (MoBA), The Netherlands
Oil Spiller (2012) featured in Rockstar Chic

Tesoro is currently working on new designs, but is in no rush to debut them. Although unsure of what the designs will be and where the inspiration will come from this time, one thing that can be counted on is that innovation is sure to be included.

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