Leather loafers inspired by the traces of daily life and a child’s belief in luck.
The project is based on observing the classic leather shoes of commuters in the Moscow Metro. Over time, characteristic folds appear on the surface due to constant movement. In Lucky Clerk, these traces are no longer a byproduct of wear but a deliberately designed element of the form.
The sole of the left boot is designed to embed a real coin. This pays homage to childhood superstitions and becomes a personal symbol of good luck.
Everyday life as a starting point
The idea for Lucky Clerk arose from observing the people and objects that surround us every day. One such space was the Moscow Metro. I was particularly drawn to the classic leather shoes worn by passengers with formal trousers, suits, or casual daily wear. In the process of use, such items gradually acquire unique characteristics. The leather creases, folds appear, and the original lines and volumes change.
The Clerk title references the recognizable figure of an office worker, yet it does not restrict the project to any specific profession or social standing. This image serves as a starting point for reflection on the everyday experiences familiar to many people.
Work, responsibilities, and adulthood do not negate the human desire for happiness. Even in the most ordinary circumstances, the hope for luck, change, and the possibility of a better life remains.
The main symbolic element of Lucky Clerk is a real coin, which is intended to be embedded into the sole of the left boot near the heel.
The coin references a childhood superstition about luck and transforms into a small, personal talisman, creating a contrast.
Structure
Lucky Clerk — leather loafers with a low-profile sole and pronounced relief detailing over the vamp.
The construction includes a leather upper, lining, insole, reinforcing elements, sole, and heel. The primary objective is to maintain the shape of the relief without compromising the shoe’s flexibility and comfort.
In the sole of the left shoe, in the heel area, there is a recess designed to hold a five-ruble coin. The method for securing it and protecting it from wear will be determined during prototype development.
Materials and Color
Lucky Clerk is crafted from natural black leather featuring a fine texture and moderate sheen, which accentuates the voluminous relief of the design. The interior lining incorporates soft leather for a comfortable fit. The low-profile black sole balances flexibility with durability. The monochromatic color palette maintains the understated character of classic footwear, while a five-ruble coin embedded in the sole serves as the model’s sole metallic accent.
Details
Parameters
Shoe Dimensions
Total sole length — 282 mm.
Maximum sole width — 98 mm.
Height of the heel portion of the upper — 82 mm.
Width of the heel portion — 85 mm.
Width of the rear upper — 60 mm.
Width of the forepart of the shoe — 70 mm.
Height of the toe box — 28 mm.
Heel height — 20 mm.
Thickness of the foresole — 8 mm.Upper and ConstructionThe core of the model is a leather upper featuring a closed forepart, a rounded toe, and an open entry line without lacing or additional fastenings.Two transverse, voluminous folds are located on the vamp, creating a distinctive sculptural relief. These folds are integrated into the leather surface and transition smoothly into the sides of the shoe.The sides have a minimal number of visible joins. The rear part is accented with a vertical center seam. The top edge is finished with a fine piping.The interior construction includes lining, structural support elements for the toe and heel areas, and a insole base.
Materials and FinishingThe primary material for the upper is selected natural black calfskin, featuring a fine, natural texture and a soft, semi-matte sheen.The interior lining is intended to be made of a thin backing leather. Hidden structural elements are incorporated to maintain the shape of the toe box and heel.The sole and heel are considered using durable, matte black rubber. All exterior elements are kept within a unified color palette.Sole and Construction DetailsThe model features a low-profile sole with minimal overhang beyond the contour of the leather upper. The rounded toe shape blends with a smooth taper across the instep.The low heel visually extends the sole, preserving the classic silhouette of formal footwear.In the heel area of the left loafer, there is a circular recess, 20 mm in diameter, designed to integrate a five-ruble coin. The coin is set flush with the sole’s surface and serves a symbolic function as a good luck charm.
Production and Components
