POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Pair of womens 'Mobuis Hi' mule shoes with packaging

Object No. 2006/41/1

United Nude is a design company co-founded by a Dutch designer Rem D Koolhaas (nephew of the famous architect of the same name) and English shoemaker Galahad JD Clark in 2002. The company was launched at the London Spring/Summer Fashion Week 2003 with the introduction of the innovative Möbius shoe. Mobius was inspired by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona Chair. United Nude's stated aim was to take its influence from design and eschew seasonal fashion trends. Since launching the Mobius shoe, United Nude has introduced different versions eg three different heights have been introduced and the leather upper can be detached and replaced with a different colour upper. The shoe emulates the infinite loop of the Mies der Rohe Barcelona chair on which it is based. The fluid lines of the Mobius, available in 'mid' and 'high' versions have optional variations including detachable boot spats and ankle wraps. The shoe's sculptural shape and design credibility have made it popular with a design conscious audience. Leading Sydney designer Liane Rossler (Dinoasaur Designs) explains her attraction to her Mobius shoes: "I love they way they are so sculptural, and I love the boldness of colour. I also loved the fact that they were designed by an architect. I thought it was THE Rem Koolhaas, but have since found out it is his nephew, also named Rem Koolhaas and also an architect. I love the way they were inspired by the Barcelona chair. I love the fact that they are inspired by the shape of the mobius that goes round and round, and reminds me of the lucky number 8, which goes around and around and symbolises never ending happiness." ref www.unitednude.com