ARACHNID [V.1] 

Handmade pointed sandals with leather laces, silver elements and spiky metal stiletto heels in a custom-matched ARACHNID Trunk box. Concept 2016 – Realization 2025.

Gracefully Lethal
Inspired by the coital cannibalism of Latrodectus spiders, this work explores power, sacrifice and one’s autonomy.
The male spider offers himself to ensure paternity; *1
the female consumes him—
However, in some species, not merely for nourishment, but to prevent mate guarding; to refuse possession. *2

Shoes: Latrodectus-black, patent kidskin upper. Calfskin lining. Hunter green leather elements. High quality deadstock materials were used in the uppers. Including artisanal-made silver elements, pedipalp and lace endings. And metal heel elements. 

Trunk box: Made out of several hundred individual strains of glass fiber. Each strand is hand-layed over a mould based of the Arachnid shoe-imprint. The frame is removable, for easy access underneath.
 Just like the shoes the Trunk had to convey a sense of strength with contradicting delicate, almost fragile features. Both shoes seem to be suspended in their web, fixed with pins holding a wire frame. The shoe laces span to either side onto a leaf-feature made in the fold-away lid.

© Alexander Khorikian – Couture Shoe Atelier.