The project Tender Thread was created for the exhibition Stories of a Shoe, marking the 150th anniversary of Tomáš Baťa, and presents a contemporary authorial interpretation of his legacy through footwear design. It draws inspiration from historical women’s shoes from the archive, particularly their precise craftsmanship, decorative stitching, and ornamental details such as ruffles and bows.
A key motif of the design is the beaded stitch, referencing the high level of traditional shoemaking skill while emphasizing the value of detail and the time-intensive nature of handwork in contrast to today’s largely industrialized production. The formal language reflects the contemporary “coquette” aesthetic, characterized by softness, ornamentation, and a distinctly feminine expression.
The choice of color and materials supports the perception of texture and detail without disrupting the overall subtlety of the design. Rather than reconstructing a historical model, the resulting footwear offers a contemporary interpretation that connects past and present, and craftsmanship with an individual authorial approach, positioning the object as a sculptural piece within the exhibition context.
