“Sometimes comfort doesn't matter. When a shoe is freakin' fabulous, it may be worth a subsequent day of misery. Soak in Epsom salts and take comfort in the fact that you're better than everyone else.”

 
― Clinton Kelly

Good Evening everyone!  As promised in my previous blog my next spotlight was going to be on Lauren Artista Luna…I have come to deliver upon this promise. 

I am privileged to have done work with Lauren a couple of years ago as her Marketing and Public Relations Intern, but more than that I am honored to call her my friend.  Lauren has a true gift and passion that turns the shoe industry on its head. 

Lauren has taken the haute couture and avant garde designs we see on the runway and has made them possible for everyone to wear.  So it is my honor to introduce to you someone who in my eyes is a true visionary…Lauren Luna. 

Lauren Luna was born in raised here in Columbus Ohio.  She graduated with her Bachelors of Fine Arts degree with her focus in Painting from Kent State University.  Lauren knew from a young age that she wanted to be an artist…but not just any artist…a famous artist.  This dream never changed for her throughout the years, but remained constant.  She travelled to New York to start her journey, and from that point on it has been an adventure. 

If you haven’t got it. Fake it! Too short? Wear big high-heels, but do practice walking! 

- Victoria Beckham

Lauren did not just settle for one particular genre of artistic expression.  From painting on a canvas, to chalk drawings on a closed street, to custom painted sneakers, and to stilettos adorned with nails, feathers, and crystals her art has spoken for itself.  With her self-named company forming in 2008 – Lauren Luna Ltd – she has taken her talent and made waves in the fashion industry in the form of custom shoes.  Her shoes are not limited to just a simple painting or crystal embellishment - they are works of art that are to be worn and put into motion.  I can still remember the first pair of shoes I ever saw of hers they were a white peep toe shoe with a stacked wooden heel, she had painted the most beautiful peacock feather up the side.  After seeing this shoe I had to know more about this designer.  Upon investigation I found that her mind was similar to one of the fashion industry's legends – Alexander McQueen.  She does not see her custom shoes as just a design…it is wearable art. 

Her custom sneakers are what made her initial push into the limelight of the fashion world.  As her popularity grew the Sneaker Heads took notice.  However, these were not the only people who stood up and took note of her talent.  She has been able to catch the eye of some celebrities who have been honored to wear some of her custom kicks: Donnell Jones, Raekwon, and LL Cool J just to name a few.  

However her talent is not just limited to a sneaker.  The last few years her high fashion vision for women’s shoes has come to life and has launched full force.  October 2010 she had her Seven Deadly Sins Fashion Show that show cased the wide range of styles she is capable of…and the vision which she holds. 

After this fashion show, her business began to skyrocket.  She has recently relocated to Houston Texas.  Within the last year she has started having not only her custom business launch but now has her  own brand of manufactured shoes being sold in store fronts in the Houston area.  She continues to amaze everyone with her inventive designs and creative interpretation of what we all wear on our feet each day. 

Find her custom designs and place orders at www.laurenluna.com

A women with good shoes is never ugly. They are the last touch of elegance. - Coco Chanel