Yeezy Wax proposes the idea of the beauty of ugly with an appealing remodeling of Yeezy shoes, For such resonance of customized style as personal creativity, her shoes are art statements of their own kind.

So, Elvira, let's begin by discussing your life a bit. You did mention that you had always fancied shoes ever since you were a child. Have you figured out what is it that lures you so much?

When you are little, you are captured by the colors, shapes, and textures of things. Fuelled by this spirit of freedom towards new things, I certainly started to love shoes. The sporty ones were the only ones I ever wanted, and when we had to go and buy them it was the best day. I was “kidnapped” by the wall of stacked sneakers that I had in front of my eyes and the choice was often difficult, but in the end, I always got the right ones!

How was life for you growing up in Bari? Talk about your early encounters with fashion and art.

Growing up in Puglia is definitely a fortune, it's like having the world in one region because it offers everything. The evocative places that exist have also often been the setting for important events on the world scene: from cultural events and exhibitions to concerts and high fashion shows. Regardless of where I grew up, however, I believe that my inclination towards these things is innate. I've always been curious about anything. I like to watch, listen, read, understand, and experiment. Like a sponge, I would like to be able to absorb as many things as possible around me.

Your work with Yeezy wax is distorting the idea of a well-designed shoe, are you advocating for the beauty in ugly?

Ye's Yeezys for Adidas are iconic and unmistakable and I love madly each model. The truth is that I just wanted to add something that was a little bit mine too because I also liked just looking at them without wearing them. They also looked good on the bookshelf.

Talk about using wax as a material for extenuating your vision. What you liked about the material and why do you think it supports your creative direction and vision at such precision?

I think using wax is unusual, for many reasons: from the texture to the specifics. But it is a provocative material, and as it is extremely delicate, it becomes almost precious. You must be careful in handling prototypes without damaging or breaking them. I liked the idea of giving value to a material that fundamentally has no value, and that would have taken on the characteristics of a luxurious, desired object with monstrous features. I think I have somehow, valued in my own way, the Yeezys that I love so much.

Speaking of creative direction and process… Can you elaborate on your further visions from this point? How do you see your work taking space in the industry?

I'm not sure how my work will take part in the sector, I just hope it can find its space. I don't know if it will be something purely visual or if I will sell some prototypes. I haven't thought about it at the moment, for now, I'm just curious to see how many will be curious.

Did you ever fear people being offended by your act? What reaction do you imagine Kanye would have to this?

I am more than aware of the fact that not everyone will appreciate my project, and that some may even feel offended! I thought it was possible. BUT I HOPE NOT KANYE WEST!! I mean, I hope he doesn't sue me! Meanwhile, I want to hope that my YZY WAX will get to him somehow, and then that he doesn't misunderstand them. I think that Ye is a creative, visionary, one of the few true designers we have in the world, and we can enjoy it. I hope that he understands my crazy project, - which after all, is nothing more than a tribute to his masterpieces and that he doesn’t misunderstand my intentions.

Fashion and Art as both cultural rebellions and redefinition... What is your subliminal message?

Fashion and Art as rebellions and cultural redefinitions? Absolutely Yes. The subliminal message is right here: rebellion, the desire to transgress, to break the mold, to impress, to scandalize. Therefore, consequently, to intrigue and approach.

Last but not least... Which music artists are popping on your Spotify these days? Do you recall the music that played while you did your work on Yeezy wax?

To be honest, I hardly ever listen to Spotify. I am an incurable fan of High Fidelity and prefer to listen in analog. People love vinyl irrationally, like so many other things. It makes sense to carefully place the record on a turntable and lower the needle. It is a reverential gesture, a ritual. The music I listen to always ranges from jazz to soul to pop. My favorites are Earth, Wind & Fire, Sade, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, George Benson, and Miles Davis. My first Yeezy Wax was made to the tune of Kind of Blue. It was a kind of magical ritual, a moment of my own, in which I let everything, then, come out, my confusion, my anger, and what I had to say dripped with the wax.