ABOUT KOJI:
Koji Lowe grew up in a family of artists and designers, so his love for fashion and accessories began as a child. He immediately was drawn to accessory design while attending SCAD and specializes in leather goods. In the summer of 2023 he purchased his own leather machines to start a small line under his own name-KOJI HANDMADE.
T h e B a b a
Ballet flats inspired by my Japanese Grandmother,with a ‘Tabi’-like toe detail
Inspired by the essence of my grandmother, drawing on the enduring association of comfort and style with house slippers. Growing up with this tradition, and influenced by Japanese customs that often involve separate indoor shoes, I aimed to infuse the sleekness and ease of traditional house slippers into a wearable design suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Embracing Japanese design elements, I reimagined the tabi construction to create a distinctive and personalized iteration, blending the comfort of classic with a contemporary twist.
ARMOR OXFORD
INSPIRED BY SAMURAI ARMOR
Inspired by traditional Japanese samurai armor, or 'yoroi,' I aimed to blend protection and flexibility into my Armour Oxford design. The intricate layers of the yoroi, crafted from leather, metal, and silk cords, led me to experiment with materials, including the innovative layering of the toe box. Drawing from the 'odoshi' lacing, I modernized my oxfords, introducing elastic elements and snap fasteners for a comfortable and adaptable fit that seamlessly bridges tradition with contemporary wear.
R E L A X E D
S A V A N N A H
B O O T
Designed to capture the laid-back charm of my hometown, Savannah, GA. The Relaxed Savannah Boot features a silky, loose leather upper alongside a double-layered wool upper. Similar to the layers of history woven into the city's architecture, the subtle details in the boot's design reflect the passage of time. The distressed wedge sole, with its weathered appearance, mirrors the worn paths of Savannah's streets, telling a story of resilience and endurance.
F L O A T I N G S T R A P C L O G
Inspired by Danish designers from the 1950’s and 1960’s
MIYAZAKI STRAP HEEL
Named after the town both my Grandmother and mother were born, steeped in history and design
This sandal is a heartfelt nod to Miyazaki, Japan—the birthplace of my mother and grandmother. Meticulous hand stitches on the strap echo the refined precision of traditional Japanese textiles, effortlessly fusing contemporary style with the timeless grace and cultural richness tied to Miyazaki's heritage. Emphasizing the unique curvature of the heel, drawn from inspiration found in the organic shapes of Miyazaki's landscapes.