Omelchuck
Daniil Omelchuk is a designer of statement footwear who comes from Russia. Omelchuk creates signature high-fashion products by hand. His shoes combine intricate soles with his own distinctive finishes. His Instagram debut attracted widespread attention to his work and led to numerous international commissions.
How did you get into making shoes?
I've always had a passion for shoes. I could spend six to nine hours a day on Farfetch and other international platforms. I was inspired by artisanal European shoemakers and decided it would be cool to start making my own. At the time, I was living in Vladivostok. In September 2019, I found a shoemaker's workshop and offered to work there as an assistant, helping him for free to learn how to make my first pair. After six months of working with the master, I made one pair of boots.
Shoes were my hobby: most of my time I was working in an office. Then I moved to Kazakhstan. I now live in Almaty. That's where I met Dima, the designer for @portal_ame. He helped me start my own business. We developed designs together. I sewed the shoes, then Dima painted and sold them. We received our first order in December 2022. Now I work alone, designing and sewing my own creations.
Which designers inspired you to create shoes?
When I started studying shoes, I discovered the work of famous avant-garde designers such as Guidi, BBS, CCP, Leon Emanuel Blanck, and others. Their shoes really captivated me, and I came to despise all the iconic models from mass-market manufacturers. I don't understand how anyone can wear Nike or Adidas when there's Boris Bidjan in the world. When I first saw @kim.malygin's work, I cried tears of joy. I realised that it is possible to create high-fashion shoes by hand ,without special equipment. I decided I too could make shoes that would be cool and unique.
Where did the concept for the "TLAL8" model come from?
"TLAL8" stands for "Torn," "Layered," "Alkaline," and "Lacquer." The number eight resembles the infinity sign and is a nod to the huge amounts of ragged material and chemicals that I used. I came up with this model when I received an order from a woman in Russia. She's a composer, and she wanted boots for her birthday. She sent me a sketch of what she wanted, and I refined the silhouette and added the ripped edges. She was very happy with the result. I realised that this was a very strong model and started making it in different colours. Now it accounts for 95% of my orders. I make it from a variety of leathers, including calf, crocodile, horse, and goat. It's my favourite model. I never tire of it and even kept one pair for myself in the "Casserole" colourway.
Where do you source your materials?
I buy most of my leather in Kazakhstan, but I also often order rare hides from Europe and Russia. For example, in July 2024, together with the Chinese designer @y_f_pan, we presented the "Anatomical Boots" in transparent leather from the Maryam factory. A year later, I showcased the "TLAL8" model in the "Natural Tan" colourway, which is made from horse leather by Cloe. Now I've found a truly unique partner. There are people in a remote village who sacrifice goats once a year as part of a pagan festival. My partner skins these goats and tans them entirely by hand. I buy all the skins of these slaughtered goats.
You use beautiful colours in your boots. What is the manufacturing process?
I have some tricks up my sleeve, various techniques that I use. For example, I know that if you first coat boots with varnish and then pour an alkali on top, the varnish begins to crack. I can heat the boots with a hairdryer, and then the cracks become more noticeable.
How do you ensure the comfort and durability of your shoes?
I use lasts that are custom-made by a craftsman in Moscow. They are very handy, and have been designed specifically for me so that the toe and the heel are accentuated. My shoes can be worn for many years. Any imperfections that may arise are always within the style and concept.
How do you find customers?
I just put it all up on Instagram. I also sell shoes through Lowheads.com. Very soon, my shoes will be available in a physical store in Seoul (@Eyoeyo). I believe a strong product will always find a buyer. And people who appreciate my shoes will always be able to find me themselves.
What other products do you produce besides shoes?
In August of this year, I presented the "HELMA" , a leather helmet with torn edges, hand-stitched stitches, and dangling threads. I also sew leather rings and masks for events that have a dental or a surgical vibe. People who like my stuff can get these upon request when they buy shoes. I don't publicise these products on my Instagram.
Do you do all the work yourself? Or does someone help with production?
I still sew the shoes myself. But as the number of orders grew, I found a partner, @sergiopopoff. He stretches the uppers on the last, and makes the soles for some of my orders. Sergey is an incredible craftsman who understands all my needs and uses many avant-garde techniques in the production process.
What are your goals for 2026?
I want to have dinner at @hide_restaurant with the legendary Evgeny Chichvarkin and make a pair of shoes for him. Evgeny was my idol when I was in school. I want to work with Rick Owens and Michele Lamy, both of whom are icons. I dream of becoming the personal shoemaker to Marilyn Manson, and jetting off on tour with him around the USA.
19/06/2025