Safa Sahin has spent two decades designing shoes, but the roots of his practice began when he was a teenager seeing graffiti across Istanbul for the first time. Returning to his hometown to paint the streets himself, Safa was drawn to the idea that it could be a form of free self-expression. That relationship with art still shows up in how he speaks about sneakers, approached mainly as an outlet for expression.
Born and raised in a small city in Turkey, Safa says he always saw shoes as more than just objects, a perspective shaped by art-making that has continued alongside his design career. When he talks about sneakers as a canvas, he’s describing a process that borrows from an artist’s eye and has been sharpened by working across performance-driven sportswear and luxury fashion environments, where technical demands and storytelling sit close to one another in the making.
For the Turkish designer, it all begins with the narrative and from there the design builds through drawing and material choices until the silhouette arrives. He describes his approach as about 60 percent rooted in the familiar and 40 percent driven by a fresh, unexpected perspective—a balance that keeps his work recognisable while still moving it forward
Here, the designer speaks to Vogue Singapore about the art that shaped him, his design journey so far and how he feels about his new Chanel partnership.
How did your journey into footwear design begin?
I discovered graffiti art when I first visited Istanbul in high school and it changed everything. When I went back to my hometown, I started doing graffiti myself. I already loved drawing, but what attracted me was the idea that it could be a lifestyle and a way of expressing yourself freely. Later, my brother told me his roommate was studying footwear design and the thought of going to a school where you could design your own shoes immediately excited me. I took the talent exams and enrolled in the same programme, and that’s how it began.
Was there a turning point when you knew this would become your main focus?
Yes, definitely. When I was still a student, I won first place in a major footwear design competition. It made me realise I could succeed in this field and it gave me confidence to commit to it fully as my main creative path.
How has your art background shaped the way you design sneakers now?
My background in art has influenced my approach to sneaker design in a very deep way. I never saw shoes only as products or objects to wear. Because I come from painting and street art, I naturally approach sneakers as a canvas and a form of expression. Composition, colour balance, rhythm and emotion are always important to me. Graffiti especially taught me about freedom, movement and the energy of the street, and that spirit still lives inside the sneakers I design. For me, sneakers are not just functional objects. They carry stories, culture and personality. My artistic background helps me translate those feelings into shapes, colours and details, so every design can communicate something beyond form and function.
If you had to define your approach in one word?
Honestly, I wouldn’t say I have a personal design DNA. I focus on understanding and interpreting the DNA of the brands I work with. But if I had to describe my approach in one word, it would be avant-garde. I like to honour the brand’s core identity while pushing boundaries—experimenting with forms, details and perspectives. It’s about creating a dialogue between tradition and innovation rather than imposing a fixed style.
“Because I come from painting and street art, I naturally approach sneakers as a canvas and a form of expression.”
How do you mix creative risks with pieces people can actually wear?
It’s a balance between experimentation and wearability. I’m very interested in exploring new shapes, materials and proportions, but I always keep the user experience in mind. For me, a sneaker shouldn’t only look interesting on a shelf or in a photo. It should feel natural and comfortable when someone wears it in daily life. I’m inspired by architecture, industrial design and everyday urban environments. These influences often guide the silhouettes, textures and structural elements I incorporate into my designs. I also like to challenge traditional sneaker aesthetics by subtly altering familiar forms, creating something that feels both new and recognisable. What sets my approach apart is the intention to create designs that stand between concept and practicality. I aim for sneakers that carry a strong visual identity while remaining versatile enough to become part of someone’s everyday wardrobe.
You’re known for sketching consistently and sharing your ideas. What motivates you to do so?
Sketching is almost a form of therapy for me. It’s a way to translate the constant flow of ideas in my mind into something visible, and drawing is the most immediate and honest way to bring them to life. Sharing those sketches publicly became a natural extension of that process. Over time, I started receiving messages from students and young designers who felt inspired to draw more or pursue footwear design themselves, which is incredibly rewarding. At the same time, it allows people within the industry to become more familiar with my design perspective and the way I think about footwear.
You’ve worked in both performance and luxury environments. How did each shape your approach to design?
Working across both performance-driven sportswear and luxury fashion has given me a broader understanding of what a sneaker can represent. In performance environments, the focus is clear: every design decision needs to serve a function. You think about movement, comfort, durability and how the product performs in real life. That mindset taught me to respect the technical side of footwear and to design with purpose. In luxury fashion, the approach shifts more towards craftsmanship, materials and storytelling. There is more freedom to explore form, emotion and visual identity. It’s not only about how the product performs, but also about the narrative it carries and how it connects with culture and personal expression. Experiencing both worlds helped me develop a design philosophy where function and storytelling coexist. I like creating sneakers that feel technically grounded while also carrying a strong aesthetic voice—something that performs well and communicates an idea or a feeling.
When you begin a new design, what comes first for you?
For me, everything starts with the story. Having a clear narrative gives direction and meaning to the design. My process usually starts with a brief or story that sets the direction for the design. From there, I begin exploring lines that visually express the concept, followed by material choices that support both function and feeling. The silhouette comes last, developing naturally as these elements come together with several rounds of revisions before the final sample.
“I like creating sneakers that feel technically grounded while also carrying a strong aesthetic voice—something that performs well and communicates an idea or a feeling.”
Sneaker design is deeply technical. What construction detail excites you right now?
One construction detail that excites me right now is On‘s CloudTec technology. It’s an interesting approach to cushioning. It’s visually subtle, but it fundamentally changes how the sneaker absorbs impact and delivers a responsive ride. I love that it’s a technical innovation most people might not immediately notice, but it makes a huge difference in performance and comfort.
How do you navigate innovation versus commercial viability?
I usually take a familiar form—something people already recognise—and introduce a different perspective or twist to it. I’d say I take about 60 percent of what’s known and add 40 percent of a new, unexpected point of view. That’s how I try to balance innovation with something that still feels approachable and commercially viable.
When you received news of your Chanel partnership, what went through your mind?
I was on a train between cities when I saw the email and my eyes welled up with tears. My first thought was gratitude. I thanked God for giving me this opportunity.
What’s inspiring you now?
Lately, I’ve been inspired by plants—their forms, textures and how they can be interpreted through footwear design. Another influence is the concept of ‘quiet fashion’, which has captured my attention over the past few years. I’m drawn to its understated approach, the way it communicates without being overbearing and how it encourages thoughtful, intentional design.
Finally, what’s next?
I don’t have a set plan for the future because every day brings something new and things can always change. I prefer to stay open and respond to the moment, making the most of opportunities as they come. In a way, I see it as a practice of being present—letting creativity guide me rather than trying to control the path too rigidly. It keeps the process alive, flexible and full of unexpected possibilities.
The April issue of Vogue Singapore is available online.
