Zunyda: The Omniscient Artist
Zunyda, tell us a bit about who you are and what you do.
I’m just a 20 year old creative entity who likes to believe she is on the road less traveled. I am a self taught fashion designer and artist ...amongst a few other things.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find my true inspiration in nature. I can spend hours observing the complexities of our surroundings. I pay attention to shapes, colors and functions of plants, the sky and sometimes even infrastructure if I admire a building.
On the other hand I find inspiration in things that I don’t like.
How much time goes into these pieces you make?
Hours and hours! BUT as a person who loves the process in its entirety, I love every second. I get this unexplainable feeling when creating. To know that I created something from nothing makes me feel that much closer to our maker.
We here at Envi Shoes believe in art & fashion as a lifestyle. How do you express your individuality daily?
I express individuality everyday from my style of dress to my overall mindstate. Style is just one part of the equation. I celebrate the individual who can be their complete selves in this crazy world of monotony.
Do you find more joy in making custom orders form others come to life or your own?
So I find the joy equally in both aspects or different reasons.
I infuse so much love into my custom orders. It is almost as if I’m giving a piece of me to them and it humbles me each and every time.
Now the joy in making pieces just for myself has a certain freedom and selfishness to it because I know I’ll like what I am creating and disregard whether or not others will too.
You work with physical clothing as well as painting. Does working with one fulfill a void that the other cannot? Or is it harmonious?
I like to think that constructing clothing and paintings are harmonious for me. However I do seem to to put one the wayside whenever I am focused on one. I’m seeking to find the right balance to make time to paint more often because I definitely miss it. In painting there are less restrictions and endless streams of imagination whereas clothing must follow a certain structure for the majority of the time.
How important is it for different mediums of art to constantly collaborate?
Very. It encourages us to open our minds a bit more and discover other perspectives.
Who are your biggest influences?
My biggest influences are really just my closest friends.
As far as more well known individuals I do admire Artists Kesh Kumari simply because she does what she wants, is also self taught and comes off as really pure in her spirit and work ethic.
How would you describe your style?
I like to describe my style as afro-vintage. It’s eclectic yet bold and classic. I have a lot of vintage jewels passed down to me from my grandmothers worldly travels and I love to incorporate those pieces into my everyday looks.
Does music play a big role in your life?
The biggest role ever. I’m that girl that will dance alllll night if the music is right. I’m surrounded by musicians all the time and have even worked for a music festival in Brooklyn called Afro Punk Fest for the past three years. It’s also crucial for me to have the best sounds blazing through my studio when I’m working. Music creates a certain vibe that I need in order to get productive on pieces.
What would be your dream gig?
One of my dream gigs would be the opportunity to go on tour with one of my favorite musicians as the creative director of the tour or to be in charge of designing their whole tour wardrobe. It’s my three favorite things in one Designing, Music and Traveling.
What do you look for in the perfect pair of shoes?
I like height, function, and unique details in shoes but also being able to comfortably walk which makes platforms perfect for me. I was happy when platforms came back out I’m pretty sure I’ll be wearing them for eternity. I also like to make sure I can wear the shoe with many different outfits. I consider comfort then form but for an amazing shoe I will make the sacrifice.
ENVI SHOE PICKS
The Gamma Ray Boot
First off they’re platforms and boots and iridescent. What’s not to love?
The Theron Mid by Jeffrey Campbell
I can never really go wrong with a black strappy but chunky shoe. I could definitely see myself getting a lot of wear out of these shoes.
Keep up with Zunyda: WEBSITE