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Behind the design: Meet Lavion.

There’s a whole lot that goes into making each style at Rothy’s—and if there’s anyone who knows all about that, it’s Senior Design Manager, Lavion. As effortlessly cool as he is talented, Lavion leads the design team to bring each and every product to life. From his passion for sustainable design to what an average work day looks like, get to know this innovative creative and self-professed sneakerhead. 


Tell us a little bit about your career so far. Did you always see yourself designing shoes?
I’ve always had a love of design, and I’ve always gravitated towards footwear. While in school for industrial design, I became obsessed with the expressive nature of sneaker culture. I love the bravado of wearing something that makes you feel different and confident, and I want to be the one who makes that something.

How would you describe your role at Rothy’s? What does an average day look like for you?
I lead design across all product categories. My average day consists of working with our talented team to explore new ideas for future products. I spend time tinkering and problem solving for innovative ways to bring our products to life.

Close up of Lavion sketching designs of The Sneaker on post-it notes.

You’ve mentioned in other interviews that you’re passionate about making the design process more sustainable. Have you learned anything interesting about sustainability in design recently? 
There has been more effort around transitioning from traditional production models—which consist of manufacture, use, and disposal—to a closed-loop product model, which consist of designing products to be fed back into the manufacturing process at the end of their use. There are quite a few inspiring solutions out there, such as utilizing single source materials, and designing for deconstruction. 

We know you love sneakers. When did that interest begin? And what’s your favorite part about sneaker culture?
I have been into sneakers and shoes since as early as I can remember. When I was young, I would spend my time flipping through sneaker magazines and cruising sneaker shops in search of the latest sneaker releases. I’ve amassed a large collection over the years, and I still really appreciate each sneaker today as much as I did on the day I got them.

I love the personal connection people have with their sneakers. You talk to pretty much any sneakerhead and they have a story for each shoe in their collection. I love hearing those stories—they inspire me and I truly appreciate the community built around shoes.   

How would you describe your personal aesthetic?
I would say I’m pretty minimalistic when it comes to my personal style. I love discreet functional details to be cleverly integrated into components of my wardrobe—they keep me ready for just about anything. I’ve graduated to a daily uniform, which I easily transition through the seasons or layer with additional pieces to switch it up.

Close up of Lavion holding up a shoe prototype.

Lightning Round:

Favorite shoe silhouette? 
Definitely a pair of sneakers. 

High-tops or low-tops? 
Low-tops. A fresh pair of low-top sneakers are a staple for any wardrobe. 

Solids or patterns?
Solids. I favor a clean, monochromatic look when it comes to my personal style.

London or Berlin? 
Both are wonderful cities, but I would say London. There are great music, design, and creative scenes that I admire.

Museums or movies? 
Museums. It’s nice to wander around and take everything in. You never know what you may discover or what will inspire you just around the corner. 

 

Lavion holding a light pink shoe outsole in front of a table with shoes and design materials.

 

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