Mola Shoes

On a past visit to Seattle, I went to the Ballard Farmer's Market. While the comestibles appeared delectable, it didn't really make sense to buy anything because, well, I don't actually live in Seattle and somehow I didn't think the produce would fair so well on the flight home.

In a quick perusal of the craft section, I found Semilla Designs and the most fabulous pair of shoes. They're perfect for me. Really. I don't say that flippantly. I was there with 4 members of my godfamily, all who were involved in a passionate discussion of just how many ways they were perfect for me. Not only did they fit perfectly (a feat in and of itself), they're my colors (bright!), and they're a work of textile art.

Semilla Designs makes shoes and boots out of molas. Molas are stunning works of textile art made in Panama using reverse applique. I've long been enamored with molas and have two framed molas decorating my walls. Well made molas take countless hours of work and the most amazing tiny stitches.

So far my favorite way to wear these shoes is with my interview suit. It's a grey suit with a decently wide and long leg, so the shoes barely poke out from the bottom. I like to think of it as part of some grander metaphor for my bright personality shining through (in a respectable way, of course), even at my most staid.