Que Shebley

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Que Shebley ("QS") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

QS : My design background is rooted in my upbringing surrounded by craftsmanship and creativity. I was inspired by my father who designed and imported leather goods and my mother who crafted intricate jewelry. I pursued my passion further by dedicating myself to mastering the art of blending old world craftsmanship with modern techniques, which ultimately led to founding my brand in 2014.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

QS : I am motivated by the idea that design is a language that speaks universally. I became a designer because it allows me to create pieces that carry stories, emotions, and a sense of identity. Design is my way of leaving an imprint on the world.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

QS : Becoming a designer was a choice that felt more like destiny. It was a natural progression from my childhood fascination with how things are made to my adulthood drive to perfect and innovate in the world of fashion.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

QS : I design luxury footwear and leather goods, and I aspire to expand more into bespoke apparel. Designing products that combine functionality with art and that tell a story of individuality is what excites me the most.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

QS : Young designers should remain curious and fearless. They need to understand the value of craftsmanship, continuously learn from mistakes, and build a brand with authenticity. Being a design legend comes from being consistent in delivering unique and meaningful designs.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

QS : A good designer creates products that are functional and visually appealing. A great designer, however, goes beyond aesthetics to create timeless pieces that evoke emotions and resonate with people on a deeper level.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

QS : A good design becomes a great one when it achieves a balance between innovation, function, and emotion. For me, a great design also reflects authenticity and the passion of the creator behind it.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

QS : Good design holds the power to transform how we feel and interact with the world. It is not just about aesthetics but about creating a lasting impact. Investing in good design is investing in quality and a piece of art that stands the test of time.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

QS : If I had the time, I would design for individuals who have impacted the world through their creativity and courage. Designing for visionaries and trailblazers would be an honor

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

QS : My dream project is to create a fully immersive fashion experience that merges technology and art. A flagship store that offers not just products but an experience that tells the story of craftsmanship and innovation would be my ultimate realization.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

QS : My secret to success lies in understanding the importance of storytelling in design. Every piece should have a purpose and a story that resonates with the customer. Passion, persistence, and a deep respect for craftsmanship are the ingredients that make it work.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

QS : I am inspired by the works of timeless designers who have shaped the fashion industry, like Salvatore Ferragamo for his innovation and Ralph Lauren for his ability to build a lifestyle brand that tells a story.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

QS : My favorite designs are those that challenge the norm and introduce something bold yet elegant. I admire works that seamlessly blend artistry with practicality and push boundaries while staying timeless.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

QS : My greatest design is the bespoke shoe collection that allows customers to create a product unique to them. The ability to combine their vision with our craftsmanship makes it truly special and personal.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

QS : To become a better designer, people need to remain open to learning and criticism. I personally studied the art of craftsmanship, observed customer preferences closely, and continuously experimented with techniques and materials.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

QS : If I had not become a designer, I would have pursued a career in entrepreneurship or architecture. Both allow for creativity and the ability to build something meaningful from the ground up.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

QS : Design is a bridge between functionality and expression. For me, it is the art of transforming ideas into tangible creations that connect with people on an emotional and practical level.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

QS : My family has been my biggest supporter. Their encouragement and belief in my vision gave me the strength to pursue my dreams. My parents, in particular, shaped my appreciation for craftsmanship and creativity.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

QS : What helped me become a great designer was the ability to learn from challenges and remain committed to my vision. Staying curious and constantly refining my skills has been key.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

QS : One of the biggest obstacles was convincing people that a luxury brand rooted in bespoke craftsmanship could thrive in a world driven by mass production. Perseverance and staying true to my principles helped me overcome this.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

QS : Designers should present their work with a story that communicates the journey behind each creation. Authenticity and attention to detail should shine through, as they connect deeply with an audience.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

QS : My next design project involves expanding into bespoke apparel while integrating technology like virtual try-on mirrors and body scanners. It will redefine the way luxury is experienced by merging innovation with tradition.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

QS : My ultimate goal as a designer is to create a legacy where every piece reflects not just craftsmanship but a philosophy of individuality and timelessness. I want to inspire future generations to see design as an art and a service to humanity.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

QS : People expect me to deliver designs that are unique, timeless, and crafted with a deep understanding of their needs. They look for pieces that combine artistry with practicality, rooted in authenticity.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

QS : Design contributes to a better society by inspiring creativity, fostering individuality, and enhancing functionality in everyday life. It solves problems while also enriching human experience.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

QS : I am currently working on the launch of our flagship store, which will offer an immersive luxury experience combining bespoke craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. This is an exciting milestone for our brand.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

QS : The bespoke shoe collection has given me the most satisfaction. Seeing customers experience their vision come to life in a product that reflects their personality is deeply rewarding.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

QS : I would like to see more focus on sustainability in the design industry. There should be a balance between innovation and preserving resources, with an emphasis on creating designs that last.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

QS : The design field is heading towards a future where customization and technology play pivotal roles. The integration of AI and personalization will redefine the way people interact with products.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

QS : Finalizing a design project can take weeks to months, depending on the level of customization and the complexity of the project. Every detail is meticulously refined to ensure perfection.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

QS : When starting a new design project, I begin with understanding the purpose and the story behind it. Research and sketching follow, as I build the foundation for a piece that is both functional and meaningful.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

QS : My life motto as a designer is to create with purpose and passion, always aiming to leave an indelible mark on the world through thoughtful and timeless design.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

QS : I believe design sets the trends because it reflects innovation and originality, which inspires others to follow. Great design always leads the way.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

QS : Technology plays a crucial role in my design process. It allows me to bring ideas to life with precision and efficiency, while also exploring possibilities that traditional methods may not achieve.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

QS : I use advanced 3D modeling software, body scanners, and virtual try-on tools. These technologies help me create bespoke designs and provide a seamless customer experience.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

QS : Color, materials, and ambiance are fundamental in design. They shape the mood and the story of each piece, elevating it from a functional product to a memorable experience.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

QS : I wish people would ask about the stories and inspirations behind my designs. Every piece has a deeper meaning, and I love to share the journey it takes to bring it to life.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

QS : When I see a great design, I think about the thought process behind it. It inspires me to reflect on how I can push my own boundaries further.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

QS : My ideal design partner would be someone who values creativity and precision equally. I absolutely believe in co-design as collaboration often leads to extraordinary results.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

QS : The people who influenced my design the most are my parents. Their dedication to their craft and their entrepreneurial spirit have been my greatest inspirations.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

QS : The books that influenced my design the most include those about architecture, art history, and human psychology. They taught me how design interacts with emotions and environments.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

QS : I developed my skills by immersing myself in craftsmanship, experimenting with materials, and learning from both successes and failures. The journey of becoming a master designer never truly ends.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

QS : If time and space were not a constraint, I would love to meet Leonardo da Vinci. His ability to innovate across disciplines is endlessly inspiring.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

QS : Awards and recognition are humbling, but they are not the ultimate goal. I focus on the impact my designs have on people rather than the fame that comes with it.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

QS : My favorite color is navy blue, which represents elegance and depth. My favorite place is Florence, a city that breathes art and history. My favorite season is fall, a time of transformation and inspiration. My favorite brand is my own, because it represents everything I stand for.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

QS : One funny memory as a designer was accidentally showcasing a prototype with mismatched materials at a presentation. It turned out to be a hit, and people thought it was intentional.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

QS : What makes my day great as a designer is seeing the joy my designs bring to people. I motivate myself by remembering the journey and how far my vision has come.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

QS : As a child, I always found myself drawn to creating things and understanding how they worked. It was clear early on that my path would involve design in some form.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

QS : I think the future will see design evolve into something even more integrated with human experience. A thousand years from now, I envision design merging seamlessly with technology, nature, and human needs, creating solutions that enhance our connection to the world and each other.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

QS : I want my fans to know that every design I create is a reflection of my passion and dedication to individuality and craftsmanship. My mission is to inspire people to embrace their uniqueness and see design as more than an object, but as a story they carry with them.