Mario Ramírez Guerrero

Exclusive Interview with Mario Ramírez Guerrero: ATLAARS Designer and Overall Winner

Mario Ramírez Guerrero Shares the Story of the ATLAARS Project—Global Footwear Awards 2024 Best Overall Winner in the Student Category.

ATLAARS reinvents platform heels with innovative shapes and a unique sole. Inspired by the mind as a deep ocean, the upper represents a diver’s suit, while the platform reflects water and brain folds.

Mario shares his design philosophy in this interview, the inspiration behind ATLAARS, and the challenges he faced during its development.

Our conversation with Mario Ramírez Guerrero

Can you tell us about your background? How did you discover your interest in design, and what experiences shaped your journey to where you are today? 

From an early age, I have exhibited a profound interest in the accessories utilized in costume design for film, along with a broad appreciation for art, toys, fashion, the animal kingdom’s diversity, drawing, and storytelling. I find great excitement in the concept of designing by merging various shapes, textures, colors, and materials. Specifically, I am drawn to the practice of creating based upon a thematic framework, envisioning how to integrate these elements into a tangible object—one that individuals can wear, thereby making it an integral part of their identity and daily lives.

As an industrial designer, I have discovered that specializing in sneaker design provides me with a unique platform to engage in work that aligns with my passions. This role allows me to leverage my creativity to produce footwear that possesses aesthetic appeal and facilitates individuals in expressing their distinctive style, personality, and essence.

How would you define your personal design philosophy? Has it changed or evolved as you’ve gained more experience?

I perceive my design philosophy as a vast ocean where innovative solutions, ideas, and designs are unearthed from the depths of creativity. This creative abyss is enriched with a plethora of shapes, concepts, compositions, colors, and strategies. Accessing this wealth requires a commitment to fostering a reservoir of culture, knowledge, research, collaboration, resilience, dedication, and continuous learning.
Throughout my professional journey, I have increasingly recognized the critical importance of sustainability in design. As designers, it is our ethical obligation to consider the long-term impact of our work on the environment and to contribute to its preservation and care for future generations actively.

Can you tell us about the vision behind ATLAARS? How did it come to be, and did it suffer changes throughout the design process?

I sought to develop women’s sneakers with platform soles and an unconventional heel. My objective was to innovate in terms of shape and to design a distinctive type of sole, effectively conveying the underlying concept through the overall footwear design.

The appearance of ATLAARS is unconventional; how would you describe it? What is the inspiration behind it?

The design of ATLAARS draws inspiration from the fascinating realms of diving and deep-sea exploration, as well as the intricate anatomy of the human brain. These elements come together to create a unique design narrative that is visually striking.

ATLAARS reflects a similar pursuit of innovation and adaptation. The sneakers’ appearance can be described as that of a newly discovered marine species, embodying the beauty and wonder that can only be found in the unexplored depths of the ocean.

Additionally, with its intricate structure and myriad functions, the human brain is a metaphor for creativity and thought processes in design. The brain’s ability to generate ideas, make connections, and adapt to added information is mirrored in the way design evolves through exploration and experimentation. Just as divers navigate the complexities of the underwater world, designers delve into a sea of possibilities, drawing inspiration from the unknown to create something unique.

The ATLAARS sneakers stand as a testament to the power of exploration in nature and the creative process. They invite wearers to embrace their journeys, encouraging personal expression and a deeper connection to the world around them.

How did you select the materials for ATLAARS? Were there specific qualities you wanted to align with the design concept?

When selecting materials for the sneakers, my goal was to create a design that was both innovative and fashion-forward. I focused on lightweight, breathable fabrics for comfort and premium finishes to enhance the overall aesthetic.

I aimed for versatility, allowing the sneakers to transition from casual street style to polished looks for events like Fashion Week or red carpets. This adaptability ensures they meet the diverse needs of various occasions.
The design process was flexible; while I initially envisioned bold colors and textures, I later shifted to more understated, timeless elements. This evolution emphasizes the balance between personal expression and the demands of different fashion environments.

Can you walk us through the ATLAARS design process, from initial sketches to the final prototype?

The design process behind ATLAARS began with a clear design concept, where I focused on research related to shapes and materials. To ensure a cohesive direction, I compiled a mood board for visual inspiration. From there, I moved on to sketching initial designs, carefully evaluating each one against my established criteria to find the most promising options. This process was followed by creating digital prototypes, which led to the development of the final model and render.

Can you tell us about some challenges you faced while developing ATLAARS? How did you solve them?

In developing ATLAARS, I explored sole shapes that resonated with my design vision and inspirations, creating a platform that diverges from traditional standards while ensuring manufacturability. Although I considered a more audacious design with a higher platform, I prioritized usability as a fundamental element of the design.

Do you think being a student gave you any specific challenges or advantages when designing ATLAARS?

As a student with limited experience in the footwear industry, I faced challenges in designing with production and market feasibility in mind. However, I benefited from the creative freedom to explore my ideas without the constraints of corporate requirements, enabling me to realize my vision and achieve the desired outcome fully.

Congratulations on being the overall winner of Fashion Sneakers at the GFA Awards! What does this recognition mean for you, both personally and professionally?

I am incredibly grateful for this recognition, as it embodies my passion and love for what I do. This acknowledgment signifies personal and academic growth—an achievement in my journey as a student. It motivates and inspires me to pursue my passion with even more extraordinary dedication, reminding me that hard work and resilience can lead to rewarding opportunities.

What do you envision for your future? Are there specific areas within footwear or fashion design that you’re eager to explore?

I envision a future where I specialize in footwear design, focusing on innovation and sustainability. My goal is to create comfortable and functional designs that influence the evolution of fashion and footwear. I am excited about emerging materials, storytelling, and fashion and eager to explore their potential to drive creativity.