Exclusive Interview with Luis Valenzuela: A Visionary in Design and Sustainability

We are delighted to feature Luis Valenzuela, a distinguished member of the Global Footwear Awards. Luis Valenzuela, a trailblazer in the design and art community, has dedicated his career to merging creativity with sustainability. With a rich artistic heritage and over three decades of experience, Luis has made significant strides in fashion, art education, and eco-friendly practices.

From founding the MIAMI Shoe Museum to launching the world’s first EcoArtFashion Week™, his work continues to inspire and shape the future of design. In this exclusive interview with the Global Footwear Awards, Luis shares insights into his journey, philosophy, and vision for the future of the design industry.

In this interview, we explore Luis Valenzuela’s remarkable journey from his artistic roots in Venezuela to becoming a pioneering force in sustainable design. We discuss his innovative projects, including the MIAMI Shoe Museum, his philosophy on art and education, and his impact on the design community. Luis also shares his insights as a jury member for the Global Footwear Awards, offering advice to aspiring designers and reflecting on the future of the industry.

Can you tell us about your background? How did your journey to become such a prominent figure in the design community begin, and where did it take you over the years?

My journey in the design and art community began in Caracas, Venezuela, where I was born into a family with a rich artistic tradition spanning four generations. Throughout my career, I have embraced diverse roles, including Master Teaching Artist, Visual Artist, Fashion Designer, and Journalist, rooted in a deep commitment to Art and Design Education. My path led me to pioneer sustainable practices in the arts, founding EarthDayMiami in 2007 and launching the world’s first EcoArtFashion Week™ in 2010, which was later reimagined as The Art of Fashion Show™, emphasizing fashion as a form of enduring art. In 2016, I founded The Creators Lab in Wynwood, Miami, a New Media Art research center dedicated to exploring the intersection of art, design, and technology. With over three decades of teaching experience, I have fostered student creativity through roles with institutions like Arts for Learning Miami Chapter and as Director of Education at the Coral Gables Museum and Florida Grand Opera. In 2022, after 17 years of collecting historical footwear, I established the MIAMI Shoe Museum, showcasing a collection of over 800 historical shoes to educate and inspire through the lens of footwear design history. My career reflects a profound dedication to advancing art education and embracing innovative design inspired by history.

What would you say is your personal artistic philosophy? How has it evolved throughout the years?

My artistic philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that art and design are not merely forms of expression but are pivotal educational tools that bridge historical and contemporary perspectives. Initially influenced by my family’s four-generation legacy in the arts, I’ve always valued the transformative power of creativity. As my career progressed, primarily through my experiences teaching and directing educational programs at major institutions, I refined my approach to emphasize the academic impact of art and design. Establishing the MIAMI Shoe Museum was a culmination of these beliefs—demonstrating how art can preserve cultural heritage and inspire future generations. My philosophy has evolved from focusing on traditional artistic expression to a broader, more inclusive perspective that embraces innovation, education, and sustainability. Each step in my career has been a building block in developing a dynamic approach that seeks to challenge, educate, and inspire through art.

You’ve worked in several areas, such as fashion design and journalism. How does this experience influence your creative process?

My career spanning fashion design, journalism, and visual arts has profoundly influenced my creative process, instilling a multidimensional approach that integrates various forms of expression and communication. As a fashion designer, I learned the art of storytelling through materials and garments, focusing on how each piece conveys a narrative and evokes emotions. This design aspect has helped me think deeply about the user experience and the messages my work communicates. Journalism has sharpened my ability to research, observe, and document the world around me, skills that are crucial in conceptualizing and contextualizing my art. It taught me to be curious and thorough, ensuring that every creative decision is well-informed and purposeful. Additionally, my extensive background in art education allows me to incorporate pedagogical elements into my work, making it accessible and educational. This experience has cultivated my ability to engage audiences, inviting viewers to observe, interact with, and learn from the art. These disciplines have fostered a holistic creative process where each project amalgamates aesthetic beauty, meaningful content, and educational value. This approach reflects my artistic philosophy and continually pushes me to explore new boundaries and possibilities within the art and design world.

You are someone who takes great care in ensuring that your art and designs are always level A graded when it comes to sustainability. Can you tell us how the green mindset became so important for you?

My commitment to sustainability stems from a deep-seated belief in the responsibility of artists and designers to foster a healthier planet. This green mindset was catalyzed by my early experiences in Caracas, Venezuela, surrounded by a rich natural landscape and a family dedicated to artistic pursuits that respected and reflected the environment. In 2007, this commitment took a more formal shape when I founded EarthDayMiami, an initiative that marked my entry into sustainable art and design. This venture was driven by my realization of the fashion and art industries’ significant impact on our environment. Witnessing the often-wasteful practices in these fields, I felt compelled to pioneer alternative, eco-friendly approaches. The launch of EcoArtFashion Week™ in 2010 was a pivotal moment. It allowed me to merge my artistic vision with sustainable practices on a global stage. This platform showcased fashion that respects the earth and promoted the idea that sustainability can coexist with luxury and aesthetics. My dedication to a green philosophy has been about adhering to eco-friendly practices and educating others. Through my roles in educational institutions and community programs, I have emphasized the importance of sustainability, teaching the next generation of artists and designers the value of environmental stewardship through creative expression. The green mindset is integral to my work because it aligns with my belief that art and fashion are not just about creating beauty but also about contributing positively to the world.

Could you share the story behind the creation of the MIAMI Shoe Museum? How big do you think its impact has been in the design community since opening its doors?

The MIAMI Shoe Museum’s inception, notably its new Research Center, was driven by my deep passion for footwear and its historical significance. Over 17 years, I amassed a collection of nearly 800 historic shoes, recognizing the need to preserve and study these artefacts not just as fashion items but as cultural documents that convey the evolution of design, technology, and society. Established as a virtual resource in 2022, the museum transitioned to include a physical Research Center in downtown Miami this year. This space is dedicated to advancing scholarly research, fostering educational initiatives, and promoting public engagement with the history of footwear. It offers resources for designers, students, and scholars to explore extensive archives and participate in workshops and seminars, enhancing their understanding of design practices. Since opening, the Research Center has significantly influenced the design community by serving as a hub for innovation and education. It has catalyzed new research into sustainable practices within fashion design and encouraged a reevaluation of traditional design narratives, aligning with my commitment to integrating eco-friendly principles in art and design. This initiative expands the museum’s impact and underscores the importance of historical insight in shaping future design trends. The MIAMI Shoe Museum, with its Research Center, is poised to become a pivotal institution in the global design landscape, inspiring new ideas and practices that bridge the past with the future of footwear design.

How have the many collaborations you’ve been part of throughout your career influenced your approach to design and art?

Collaborations have been a cornerstone of my career, profoundly influencing my approach to design and art. Working with diverse teams and institutions such as the Lowe Art Museum, Miami Art Museum (now PAMM), and the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, among others, has broadened my perspective and enriched my creative process. Each collaboration has brought unique insights and challenges, pushing me to innovate and adapt. These experiences have taught me the value of combining different viewpoints and expertise, resulting in more affluent, more impactful designs. Collaborating with private labels like SWAROVSKI and Bloomingdale’s has also honed my ability to blend commercial appeal with artistic integrity, ensuring my work resonates with a broad audience while maintaining its unique essence.

Your career must have given you many good stories and projects that make you the perfect guest at any dinner. Could you tell us about something special you still think about to this day?

One project that stands out and inspires me is the creation of the MIAMI Shoe Museum (MSM) in 2022. This initiative began as a passion for collecting historical shoes in 2010, which grew into an extensive collection of nearly 800 pairs from designers worldwide. The idea was to create a virtual museum before building the main facility that showcases this collection and serves as a rich historical research and education resource. In July 2024, the MSM inaugurated its Research Center in downtown Miami, which marked a significant milestone. The MSM Research Center is dedicated to conserving, researching, and educating the public about footwear’s artistic and cultural heritage. This space allows visitors to explore the evolution of shoe design, understand its historical context, and appreciate the craftsmanship involved. The journey of bringing the MIAMI Shoe Museum to life has been enriching. It reflects my commitment to preserving history and my passion for art and design. This project is a testament to the power of combining personal interests with professional expertise to create an incredible project that can educate and inspire future generations. Whenever I am in the MSM Research Center or interact with its visitors, I am reminded of the impact art and history can have on our understanding of culture and society.

As a jury member for the Global Footwear Awards, what do you prioritize when evaluating designs, and what advice would you give to aspiring designers?

As a jury member for the Global Footwear Awards, I prioritize innovation, functionality, and sustainability in designs. Innovation is crucial as it demonstrates the designer’s ability to push boundaries and offer fresh perspectives. Functionality ensures that the design is visually appealing but also practical and comfortable for everyday use. Sustainability is increasingly important today, and I look for designs incorporating eco-friendly materials and practices. For aspiring designers, stay true to your vision while remaining open to feedback and new ideas. Embrace technology and sustainability in your designs, as these elements are becoming essential in the fashion industry. Don’t be afraid to experiment and take risks, as innovation often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Lastly, always keep the end-user in mind, ensuring that your designs are striking but also functional and meaningful.

What do you want to see happening in the future, both for you and for the design community?

In the future, I hope to see continued integration of technology and sustainability in the design community. These elements are crucial for addressing our environmental challenges and driving innovation in the industry. I aim to expand the reach and impact of the MIAMI Shoe Museum and its Research Center, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of footwear’s cultural and artistic significance. I also aspire to continue inspiring and educating the next generation of artists and designers. By sharing my passion for art and design, I encourage others to explore new possibilities and contribute to a more sustainable and innovative future.