Some of the greatest designers of our time started their careers as architects before making their mark in the fashion industry. Virgil Abloh, originally trained as an architect, harnessed his design skills to redefine streetwear and high fashion as we know it. Gianni Versace, with a background steeped in architectural knowledge, brought the structured aesthetics of classical buildings to his opulent creations. Thierry Mugler, similarly, utilized his knowledge of structural dimensions to sculpt iconic, avant-garde silhouettes that have made him a household name.
These iconic transformations highlight the inherent parallels between architecture and fashion— Both disciplines rely heavily on a deep understanding of structure, form, and the human experience within a space—whether it’s the space of a room or the space around a body. This transition from creating worlds to adorning bodies shares a common thread: the ability to see the potential for art in the everyday and the skill to translate ideas into tangible reality.
The latest architect-turned-fashion designer to keep on the radar is Duha Bukadi, the creative force behind Duha World. Trained as an architect, the Tunisian designer joins a wave of Arab women, including Amina Muaddi, Andrea Wazen, and Jennifer Chamandi, who are redefining footwear on a global stage. So, if you don’t have a pair of Duha World shoes in your closet, just give it some time—you will soon enough.
Bukadi’s story behind the launch of the Dubai-based footwear brand is as unique as her designs. Transitioning from the structured world of architecture, her career shift was catalyzed by a profound realization during the quietude of a global pause. “I actually come from an architecture background. One day, following the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided that building hotels was no longer something I was excited to pursue. Footwear had always been in the back of my mind; I took a serious leap of faith and decided to start exploring DUHA, what it could be, represent, feel like, and stand for. I went for it, but my approach to footwear remains as architectural as ever. It’s something I cherish too; my process is deeply rooted in architecture—our shoes are design artifacts,” she told MILLE.
The spark for Bukadi’s venture into footwear was lit by a fascination with the personal statement a pair of shoes can make. “A desire to build something that women remember, there’s this whole fantasy around footwear and what it represents for us women,” she shares, quoting Canadian singer Celine Dion; “As Celine Dion once said, ‘I rock the shoe; the shoe don’t rock me.’ It’s about that spirit, that devotion women have to their choices. Shoes are strong identifiers; they say a lot about you. That’s what fascinates me.”
Her architectural background profoundly influences her approach, where shoes are sculpted with the same consideration as a building. Deconstructivism, a movement known for its non-linear approach to architecture, significantly shapes Duha’s creations. She draws inspiration from the likes of Zaha Hadid and Rem Koolhaas, whose works challenge conventional forms and embrace fluidity and asymmetry. “I embrace fluidity, unexpected structures, and bold asymmetry, much like Hadid’s futuristic, gravity-defying creations—think of the sweeping dynamism of her Heydar Aliyev Center or the sculptural, organic lines of her Nova shoe for United Nude,” she explains.
“Koolhaas’ OMA approach to layering and disjointed geometries inspires me to create shoes that embody movement and tension, where form follows an unconventional narrative rather than strict function. Beyond architecture, I resonate with the way Azzedine Alaïa and Hadid masterfully played with heritage, infusing their radical designs with deep cultural roots. Alaïa’s mastery of sculpting leather into second-skin garments echoes in my approach to craftsmanship, where heritage techniques meet architectural innovation. Similarly, Hadid’s reinterpretation of Islamic geometry into parametric fluidity—seen in the Morpheus Hotel—mirrors my desire to blend historical craftsmanship with avant-garde shapes. My designs stand at this intersection: structured yet free-flowing, bold yet rooted in tradition, always aiming to tell a story of duality and contradiction,” she added.
Bukadi’s influences manifest in her sleek and sexy designs that marry bold structural elements with subtle allure. Designed for the contemporary woman, her debut collection includes high heels in a vivid red that wraps gracefully around the foot, soft pastel pink mules that retain an architectural rigor with clean, geometric lines, and invisible, minimalistic heels juxtaposed with a metallic gold sole. Each of her designs are made with careful precision and the utmost attention to details, with craftsmanship and care put into each piece. There is a strong wearability to her namesake line, her pieces are flirty and playful and made to instill confidence and comfort in the wearer. “I believe comfort is the safest way to achieve confidence. If you feel comfortable in a piece, it shows in the way you walk. The way you carry yourself, your posture, your body language. DUHA is a true celebration of one’s self. We aim to celebrate individuality, but not in a self-centered capacity. We truly want to gather, inspire, and build a community that feels inspired by one another,” she shares.
Despite only launching a couple of months ago, Bukadi’s designs have gone on to capture the attention of international press and retailers, including Level Shoes, which the designer describes as a “milestone for us.”
Looking ahead, the footwear designer is enthusiastic about expanding Duha World into new territories, including accessories and ready-to-wear. “We’re branching out next year. I want DUHA to be an immersive experience, a place where you can express yourself using different mediums,” she reveals, hinting at the evolution of her brand. If you ask us, it’s only a matter of time before she has the whole world at her feet.
