PhotoshopDesign

Often times, when fashion is described as "architectural," the word captures a general sense--geometric shapes, stacked layers, hardness and roundness and softness. But in the case of United Nude's shoes, "architectural" is the first--and most apropos--word to use to describe the labors of love from Dutch designer (and architect) Rem D Koolhaas.

Koolhaas has said multiple times--most prominently on United Nude's Web site itself--the line began with "a broken heart." Wanting to boil architecture down to "the smallest and most vulnerable scale, that of a woman's foot," Koolhass started United Nude with the Möbius, an openwork sandal formed from a single strip and inspired by Bauhaus architect Mies van der Rohe's famous Barcelona chair.

Koolhaas partnered with shoemaker Galahad Clark to bring the idea to life, and now the two have developed a full range of architecturally inspired, coolly colorful footwear. The Eamz is based on Ray and Charles Eames' famous office chair and footstool, the Stealth draws on the straight lines and style of a Stealth F117 fighter plane. Every shoe has a true architectural aspect--much like the artistic, just-opened New York flagship store.

For more, check out an interview with Koolhaas here, and below, take a look at a healthy handful of some of United Nude's offerings.

All photos from United Nude.