Kobi Levi
Kobi Levi is an Israeli footwear label founded by designer Kobi Levi, who opened his Tel Aviv studio in 2011. It makes handmade, sculptural high heels shaped like animals, food and everyday objects.
| Studio opened | 2011 |
|---|---|
| Base | Tel Aviv, Israel |
| Designer | Kobi Levi |
| Education | Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design |
| Website | kobilevi.com |
What is Kobi Levi?
Kobi Levi is an Israeli footwear brand created by designer Kobi Levi, a 2001 graduate of the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem. His shoes have been described by CNN as wearable sculptures.
History
Levi first made whimsical shoes as a hobby and shared photographs of them on a blog in 2010. The response led him to open a studio in Tel Aviv and begin selling to the public in 2011. His profile rose when Lady Gaga's team commissioned custom boots for the Born This Way music video.
Products and positioning
Each pair is handmade and takes weeks to produce, with prices reported in the range of 800 to 3,000 US dollars. Known designs include:
- A watermelon-shaped wedge
- Heels shaped like flamingos, a dog and a shark
- A Disney villains collection
- A stiletto that appears to have stepped on pink bubble gum
His work has been exhibited at institutions including the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery in the UK.
Why it matters
Kobi Levi sits at the meeting point of footwear and art, showing how an independent designer can build an international following through distinctive, collectable product and online visibility.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Kobi Levi?
Kobi Levi is an Israeli shoe designer known for handmade, sculptural high heels.
Where is Kobi Levi based?
Kobi Levi works from his studio in Tel Aviv, Israel, which he opened in 2011.