That Dubai is a source of inspiration for many, we already know. But a shoe brand? That’s new.
Yet that is exactly what American financier-turned-entrepreneur Iris Dinu thought up – while lounging by a pool under the Dubai sun, no less. Her Mr Eight & Mrs Eight line of sneakers, for men and women, made their debut last year and she wants to take it places.
“Travelling has been an inspiration all my life. I enjoy experiencing the inner workings of a location,and take every opportunity to explore. One needs to pack light and practical, but practicality shouldn’t mean one’s style identity has to be lost,” say Dinu in her introduction.
Indeed, each sneaker in her travel-focused collection is named and inspired by a place, or location she visited. There’s one called Jumeirah too!
The Directory caught up with the shy designer (who didn’t want to be photographed) to talk fashion, inspiration and why she chose the number 8.
Q: Tell us about the moment you decided you wanted to start a shoe brand?
A: It was about two years ago that I decided to venture into a new direction with my career and start a brand, which required me to apply everything I have learned socially to business.
The thought came to me whilst toasting under the Dubai sun by the pool and summarising life with a girlfriend. Travelling and exploring in detail, are my desires and these scenarios formed my concept; designed comfort. I prefer something I can slip on easily when travelling, and a sneaker that is light in weight. This is Mr Eight.
Q: Weren’t you concerned though that you might struggle to be noticed?
A: As I learned from my first job out of university, working at a hedge fund, if you don’t risk you risk even more.
Q: Why the name?
A: The number 8 has so many meanings, but to me, I never want to stop discovering, the infinite nature of what might be next in life is so inspiring. It’s something I try to remember each day.
Q: How has the journey been so far?
A: I started researching globally for a year, travelling from Italy to Lebanon, Brazil to Turkey to find the best manufacturers, designing, moulding and texturising. I then opened my own studio/store, which was a dream come true. Now I can unite my business with my passion for travel to create inspiring designs.
Q: Tell us a little more about the Jumeirah shoe
A: Jumeirah, the district, is a mix of traditional ‘warm feelings’ with fresh ‘modern vibes’ in an urban setting. It was the first place in Dubai that I felt introduced the merge of cultures; in one location you have expats and locals. ‘Jumeirah,’ my sandy white laceless Mr Eight sneaker is inspired by this fusion and personifies the style of hanging out at the sea during the day, and enjoying the best of what life offers in the evening. Mr Eight’s Jumeirah pays homage to the pristine luxury only found in Dubai and features a mixture of snake printed leather and a smooth textured Italian leather. Additionally, this sneaker is laceless and made to slip on and off for easy travel.
Q: Where would you like to take the brand from here?
The uninfluenced, edgy fashion exists where the stores aren’t yet. So we’ll go to them and perhaps they’ll even inspire our next line. Mr Eight and Mrs Eight is a lifestyle brand and when you stick to the basics of comfort, quality, simplicity of design, and affordability, the response is endless.
*Mr Eight & Mrs Eight sneakers start at Dh881. They are available to order on www.mrandmrs8.com
