Iron Footwear, Shoes and Boots Design · 2021
Quswa Wholecut Dress Shoes
by Que Shebley
- A' Design Award 2021 Iron Winner in Footwear, Shoes and Boots Design
- Awarded April 15, 2021
- CLIENT: Q by Qs
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 28,445
- Verification code C733C88F92 · Verify this award
About Quswa Wholecut Dress Shoes
The Quswa wholecut was inspired by the historical battle of Badr, represented by hand carved Arabic Calligxraphitti encryption on high grade Italian leather. Designer Que Shebley states "here are 5 version series of the Quswa wholecut as each design released continues the originating encryption as a whole, the encryption signifies one of the most significant moments of the battle". The design is hand painted in layers with a patina technique. The sole hand made with a beveled waist closed channel with metal toe taps for that extra aristocrat feel. A true master piece and a must see.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Hand carved arabic calligxraphitti encryption on high grade italian leather, than it is hand painted in layers with a patina technique. The sole is hand made with a beveled waist and closed channel with metal toe taps. Than hand painted to perfection.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- This shoe comes in 4 International metric standard shoe sizing including EU US JP UK
- Tags
- Qbyqs, shebleygroup, qshoes, qbrand, queshebley, Badrbattle, quswashoe
- Production Technology
- Hand cut by mastery cutters from tanned high grade italian calf leather, the pattern than is hand carved with the arabic calligxraphitti, than assembled and connected by hand to the sole. the leather sections are than hand painted into multi layers with the patina technique including adding the base color, than secondary and third depending on the pattern’s need and color absorbability to the leather. A unqiue hand bleaching technique is than used to create the aging like effect and brush stroke feel, giving it an amazing antique like finish.
- Design Challenge
- The challenges come from perfection the right mold of the shoe and design as well as the pattern and exact placement of the seams. Many prototypes are made to finalize the right cut, size and stitch line end of each pattern to end with the best design aesthetic to the foot. Other challenges include perfecting the patina painting on each Part separately while creating a consistency for each color and piece in the pattern, as well as layering perfectly each pattern layer without over whelming the leather so that it keeps its natural supple and new exterior. Also perfecting the placement of the calligxraphitti is challenging since certain leathers should be more visible than others for aesthetics and significance reasons.
It is as you are working almost the same as on human skin, you have to be very carefull as any mark will show and it doesn't heal. - Project Duration
- Started in may 2020 in detroit usa, finished in August 2020 in spain.
- Operation Flow
- It is as you are wearing a piece of art while having the benefits of durability and comfort of the high quality production. It is comfterble for all day wear and built to last.
- Research
- The process of our designs start with inspiration both for design and functionality, this particular model started with the history of the battle of Badr, and the story behind it and events. Diving deep not the details of the battle we toke significant event and encrypted them directly into the leather, where in a digital age history is lost , we want to preserve this history into art form that is also made to last for centuries, just as our ancestors using different forms of art and materials to preserve their history.
We than sourced the best tanneries and importers that supply high grade italian calf leathers.
Our master cutters carefully cut the patterns and prepare them to be sewn after the natural rest of the skin.
The patterns than are stenciled with the calligraphy pattern and a master artist carves in the pattern, once finished it goes to the patina artisan to start the hand patina process. - Inspiration
- Inspired by the historical battle of Badr, the design encrypts hand carved arabic calligxraphitti including messages that highlight certain events during the battle.
- Image Credits
- Shebley group llc
Que Shebley
Q by Qs - Patents
- QS Que Shebley
Colors of Quswa Wholecut Dress Shoes
Grand Interview about Quswa Wholecut Dress Shoes
The Quswa Wholecut Dress Shoes represent more than just footwear; they are a canvas for storytelling. Arabic calligraphy is not merely an aesthetic choice—it’s a tribute to the profound historical significance of the Battle of Badr. My approach began with an intention to honor this pivotal moment in history through a wearable art form. I worked closely with calligraphy artisans to ensure each inscription carried both visual harmony and historical accuracy. The leather surface became a space where ancient wisdom meets modern craftsmanship, reminding the wearer of resilience, honor, and courage. This design isn’t just about preserving a legacy—it’s about allowing history to walk into the present with grace and purpose.
Each inscription was carefully selected to represent a defining moment from the Battle of Badr—moments of sacrifice, courage, and unity. The goal was to tell a chronological story across the five versions, each capturing an emotional and strategic highlight from the battle. Placement on the leather surface was determined by both aesthetic balance and symbolic meaning. Key phrases and verses were positioned in areas that naturally draw the eye—such as the vamp, quarters, or heel—ensuring the message resonates visually and spiritually. The result is a seamless blend of art and history, crafted with precision and intention.
The patina process for the Quswa Wholecut Dress Shoes is a labor of dedication and artistry. It begins with selecting the highest quality leather—a canvas that can hold both the dye and the essence of the story. Each layer of patina is meticulously hand-applied, starting with lighter tones and gradually building depth and character. Between each layer, the leather is allowed to rest and absorb the pigments fully, preserving its natural texture and breathability. The final stage involves gentle buffing and sealing to ensure a soft sheen while protecting the artistry underneath. This method not only results in a rich, antique aesthetic but also ensures the leather remains supple, durable, and uniquely expressive.
One of the greatest challenges was maintaining the fluidity of the calligraphy across the shoe’s curved and dynamic surface. Arabic script relies on a delicate flow, and any disruption in that flow—whether from seams, stitching, or folds—could compromise its visual integrity. To address this, we experimented with various molds and patterns, ensuring the leather’s surface remained uninterrupted in critical areas. The stitching had to complement, not compete with, the design, requiring precise placement and hand-finishing techniques. This meticulous process resulted in a seamless harmony between the artistry of the calligraphy and the structural integrity of the shoe.
The beveled waist closed channel and metal toe taps serve both an aesthetic and functional purpose. Aesthetically, the beveled waist creates a sleek, refined silhouette that reflects the craftsmanship and sophistication of the shoe. Functionally, it offers additional support and balance to the wearer, enhancing overall comfort. The metal toe taps protect the most vulnerable part of the shoe from wear, extending its lifespan while adding an understated yet bold detail. Together, these elements represent the intersection of thoughtful engineering and timeless design—a signature of the Que Shebley ethos.
The creation of the Quswa Wholecut Dress Shoes was a dialogue between cultures. Detroit, with its industrial resilience and creative spirit, inspired the bold innovation and contemporary edge in the design. Spain, with its deep-rooted history of leather craftsmanship, brought artisanal expertise and centuries-old techniques to the table. The fusion of these influences allowed me to create a product that honors tradition while embracing modern technology and aesthetics. It’s a reflection of my belief that true luxury isn’t bound by geography—it’s born from the convergence of diverse stories, skills, and visions.
The Quswa Wholecut Dress Shoes represent more than just luxury footwear—they’re a statement on how history, art, and innovation can coexist in a single product. I believe the future of luxury footwear lies in storytelling and cultural authenticity. As the industry grows more focused on mass production and fleeting trends, designs like Quswa will set a benchmark for meaningful craftsmanship. This approach highlights the importance of preserving heritage while embracing modern technology to enhance both the creative process and the customer experience. In the future, I envision luxury footwear as not just an accessory but as a canvas for global stories, cultural bridges, and timeless art.
Winning the A' Design Award was both humbling and motivating. It validated not just the artistry of the Quswa Wholecut Dress Shoes but also the vision behind them—to merge cultural authenticity with modern luxury. This recognition serves as a reminder that innovation doesn’t require abandoning heritage; rather, the two can coexist and amplify each other. Moving forward, this acknowledgment encourages me to continue pushing boundaries—to design with deeper intention, explore untold stories, and set new standards in how history is honored through fashion.
The hand-painting process for the Quswa Wholecut Dress Shoes was both an art and a science. One unexpected discovery was how the leather responded to layering under different humidity and light conditions. Each layer of pigment needed time to rest and breathe to ensure an even absorption without compromising the leather’s texture. Another insight came from the balance between opacity and translucency—certain areas required bold saturation, while others needed a delicate wash of color to let the natural grain shine through. This level of precision required not only technical expertise but also intuition, making every pair a truly unique piece of wearable art.
The Quswa Wholecut Dress Shoes embody my mission to redefine luxury as a space where craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation converge. In a world increasingly dominated by fast fashion and disposability, Quswa serves as a reminder that true luxury is intentional, sustainable, and deeply meaningful. By blending Arabic calligraphy, historical storytelling, and artisanal craftsmanship, these shoes encourage consumers to see their purchases as investments in culture and legacy, not just products. This design challenges the industry to slow down, respect heritage, and create products with lasting emotional and cultural value.