the shoe surGeon Sneakers as a canvas
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ominic Ciambrone, also known as The Shoe Surgeon, is the sneaker virtuoso behind the iconic, handcrafted shoes of celebrities like LeBron James, Justin Bieber, Will.I.Am, Drake and DJ Khaled. At a young age, Ciambrone developed a passion for handcrafting and sewing. He was 16 when he first customized a pair of Air Force 1’s in his Santa Rosa garage by airbrushing it and transplanting the Nike swoosh to the top of the shoe. After humble beginnings and years of practice, his expertise and creativity got himself noticed by celebrities in music and films. He then moved to Los Angeles, where he became a leader in the sneaker industry, working with an elite clientele and worldrenowned brands.
THE SHOE SURGEON www.thesurgeon.com
Playing with premium materials, colors and patterns, Ciambrone and his team create one-of-a-kind, high-end sneakers, tailored to each client’s specifications and needs. In their spacious studio of Downtown Los Angeles, over 800 exclusive pairs are imagined and produced every year. The pioneering Surgeon Studios have developed sustainable practices, including the use of vegan leathers derived from leaves, organic hemp, pineapple and mushrooms. Ciambrone also recycles leather scraps for his unique Shoe School, where students learn traditional shoe making and modern techniques to build their own favorite sneaker, whether online or in-person. “My parents were chefs, they passed on to me the love of creation and sharing.” Among his latest Air Jordan 1 collaborations, a diamondencrusted pair imagined with famous jeweler Jason of Beverly Hills, and a geometric design with embossed leather and a 3D swoosh with world-renowned sculptor Richard Orlinski. Once again, Dominic Ciambrone demonstrates his ability to bring your dream shoes to life.
48 | THE CIRCLE MAGAZINE - LOS ANGELES 2021