Walking your story: Local designer turns sneakers into wearable art

For Dubai-based artist and designer Diviya Tilani, sneakers are more than something to walk in — they are a canvas for telling a story. A passionate artist and costume designer, she has trained in painting (she works across oil, acrylic, watercolour and gouache), historical costume construction and film costume design (she was a costume designer assistant on the television series, Nevsky), bringing together fine art, fashion, and storytelling, in her bespoke creations.

A graduate of the prestigious St. Petersburg Stieglitz State Academy of Art and Design, today, as resident artist and co-founder of Design Dome at City Walk, Dubai, Tilani is part of a cultural and lifestyle destination that brings together art, design, fashion, music, coffee and community, under one roof.

Inspired by Central Asian heritage and shaped by a family with generations of experience in design and textiles - she comes from a family of artists and entrepreneurs with deep roots in Kazakhstan, a heritage that informs both her creative practice and the spaces she helps create - Design Dome also lets Tilani and her family bring a piece of their Kazakh heritage to Dubai. Tilani has currently turned her attention to footwear. Her hand-painted and embellished sneakers transform everyday shoes into wearable art, drawing inspiration from architecture, history, travel, nomadic cultures, and the Silk Road.

Sneakers that tell a story.

She has previously hosted a Bespoke Sneaker Fair at Design Dome, where visitors browsed through ready-made designs or brought their own sneakers for customisation. From camels silhouetted against a sunset to sequins, threads, rope, and playful trinkets, her creations are as much about individuality as they are about fashion. She speaks of her work to Gulf Today

What inspired you to turn sneakers into an artistic canvas, and what stories do you think they should tell?

People are tired of wearing identical shoes. Instead of copying styles, they want to express their own personal style — not just be fashionable, but also be unique. They don’t necessarily want to follow mass trends. I saw an opportunity to let people leave their mark, so that every pair becomes unique and has its own signature. This applies to both adults and children.

Dubai is a place that embraces individuality and bold fashion choices. How has living and creating here influenced your designs?

I am inspired by new places, architecture, and history, as well as nomadic culture and my travels along the Silk Road. Our collection features designs influenced by Central Asian and Eastern cultures. In this respect, our concepts align well with local brands. We also incorporate companies’ logos and create customised shoes as brand merchandise.

Diviya Tilani sees an idea.

When someone brings you a plain pair of sneakers, how do you translate them into a wearable work of art?

Most often, everyone comes with a unique request, and I help them choose the option that would suit them best. We can add initials or a special date. You can depict almost anything — your favourite flowers, animals, or even a character you admire. The idea is to make the shoes personal to the wearer.

You have a background in painting, historical costume design and film costume design. How do they influence your approach to sneaker customisation?

When customising sneakers and bags, I pay close attention to detail and colour combinations. It’s important to me that the result is both beautiful and of high-quality. I use special leather dyes and finish the work with a protective, waterproof layer. This means the sneakers are not only original, but are also designed to last.

What did people take away from the Bespoke Sneaker Fair at Design Dome?

Customised shoes can really make an outfit stand out; they can also make a very personal gift for someone you love. You can bring your own pair of leather shoes and choose a design that speaks to you. It is an opportunity to take something you already own, and transform it into something completely unique.

Your designs range from UAE-inspired imagery to playful embellishments and references to places. Where does inspiration usually find you?

Inspiration can come from many places. I am particularly drawn to architecture, history, travel, and different cultures. The Silk Road and Central Asian and Eastern cultures are important influences. I also like to observe the details around me, which I translate into something contemporary.

What excites you most about the future of customised footwear?

I think there is a growing desire for individuality. People want things that feel personal rather than mass-produced. Sneakers are a wonderful canvas because they are practical, fashionable and something we wear every day. Whether it is a small detail, a name or date, or a completely artistic design, every step is an opportunity to tell a story.

If you could advice someone thinking about commissioning a pair, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to make them your own! Think about what you love, what represents you, and what you would like to carry with you. Your favourite flower, animal, character, place, or memory can become part of the design. The most interesting shoes are the ones that tell you something about the person wearing them. At Design Dome, visitors can explore ready-to-wear creations or book a personal consultation for bespoke sneakers. After all, trends may change, but the desire to walk through the world wearing something that feels distinctly — and unmistakably — your own, is unlikely to go out of fashion.