Designer Noritaka Tatehana credits Lady GaGa with kick-starting his career.

The 25-year-old designer - who created the famous heelless shoes worn by the 'Alejandro' hitmaker - reveals the singer has helped provide his footwear with global press coverage.

He said: "Thanks to Lady Gaga, my collections have become widely known around the world. I must continue to work on my creation in order to live up to her expectations."

Discussing the time when he first saw the singer in the 9in shoes - which sell for between $2,500 to $4,000 - he said: "She was on a music programme when I first saw her wear my shoes. I was very excited and happy because they looked so nice on her.

"So far, I have made five pairs for her. Most of them are customised."

Noritaka - who is based in Tokyo, Japan - was inspired to make the unusual shoe design when he researched into Japanese sartorial history.

He revealed to MTV: "I am interested in history and in the old culture and would like to divert them into modern world. The unique and creative shape comes from 'Kan Pokkuri', which used to be clogs made of empty cans.

"In the old days, Japanese children used to make these clogs, passing a cord through holes made in the cans. After placing each foot on a can, they tried to walk, holding the cord in their hands."