I think this might be one of those "ugly is in the eye of the beholder" things. Yes, that's hideous, but a lot of things that come out of the Italian fashion world are hideous. That's at least hideous in a thoughtful way. I'm not sure if that's better or worse than making something that you're aware is hideous when you make it.

I also think there's a small chance that it would grow on you. For instance, a lot of people think the shifters below are ugly, and when I first saw them I thought so too. Over time, I've warmed up to them.