Birkenstock x Proenza Schouler

It comes as something of a surprise to find out that the Birkenstock brand is, literally, hundreds of years old.  The name was first registered all the way back in 1774 by Johann Adam Birkenstock in Germany and has since gone on to claim cult status when it comes to casual sandals for men and women.  The more recent history shows a brand that has become the unlikely object of devotion within global fashion and is as sought after and revered just as much by the fashion glitterati as it is by the college professors and struggling artists.  Never let it be said that Birkenstock let a golden marketing opportunity pass them by without noticing.  To lean into their status as one of fashion’s favourites they’ve just teamed up with New York based fashion brand Proenza Schouler for a capsule collection likely to be on the top of many wish lists this summer.

No-one mistakes a Birkenstock for anything else but Schouler has taken two of their most iconic styles, the Arizona and the Milano, and made them their own.  For starters, the usual metal buckles we’ve all come to associate with Birkenstocks have been replaced by velcro fastenings with contrast stitching for a slightly more modernistic approach to the classic designs.  Of course, for summer if you’re going to wrap your toes in something special there had better be a few colours available to suit all tastes.  As well as the usual black and white (as well as two-tone black and white) there’s silver and ochre to choose from all in polished, specchio calf leather salvaged from past Proenza Schouler collections.  So, not only is this collection a welcome surprise to the market it also comes with a fully-formed, environmentally conscious beating heart.

Birkenstock thrives on innovation and challenges that talents like Proenza Schouler bring to our products. Achieving the balance between respecting our core principles and values, whilst delivering new design propositions is what we look for in our partnerships  – Oliver Reichert, CEO, Birkenstock

Those aforementioned ‘design propositions’ were reflected in the 3D visual concept that accompanied the recent launch which embodied the artistic flair of the designers and the craftsmanship that has been a hallmark of Birkenstock’s centuries old existence.  That artistic flair come courtesy of two giants in their fields – graphic designer Peter Miles and uber-photographer Juergen Teller.

We’re excited to be partnering with Birkenstock as we have been longtime admirers and devotees of the brand. We’re also thrilled to be working on this exciting venture alongside Juergen and Peter. Birkenstock and Proenza Schouler both share a common respect and admiration for the craftsmanship and detailed work that goes into all of our products, and we are excited to celebrate these all-important qualities in our collaboration – Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, Designers and Founders, Proenza Schouler.

The Birkenstock x Proenza Schouler collection is available now.  Click here for more information.