Birkenstock launches a collection with well-known Spanish shoe designer Manolo Blahnik.
The collection blends the quality and function that Birkenstock has stood for for decades with the “distinctive embellishments” and “creatively dynamic symbols” that are typical of Manolo Blahnik, the long-established German company announced on Monday.
“This is a unique collection that combines our trademark designs with the flair of Manolo Blahnik,” Birkenstock CEO Oliver Reichert. The result is “a bold and directional aesthetic” that makes the shoes special.
The collaboration includes the reinterpretation of two well-known Birkenstock models: ‘Arizona’, the two-strap pool slider and ‘Boston’, the open heel slipper. Both pairs of shoes are made in a bright fuchsia, a piercing blue and classic black. In the colored variants, velvet is used instead of Birkenstock leather, which is bordered with piping. The ergonomically shaped footbed has the same color as the upper and thus cleverly distracts from the health factor of the shoes. The buckles are set with sparkling crystals in true Manolo Blahnik style. The black version of the two shoes is made of smooth leather and is also studded with crystals.
The foundation for the collaboration was laid during a campaign shoot for Birkenstock’s SS20 collection – during which Manolo Blahnik and his niece Kristina Blahnik, the company’s CEO, were photographed in their own Birkenstock specimens. Blahnik says: “Birkenstocks have always been part of my wardrobe. Combining the Manolo Blahnik aesthetic with the everyday comfort of Birkenstocks is just wonderful!”
The first part of the collection will be available from March 24th on the Birkenstock website, in Manolo Blahnik’s online shop and at selected retailers. The second part of the launch will take place in June.
