Birkenstock: From laughing stock to unlikely global style icon. "This shoe cares for you!"
The New York Times, in collaboration with T Brand Studios, investigated how Karl Birkenstock's orthopedic model grew into a global style icon, featuring luxury, fashion, and an iconic design. For this, they spoke with, among others, Kristina Blahnik, CEO of Manolo Blahnik, who states that she would never dare describe Birkenstock as ugly precisely because they, as a brand, have so convincingly succeeded in making a maximum impact with a simple form of comfort, wearability, and functionality.
"When you think of sandals, you think of Birkenstock!"_ Stefano Pilati
Defining style is often the easiest part of creating a new shoe design, as this primarily depends on the prevailing trends in the zeitgeist of the moment. To achieve global reach and keep a product relevant for so long, you need a unique design, and this is exactly what Birkenstock has achieved. Stefano Pilati, former Head Designer of the fashion empire Yves Saint Laurent, says: "When you think of sandals, you think of Birkenstock!"
"They make people happy and feet happy"
The unique selling points of Birkenstock have been the same for years: they are good for your feet, both ergonomically and supportively. They are practical and functional. And, as true pioneers, these designs are also super ecological! This is how they make people happy, and feet happy. And nonetheless Birkenstocks are ageless!
What is even more striking and valuable about Birkenstock is that with the success of their "ugly" collections, they essentially convey that you can be who you are and wear what you find beautiful. "Birkenstock has found its voice in the world of glamour. It is, in fact, the future of glamour, to merge the extreme of comfort and casualty into a new hybrid aesthetic (perception)," says Kristina Blahnik.
What is even more striking and valuable about Birkenstock is that with the success of their "ugly" collections, they essentially convey that you can be who you are and wear what you find beautiful. "Birkenstock has found its voice in the world of glamour. It is, in fact, the future of glamour, to merge the extreme of comfort and casualty into a new hybrid aesthetic (perception)," says Kristina Blahnik.
Fabio Piras, Director of Studies for the Masters of Arts fashion program at London's Central St. Martin's, confirms this: "Wearing fashion is a way to be yourself. That's why a Birkenstock sandal, today more than ever, makes a fashionable statement."
Besides the fact that something ugly to one person can be something very special and beautiful to another, we have incredible confidence in the new 1774 collection! This exclusive and luxurious line from Birkenstock has transformed iconic models like the Arizona and Florida in a futuristic way into a hip and trendy collection while retaining the USPs that Birkenstock is so loved for!
Besides the fact that something ugly to one person can be something very special and beautiful to another, we have incredible confidence in the new 1774 collection! This exclusive and luxurious line from Birkenstock has transformed iconic models like the Arizona and Florida in a futuristic way into a hip and trendy collection while retaining the USPs that Birkenstock is so loved for!
Actually, the best way to discover it for yourself and experience the ease is by ordering a pair of Birkenstock 1774 slippers! And then, of course, we are very curious about your opinion:
Ugly or design?
