Fashion

A first look at Rick Owens’ collaboration with Birkenstock

Cop it or drop it?

10.01.2018

By Joan Kong

A first look at Rick Owens’ collaboration with Birkenstock

The ugly-chic Birkenstock sandals have always sparked a love-it-or-hate-it debate thanks to its comfort-over-style approach, but now, it’s getting the high-fashion treatment with a collaboration with Paris-based label Rick Owens. Its three main lines—the Arizona, Madrid and Boston—are given an edgy new look with an all-black colour palette, finished off with different textures such as pony hair, full-gain leather and felt for that extra cool factor.  The team-up—in conjunction with the German footwear brand’s mobile pop-up projects dubbed ‘The Birkenstock Box’—will see its first “box” outside the Rick Owens Los Angeles store mid-April this year. Designed by Rick Owens himself, the box is made from two shipping containers stacked on top of one another, and it features a minimal exterior and interior, which is inspired by his New York store. Aside from new pieces, a selection of Birkenstock’s signature sandals, and furniture and accessories designed by Owens will be available as well.

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Known for his avant-garde designs, the designer talked about his love for the footwear brand as he agrees with the values it promote, which are “steady longevity and personal well-being”. And according to Birkenstock’s chief executive Oliver Reichert, the feeling is mutual. “Just a fashion designer would be less relevant. Rick Owens, however, is different. We collaborated in architecture, design and fashion.”

Designer Rick Owens

 

For more info on the Birkenstock Box project, click here.

 

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