#birkenstockpersonalities
BIRKENSTOCK is a universal brand, which prides itself on ideals of quality and function, health and wellbeing. Translated in its iconic footwear and orthopedic footbed since 1774.
Initiated as long-term project, the Personality Campaign series aims to portray the wearers and create genuine intimacy by maintaining photographer, Jack Davison’s ongoing format of meeting and capturing campaign faces in their chosen environment.
The concept of shooting long standing and loyal brand enthusiasts, portrayed without any styling or briefing, underlines the integrity of the campaign and the authenticity of BIRKENSTOCK. Over many years, a well-worn BIRKENSTOCK becomes part of the owner’s daily routine and part of their lifestory. The campaign reflects original style, with talent teaming their own BIRKENSTOCKs with items from their personal wardrobe, as opposed to focusing on seasonal product.
The campaign launched with a variety of personalities including, Nobel Prize Winner and Stanford Professor, Thomas Südhof, artist photographer Ryan McGinley and fashion icon, Grace Coddington. Always focusing on genuine BIRKENSTOCK wearers, it most recently featured Korean actor Yoo Ah-In and Chinese Artist Zhou Li in their studios.
Taking the concept to SS2020, the campaign is a family portrait, featuring shoe designer Manolo Blahnik with his niece and company CEO, Kristina Blahnik. Shot in Manolo Blahnik’s first store on Old Church Street, London, Mr.Blahnik paired Black Bostons with a red suit from trusted tailor Anderson Shepherd, with Kristina Blahnik joining him in her BIRKENSTOCK Gizehs, purchased in 2004, worn elegantly with a classic white shirt dress.
“I have always admired BIRKENSTOCK; the brand has genuine authenticity and continually remain true to their values, which I adore. It is an enormous privilege to be included in this project with my niece and to be part of an ongoing campaign.” - Manolo Blahnik
“BIRKENSTOCK share values synonymous with our own at Manolo Blahnik - heritage, family and integrity. It is such an honour for myself and my uncle to have been invited to participate in such a campaign that has previously included many extraordinary global pioneers.” - Kristina Blahnik
The campaign also features artist Faye Toogood, Founder and CEO of Toogood. Faye Toogood is captured in her London studio, wearing a handmade silk dress from the Toogood collection with her white Tokio Super Grip BIRKENSTOCKs. Toogood shares a preoccupation with handmade, sustainable products, making Faye Toogood a committed BIRKENSTOCK wearer.
“For me BIRKENSTOCK represents comfort and timeless, recognisable, sculptural form - all qualities I admire and strive for in my work. I am honoured to be invited to participate in this beautifully curated and genuine campaign.” - Faye Toogood
“We truly respect the genuine and rare know-how a real shoe maker like Manolo Blahnik brings to us. Someone who, like us knows the craft and continues to redefine shoemaking. Taking it to a whole new level. The fact that the Blahniks are a family business brings them even closer to us. The same thing which can be said about the talented Faye Toogood.” says CEO Oliver Reichert.
The portraits are set to appear in March issues in global collectible print and select fashion titles.
About MANOLO BLAHNIK
With a career spanning 50 years in 2020, Manolo Blahnik is one of the world’s most influential footweardesigners. His shoes have spellbound an international set of adoring and loyal devotees across the globe. Blahnik is a craftsman. To this day he makes a trip to the factories in Milan every season for a few weeks to personally bring to life every collection. All the shoes he develops are based on his sketches which are translated into prototypes at the factories. The exquisitely shaped lasts and heels he creates for his shoes are still perfected with his very own hands. His iconic work and story was unveiled in the film documentary MANOLO: The Boy Who Made Shoes For Lizards which was released in September 2017 to critical acclaim.
Through the years Blahnik’s achievements have been recognised by various bodies in many countries, most recently by the Couture Council of America and the independent luxury body, Walpole, which awarded Manolo Blahnik with the luxury legend award.’ Mostprestigiously, Blahnik was awarded an Honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) by her Majesty the Queen. He has also published numerous books, the latest being the art of shoes with Rizzoli in 2017.
In June 2019, the Wallace Collection presented An Enquiring Mind: Manolo Blahnik at the Wallace Collection. The exhibition features a personally selected edit of shoe designs from Blahnik’s privatearchives set amongst the masterpieces of the Wallace Collection. Along with a leading women’s line, which includes evening and daybags, the brand also has a successful men’s collection and a standalone men’s shop which opened in 2018.
Manolo Blahnik has 312 points of sale in 35 countries worldwide with 20 standalone stores and a re-launched ecommerce platform - manoloblahnik.com and four social media accounts.
About FAYE TOOGOOD
Faye Toogood is a British artist working in a diverse range of disciplines, from sculpture to furniture and fashion. Born in the British countryside, and with a background in fineart, her work is strongly influenced by her love of the landscape and her knowledge of art history.
She founded her London studio in 2008 to design, direct and execute objects and spaces from concept through to creation. Her distinctive approach disregards convention in favour of something altogether more brave, joyous and impulsive. Her furniture and objects, including the now iconic Roly-Poly Chair, demonstrate a preoccupation with materiality and experimentation.
In 2013 she launched the clothing brand Toogood with her sister Erica. Their unisex collection takes inspiration from the distinctive clothing of key trades, transforming the idea of a uniform into a mark of individuality. The Toogood collection is now sold by 60 stockists worldwide.
Faye Toogood is represented by Friedman Benda in New York and her artworks have been acquired for the permanent collections of institutions worldwide, including Philadelphia Museum of Art, Dallas Museum of Art, Denver Art Museum, High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Corning Museum of Glass in New York, the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne and the Fabergé Museum in St Petersburg.
She has exhibited at Phillips and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the Triennale in Milan, and D Museum in Seoul. Her latest collection of limited edition furniture and objects, Assemblage 6, entitled Unlearning, will be exhibited with Friedman Benda in New York in May and Basel in June 2020.
In December 2020 she will be holding a major exhibition at The National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne.
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